The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League </a>has entered another week of exciting cricketing action. After three weeks, the points table is taking its shape. Amongst all the teams, the Chennai Super Kings have been the most consistent of them so far. It looks like the three-time champions had done their homework this year.

The other two teams that have been able to give some competition to CSK are the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Delhi Capitals. This week, RCB was decimated by CSK, thanks to an all-round show from Ravindra Jadeja. However, they made a comeback against the Delhi Capitals. Talking about the Delhi-based franchise, they have been able to stay in the top three since their first match.

KKR, MI, PBKS, SRH, and RR have been unable to find their perfect playing eleven. As we move into the middle phase of the tournament, their key players need to step up. Talking about key players, few cricketers were spectacular during the third week of the season.

Best playing 11 from the third week of IPL 2021

1. Prithvi Shaw

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-511190" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw-Celebrating.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw Celebrating" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-511190" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw Celebrating. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The most positive outcome of the first three weeks of the IPL is Prithvi Shaw&#8217;s form. Shaw was dropped from the national squad because of his poor performance in Australia. He then smashed every opponent in the domestic circuit. Well, that boosted his confidence and now, he has established himself in the Delhi squad.

Against the Sunrisers, he was in sublime touch as he scored an excellent half-century. Shaw looked to score again versus the Royal Challengers Bangalore, but he was caught behind while chasing a wide ball for 21. Well, he was at his destructive best against KKR.

In the first over, he smashed six consecutive fours. This set up the tone for the rest of the innings as DC chased the target easily. Shaw scored 156 runs at a strike rate of 150.85. If he continues to score at this rate, it is just a matter of time that he makes it to the national squad once again.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506506" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506506" class="wp-caption-text">Faf du Plessis. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Faf du Plessis has been CSK’s backbone for over eight years. He bats at any top-order position and can play according to the situations. Along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, he has been able to put on the perfect platforms for middle-order batsmen. Because of this duo, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-match-27-mi-vs-csk-match-prediction-who-will-win-todays-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CSK</a> is a dangerous team now. A squad that can win from any situation.

This week, CSK had just two games. The first one being against RCB, in which Faf scored a fine half-century from 41 balls. In the second game, Faf scored 56 from 38 balls. This knock along with Ruturaj’s 75 from 44 balls made a tricky target of 171 look very simple. During the third week of the season, Faf scored at a strike rate of 134.6 with 97 runs.

Faf’s experience was on display when Rashid Khan was bowling to the opening pair. As Rashid is a tricky customer to deal with, Faf and Ruturaj played safe shots against him. Faf’s experience guided a young Ruturaj to play sensibly. This shows how important Faf is for CSK as a veteran batsman.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508251" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kane-Williamson.jpg" alt="Kane Williamson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508251" class="wp-caption-text">Kane Williamson of SRH. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The best batsman in the world, as per the ICC Test match rankings was unavailable during the initial weeks of the tournament. As a result of which the SRH middle order looked thin as paper. But, now, during the third week, Williamson joined the playing eleven and he has been in sublime touch. If SRH manages to make a fairy tale comeback, Kane Williamson has to continue to play as the anchor.

During a tricky run chase, Williamson managed to hold on to one end. As wickets were falling at the other end, he needed to stay at the crease. Well, he played a crucial knock of 66 from 51 balls. As a result of which the match was tied. Unfortunately, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-srh-keeper-sreevats-goswami-donates-inr-90000-for-oxygen-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SRH </a>lost during the Super Over.

Against CSK, he changed the momentum of the game by scoring 26 from 10 balls. He smashed four boundaries and a six. During the third week, Williamson scored 92 runs with a strike rate of 190.75. He is a great captain too, for his national side. Therefore, he is the captain of this strong playing XI.

4. Sanju Samson

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-509469" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-6.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-509469" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Sanju Samson has been RR’s go-to man on multiple occasions. He has the talent to play difficult shots with ease but has failed to make it to the playing XI of the national team. Well, this was the case with Rohit Sharma too, during his initial days. But, Samson has been given the captaincy of the Royals this time, in place of Smith.

Although his team has been performing poorly, Samson had a good third week of the IPL. In three matches, he scored 105 runs. He had a decent strike rate of 125.13 during the third week of the IPL. Apart from that, his wicket-keeping skills have been up to the mark.

But, his efforts have been overpowered by poor performances from the fellow teammates. This week, the bowlers have let them down. He and the team management have to find a way to get their playing XI right. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-rajasthan-royals-donate-rs-7-5-crore-to-help-people-impacted-with-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RR </a>has the firepower, it is just that they have not found the perfect combination. Nevertheless, Samson had a decent week with the bat and he makes it to the playing eleven.

5. AB de Villiers( wicketkeeper)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510469" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-5.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510469" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

If De Villiers would have been a part of the international circuit, South Africa would have been in a far better position right now. But, unfortunately, that is not the case. However, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-match-26-pbks-vs-rcb-match-prediction-who-will-win-todays-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RCB </a>is enjoying the services of AB de Villiers even after his retirement. Till now, the South African legend has been the savior for the Bangalore-based franchise. As we move ahead into the fourth phase of the tournament, it is almost certain that ABD will be there to save them during a desperate situation.

Although ABD was outfoxed by Ravindra Jadeja during their league stage game, he made a stellar comeback against the Delhi Capitals. Though his Innings against CSK was a small failure, his innings against Capitals came as a spectacular one. Probably one of the best innings of the week. Coming in at number five, he scored 75 runs from 42 balls. These innings comprised five sixes and three boundaries.

With a stellar strike rate of 178.57 in the third week and 79 runs, ABD is the most crucial player in the Bangalore squad. De Villiers took three catches against the Capitals and was the adjudged player of the match. This team too will need the services of AB de Villiers in case of a collapse.

6. Ravindra Jadeja

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-507584" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-2.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507584" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Arguably, Ravindra Jadeja is the best all-rounder in the world right now. The stats might say something a bit different, but Jadeja has improved significantly over the years. He comes in way down the order in international cricket and makes sure that he smashes every bowler out of the park. In IPL, he has been promoted because of his batting ability and he takes just a couple of balls to set his tone.

During their match against RCB, CSK was struggling a bit during the middle overs. As Virat Kohli gave the ball to Harshal Patel, the current Purple Cap holder, Jadeja started to destroy his bowling figures. Harshal bowled poorly, and Jadeja was hitting the ball as sweetly as he could. That final over changed the momentum of the match as CSK managed to score 37 runs off that over. Jadeja had scored 63 runs from 28 balls with a strike rate of 221.43.

In the same match, he took three wickets while conceding just 13 runs and ran out Dan Christian, who had earlier dropped him. Against SRH, Jadeja scored 7 runs from six balls with a strike rate of 116.67. Adding on, he bowled with an economy rate of 7.67 to ensure that Warner had to struggle throughout his innings. In the third week, Jadeja picked wickets at an economy rate of 5.46 runs per over and scored 70 runs at a strike rate of approximately 169.

7. Axar Patel

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-509828" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-509828" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel of DC. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Axar Patel is experiencing the best time of his cricketing career. After a stellar performance during the home series against England, Axar has been a great addition to the<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-delhi-capitals-pledge-inr-1-5-crores-for-new-delhis-fight-against-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Delhi Capitals</a> squad. He has been batting lower down the order for Delhi. But, the strong batting lineup does ensure that he gets few chances.

With the ball, Axar picked 2 wickets against Kolkata. He gave away 32 runs from his four overs, which is a decent performance. Against RCB, he took a single wicket by giving away 33 runs. His best performance was against the Sunrisers. During that game, he picked 2 wickets for 26 runs.

Axar adds more stability to the Delhi batting lineup. In the third week, he bowled with an economy rate of 7.5 runs per over. This is a great effort in a format where the batsman tends to dominate the bowlers. Adding on, a wicket tally of 5 makes his effort a bit more special. He is the second all-rounder in the squad.

<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-505694 size-full" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-2.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505694" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Rashid Khan stands second in the list of ICC<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-to-retain-the-hosting-rights-even-if-the-2021-t20-world-cup-moves-to-uae/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> T20 </a>Bowlers rankings. The Afghan bowler has been the most difficult bowler to face since his inclusion in the Sunrisers squad. But, this time, the Hyderabad-based franchise has been unable to cash in during crucial situations. Even after a poor performance from his squad, Rashid has been unplayable.

During the third week of the tournament, SRH faced DC which resulted in a Super Over. Rashid picked up a wicket from his four overs and ensured that DC batsmen had to struggle for every run against him. Against CSK, he was a bit expensive, but he managed to pick up all the three CSK wickets in that game.

Against CSK, Rashid bowled at an economy of 9 runs per over. Even though Faf and Ruturaj were able to tackle him, Rashid had the last laugh. He bowled at an economy rate of 8.3 runs per over and picked 4 wickets during the third week. This is a great effort from the leg spinner as most of the players were hammered by the batsmen. In this team, he could bowl in tandem with Jadeja.

9. Harshal Patel

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505083" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Harshal-Patel.jpg" alt="Harshal Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505083" class="wp-caption-text">Harshal Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Harshal Patel is one of the current uncapped bowlers who can make it to the Indian squad. This is mainly because he has picked 17 wickets in six games. Whenever <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/virat-kohli-and-ab-de-villiers-send-a-heartwarming-message-to-a-kid-recovering-from-a-serious-heart-disorder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kohli </a>needed a wicket, Patel ensured that he brought in a breakthrough for his captain. This makes him a special bowler for RCB.

Yes, he was smashed for 37 runs by Ravindra Jadeja. Even during a bad day, he picked 3 wickets for his squad. It was Jadeja’s brilliance that Harshal ended up with an economy rate of 12.75 for that day. But, his wicket-taking ability has enabled him to get into this squad.

In the next game, he picked 2 wickets for 37 runs. It was a decent week for Patel as he has bowled during a time when batsmen wreaked havoc on the bowlers and even though the odds were against him, he picked 5 wickets with an economy rate of 9.25 runs per over. In this squad, he is the bowler who will bowl during the death overs along with Bumrah. Adding on, he can swing the bat to get some vital runs down the order.

10. Avesh Khan

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510470" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan-2.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510470" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan of DC. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The pace attack of Delhi Capitals has been becoming stronger day by day. Last year, the pace duo of Anrich and Rabada terrified the batsmen. This time, it is Avesh Khan who has ensured that Pant has more options to intimidate the opposition. The Indian pacer has been taking giant strides in the IPL.

Against the Sunrisers, Khan took 3/34 from his four overs. With a decent economy rate of 8.50, he was the pick of the bowlers. Against RCB, Avesh picked up a single wicket from his four overs. This wicket was of the Indian captain, Virat Kohli. And a bowling figure of 1/24 from four overs is a good effort from an uncapped player.

Against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-cant-digest-this-all-kkr-matches-are-a-bit-boring-to-me-virender-sehwag/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KKR</a>, Avesh picked up the wicket of a well-set Gill. This wicket was crucial as the wicket of a well-set batsman meant that KKR never got away with the bat. Avesh puts in everything every time he bowls. This week, he picked 5 wickets and bowled with an economy rate of 7.41

11. Jasprit Bumrah

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-461024" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jasprit-Bumrah-4.jpg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-461024" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

In this strong lineup, the bowling unit will be headed by India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The speedster has always looked impressive over the years. He can bowl during the powerplay, he can bowl during the middle overs, and he can stop the run flow during the death overs. Bumrah is one of the finest fast bowlers in the world and Mumbai&#8217;s captain Rohit Sharma is ensuring that Bumrah bowls during the crucial stages of the game.

Against Punjab, Bumrah was unable to pick any wicket. Well, this was mainly because K.L. Rahul and Chris Gayle played too cautiously. From his three overs, Bumrah gave 21 runs at an economy of 7 runs per over. Against the Rajasthan Royals, Bumrah was at his very best, he conceded just 15 runs from his four overs and took a single wicket. Therefore, he picked up a single wicket in week three and conceded runs at 5.375 runs per over.

Bumrah has been the pick of the bowlers for most of the time he has taken the field for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-mumbai-indians-suryakumar-yadav-shares-an-adorable-kiss-with-his-wife-devisha-shetty-after-mi-vs-rr-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a>. His ability to adapt to the situation is an invaluable asset for any team. In the case of Super Overs, Bumrah will be the go-to man for this team. Hence, he makes it to this squad as the premier bowler.

The article has been covered based on match no 17-25.

IPL 2021: Best XI from the third week

With the third week of IPL 2021 coming to an end, CricTracker came up with the best XI from the week. Who will lead the side?