The second week of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2022</a> has just concluded and there hasn’t been any dearth of nail biters. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) currently top the points table, but Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans are also up there, only separated by NRR. Gujarat, led by Hardik Pandya, is still undefeated so far in the competition.

As was the case with the first week, Indian players seem to have outperformed their overseas counterparts. The likes of Dinesh Karthik, Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Tilak Varma among others were the star performers in the second week of the tournament.

Playing XI of best players from the second week of IPL 2022

1. KL Rahul (LSG) (C)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623061" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623061" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-lucknow-super-giants-celebrate-first-win-with-a-victory-song-in-dressing-room/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucknow Super Giants</a> skipper is one of the most prolific run makers in IPL and has been churning out runs season after season. This edition is proving to be no different. The Indian T20I vice-captain has amassed 3405 runs in IPL so far at a healthy strike rate of 136.09. This week, he made a match-winning 68(50) against SRH and anchored the chase during the first half of the innings against the Capitals.

Rahul has been fantastic with his captaincy skills too, as was evident during his side’s defense of 169 runs against the Sunrisers where the Super Giants went on to win the match from an improbable situation. So far, he has led Lucknow from the front and will hope to continue the good work for the rest of the season.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621792" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttlers-century.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler's century" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621792" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler&#8217;s century. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

After being dropped from England&#8217;s Test squad for the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pcb-likely-to-end-covid-protocols-for-home-series-against-west-indies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Indies</a> series, Jos Buttler was available for Rajasthan right from the start of the tournament. The 2008 IPL winners have greatly benefitted from that as the English wicket-keeper batsman has already scored 205 runs for them this season in just three games, which includes a century and a half-century.

Since his debut in 2016, Jos Buttler has played 68 games in the league. Even though he has scored only 2173 runs, he boasts a strike rate of almost 150. This week, he stroked a sublime 100 (68) against Mumbai Indians to power his side to a comfortable victory. He followed it with a fine 70 (47), where he dealt in sixes only, although this knock came in a losing cause.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621889" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tilak-Varma.jpg" alt="Tilak Varma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621889" class="wp-caption-text">Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Young <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/theres-a-lot-of-variation-in-his-shot-selection-ravi-shastri-hails-young-batter-tilak-varma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tilak Varma</a> has been the talk of the town after Mumbai Indians pulled off another scouting heroics as they picked the 19-year-old in the auction. So far, he hasn’t disappointed his team one bit. Batting at No.3 and 4, he has scored 121 runs so far in just three matches at an amazing strike rate of 161.33.

Even though Mumbai haven&#8217;t done well so far in IPL 2022, his form has been a silver lining for them. A lot is expected from this teenager already this season, and we hope to see a lot more of what we have seen in these three matches.

4. Liam Livingstone (PBKS)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-625036" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Liam-Livingstone-2.jpg" alt="Liam Livingstone" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-625036" class="wp-caption-text">Liam Livingstone. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The dangerous Liam Livingstone is touted as one of the most destructive T20 batsmen. Still, he hasn’t quite set IPL on fire yet. This year might finally be the year for him though. In IPL 2022, he has scored more runs in four matches than in the past three years combined, which also tells you that he hardly played in the past three seasons.

The English batter annihilated the Chennai bowlers in his knock of 60(32) which consisted of five fours and five sixes. He followed it up with an even more disdainful knock of 64(27) against the Gujarat Titans where he managed to hit seven fours and four sixes.

Apart from batting, Livingstone is handy with his leg-spin and picked up two wickets in the game against CSK which included the big wicket of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/just-like-serving-cake-to-a-little-kindergarten-kid-matthew-hayden-on-shivam-dubes-medium-pace-bowling-on-flat-pitch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shivam Dube</a>.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621892" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shimron-Hetmyer.jpg" alt="Shimron Hetmyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621892" class="wp-caption-text">Shimron Hetmyer. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

A hard-hitting middle-order batsman, who often plays the role of a finisher, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-price-tag-does-not-really-matter-to-me-rr-batter-shimron-hetmyer-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shimron Hetmyer</a> is tailor-made for the T20 format. In IPL, he boasts of a strike rate of 156.5. This week, the southpaw played two crucial knocks, both in the presence of Jos Buttler. Against Mumbai Indians, he played a quickfire knock of 35 runs in just 14 balls at a strike rate of 250. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore he scored 42 runs but at a relatively lower strike rate of 135.48.

Consistency is what will be expected from Hetmyer going forward in the season as he is known to throw his wicket away after a good start. However, if he starts to fire consistently, then it&#8217;s going to be a long nightmare for the opposition bowlers.

6. Dinesh Karthik (RCB) (WK)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621253" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621253" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Regarded as the calmest player after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-told-me-that-my-glovework-leg-movements-are-very-good-jitesh-sharma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a>, Dinesh Karthik has mastered the art of finishing games over the years.  His innings of 44*(23) against Rajasthan Royals earned appreciation from all quarters. Many even called for his return to the national side with the T20 World Cup looming large later this year.

Karthik came in at a very difficult position in the match but took on his statesman Ravichandran Ashwin for 19 runs in a single over to turn the tide in his team’s favor. After that, he took only calculated risks and steered his side to a victory.

An IPL veteran, the 36-year-old Karthik has played as many as 216 games. Having scored more than 4000 runs, he has taken big-hitting to a different level in the past four years or so. He also has safe hands behind the stumps and will keep wickets for this side too.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-620409" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shahbaz-Ahmed.jpg" alt="Shahbaz Ahmed" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-620409" class="wp-caption-text">Shahbaz Ahmed. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The skinny dynamite from RCB has played a handful of IPL games only and doesn’t boast an impressive record to show. However, it is those little cameos with the bat or those couple of wickets with the ball that makes the captain persist with him. Shahbaz played one such inning alongside Dinesh Karthik against the Rajasthan Royals which changed the complexion of the game.

He was promoted ahead of even Karthik and the Bengal all-rounder repaid the faith shown in him by smashing four fours and three sixes during his 26-ball 45 runs knock. A more than a useful left-arm spinner, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shahbaz-ahmed-did-the-job-for-us-mohammed-siraj-showers-praise-on-rcb-all-rounder-after-his-three-wicket-haul-against-srh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shahbaz Ahmed</a> is a multi-purpose T20 player, any captain’s delight.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623974" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Pat-Cummins3.jpg" alt="Pat Cummins" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623974" class="wp-caption-text">Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Australia&#8217;s Test captain Pat Cummins perhaps played one of the most surprising innings in the IPL history, against Mumbai Indians. The 28-year-old all-rounder smoked six sixes and four fours in an unbelievable inning of 56*(15) that stunned <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-win-together-we-lose-together-rohit-sharma-delivers-passionate-speech-in-dressing-room-after-mis-defeat-to-kkr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a> and Co.

Now, he isn’t even your regular all-rounder. He is a mighty fine bowler, one of the best going around, who can wield the willow if required. And boy did he assault the Mumbai bowlers that day. Even Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t spared, and poor Daniel Sams went for 35 runs in his final over.

Not to forget he picked up two wickets with the ball in hand earlier in that match. Cummins can take the new ball and is effective in the death overs as well.

9. Yuzvendra Chahal (RR)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623499" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/yuzi.jpg" alt="Yuzvendra Chahal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623499" class="wp-caption-text">Yuzvendra Chahal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Chahal has been probably the best Indian leg spinner for a while now. He had an average outing in the first half of IPL 2021, because of which he was dropped from India’s T20 squad for the T20 World Cup last year. However, since then, Chahal has done exceedingly well and is one of the frontrunners to stake a claim in the T20 World Cup squad, scheduled to take place later this year in Australia.

This week he played against both of his previous franchises, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and picked up two wickets in each of those games. In the match against Bangalore, Chahal bowled an absolute stunner to knock off David Willey. He was also instrumental in running out <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-virat-kohlis-run-out-by-former-rcb-teammate-yuzvendra-chahal-ignites-meme-fest-on-twitter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>, a wicket that almost won them the game.

In 117 IPL games so far, Chahal has picked up 146 wickets at an impressive average of 21.64. With a solid start to the season, he would be hoping to contribute more and take his new franchise closer to the title.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-566085" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-566085" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Twitter/Indian Premier League)</figcaption>

No best XI is complete without Bumrah. Regarded as one of the finest bowlers going around, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/isko-fat-bolte-hai-beta-jasprit-bumrah-hilariously-trolls-ishan-kishan-during-mis-latest-photoshoot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah</a> has picked up 133 wickets in 109 matches. Although he had an average match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he was at his brilliant best against Rajasthan Royals (RR). In his stipulated quota of four overs, he picked up three wickets and gave away literally nothing in the final few overs.

Although Bumrah isn’t in the best of form currently, he can always be backed to deliver at any stage of the game, though he is most effective right at the end of the innings.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623063" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan2.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623063" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Nicknamed “Indore Express”, Avesh Khan recently made his international debut after impressive performances in IPL 2021 for Delhi Capitals, picking up 24 wickets. From this year onwards, he is plying his trade for Lucknow Super Giants and hasn’t taken long to make his mark. In the game against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-changes-srh-need-to-make-for-their-next-game-against-csk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a>, the young pacer picked up four wickets while giving away only 24 runs, and was adjudged &#8220;Player of the Match&#8221;.

Against his former team Delhi Capitals, even though he went for a few runs upfront, he came back well to tighten the screws at the fag end of the innings. His new franchise will expect a lot from him in the future as Lucknow chase the elusive title in their debut year.

Written by Jatin Shad

The second week of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2022</a> has just concluded and there hasn’t been any dearth of nail biters. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) currently top the points table, but Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans are also up there, only separated by NRR. Gujarat, led by Hardik Pandya, is still undefeated so far in the competition.&nbsp;
As was the case with the first week, Indian players seem to have outperformed their overseas counterparts. The likes of Dinesh Karthik, Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Tilak Varma among others were the star performers in the second week of the tournament.&nbsp;
<h3>Playing XI of best players from the second week of IPL 2022</h3>
<h3>1. KL Rahul (LSG) (C)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623061" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623061" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-623061" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623061" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-lucknow-super-giants-celebrate-first-win-with-a-victory-song-in-dressing-room/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucknow Super Giants</a> skipper is one of the most prolific run makers in IPL and has been churning out runs season after season. This edition is proving to be no different.&nbsp;The Indian T20I vice-captain has amassed 3405 runs in IPL so far at a healthy strike rate of 136.09. This week, he made a match-winning 68(50) against SRH and anchored the chase during the first half of the innings against the Capitals.
Rahul has been fantastic with his captaincy skills too, as was evident during his side’s defense of 169 runs against the Sunrisers where the Super Giants went on to win the match from an improbable situation. So far, he has led Lucknow from the front and will hope to continue the good work for the rest of the season.&nbsp;

<h3>2. Jos Buttler (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621792" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621792" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-621792" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttlers-century.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler's century" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621792" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler’s century. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
After being dropped from England’s Test squad for the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pcb-likely-to-end-covid-protocols-for-home-series-against-west-indies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Indies</a> series, Jos Buttler was available for Rajasthan right from the start of the tournament. The 2008 IPL winners have greatly benefitted from that as the English wicket-keeper batsman has already scored 205 runs for them this season in just three games, which includes a century and a half-century.
Since his debut in 2016, Jos Buttler has played 68 games in the league. Even though he has scored only 2173 runs, he boasts a strike rate of almost 150.&nbsp;This week, he stroked a sublime 100 (68) against Mumbai Indians to power his side to a comfortable victory. He followed it with a fine 70 (47), where he dealt in sixes only, although this knock came in a losing cause.
<h3>3. Tilak Varma (MI)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621889" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621889" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-621889" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tilak-Varma.jpg" alt="Tilak Varma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621889" class="wp-caption-text">Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Young <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/theres-a-lot-of-variation-in-his-shot-selection-ravi-shastri-hails-young-batter-tilak-varma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tilak Varma</a> has been the talk of the town after Mumbai Indians pulled off another scouting heroics as they picked the 19-year-old in the auction. So far, he hasn’t disappointed his team one bit. Batting at No.3 and 4, he has scored 121 runs so far in just three matches at an amazing strike rate of 161.33. 
Even though Mumbai haven’t done well so far in IPL 2022, his form has been a silver lining for them.&nbsp;A lot is expected from this teenager already this season, and we hope to see a lot more of what we have seen in these three matches.
<h3>4. Liam Livingstone (PBKS)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_625036" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-625036" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-625036" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Liam-Livingstone-2.jpg" alt="Liam Livingstone" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-625036" class="wp-caption-text">Liam Livingstone. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The dangerous Liam Livingstone is touted as one of the most destructive T20 batsmen. Still, he hasn’t quite set IPL on fire yet. This year might finally be the year for him though. In IPL 2022, he has scored more runs in four matches than in the past three years combined, which also tells you that he hardly played in the past three seasons. 
The English batter annihilated the Chennai bowlers in his knock of 60(32) which consisted of five fours and five sixes. He followed it up with an even more disdainful knock of 64(27) against the Gujarat Titans where he managed to hit seven fours and four sixes.
Apart from batting, Livingstone is handy with his leg-spin and picked up two wickets in the game against CSK which included the big wicket of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/just-like-serving-cake-to-a-little-kindergarten-kid-matthew-hayden-on-shivam-dubes-medium-pace-bowling-on-flat-pitch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shivam Dube</a>.

<h3>5. Shimron Hetmyer (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621892" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621892" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-621892" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shimron-Hetmyer.jpg" alt="Shimron Hetmyer" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621892" class="wp-caption-text">Shimron Hetmyer. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
A hard-hitting middle-order batsman, who often plays the role of a finisher, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-price-tag-does-not-really-matter-to-me-rr-batter-shimron-hetmyer-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shimron Hetmyer</a> is tailor-made for the T20 format. In IPL, he boasts of a strike rate of 156.5. This week, the southpaw played two crucial knocks, both in the presence of Jos Buttler. Against Mumbai Indians, he played a quickfire knock of 35 runs in just 14 balls at a strike rate of 250. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore he scored 42 runs but at a relatively lower strike rate of 135.48.
Consistency is what will be expected from Hetmyer going forward in the season as he is known to throw his wicket away after a good start. However, if he starts to fire consistently, then it’s going to be a long nightmare for the opposition bowlers.

<h3>6. Dinesh Karthik (RCB) (WK)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621253" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621253" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-621253" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621253" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Regarded as the calmest player after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-told-me-that-my-glovework-leg-movements-are-very-good-jitesh-sharma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a>, Dinesh Karthik has mastered the art of finishing games over the years. &nbsp;His innings of 44*(23) against Rajasthan Royals earned appreciation from all quarters. Many even called for his return to the national side with the T20 World Cup looming large later this year. 
Karthik came in at a very difficult position in the match but took on his statesman Ravichandran Ashwin for 19 runs in a single over to turn the tide in his team’s favor. After that, he took only calculated risks and steered his side to a victory.
An IPL veteran, the 36-year-old Karthik has played as many as 216 games. Having scored more than 4000 runs, he has taken big-hitting to a different level in the past four years or so. He also has safe hands behind the stumps and will keep wickets for this side too.

<h3>7. Shahbaz Ahmed (RCB)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_620409" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-620409" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-620409" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shahbaz-Ahmed.jpg" alt="Shahbaz Ahmed" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-620409" class="wp-caption-text">Shahbaz Ahmed. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The skinny dynamite from RCB has played a handful of IPL games only and doesn’t boast an impressive record to show.&nbsp;However, it is those little cameos with the bat or those couple of wickets with the ball that makes the captain persist with him. Shahbaz played one such inning alongside Dinesh Karthik against the Rajasthan Royals which changed the complexion of the game. 
He was promoted ahead of even Karthik and the Bengal all-rounder repaid the faith shown in him by smashing four fours and three sixes during his 26-ball 45 runs knock.&nbsp;A more than a useful left-arm spinner, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shahbaz-ahmed-did-the-job-for-us-mohammed-siraj-showers-praise-on-rcb-all-rounder-after-his-three-wicket-haul-against-srh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shahbaz Ahmed</a> is a multi-purpose T20 player, any captain’s delight.
<h3>8. Pat Cummins (KKR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623974" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623974" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-623974" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Pat-Cummins3.jpg" alt="Pat Cummins" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623974" class="wp-caption-text">Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins perhaps played one of the most surprising innings in the IPL history, against Mumbai Indians. The 28-year-old all-rounder smoked six sixes and four fours in an unbelievable inning of 56*(15) that stunned <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-win-together-we-lose-together-rohit-sharma-delivers-passionate-speech-in-dressing-room-after-mis-defeat-to-kkr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a> and Co.
Now, he isn’t even your regular all-rounder. He is a mighty fine bowler, one of the best going around, who can wield the willow if required. And boy did he assault the Mumbai bowlers that day. Even Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t spared, and poor Daniel Sams went for 35 runs in his final over.
Not to forget he picked up two wickets with the ball in hand earlier in that match. Cummins can take the new ball and is effective in the death overs as well.
<h3>9. Yuzvendra Chahal (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623499" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623499" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-623499" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/yuzi.jpg" alt="Yuzvendra Chahal" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623499" class="wp-caption-text">Yuzvendra Chahal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Chahal has been probably the best Indian leg spinner for a while now. He had an average outing in the first half of IPL 2021, because of which he was dropped from India’s T20 squad for the T20 World Cup last year. However, since then, Chahal has done exceedingly well and is one of the frontrunners to stake a claim in the T20 World Cup squad, scheduled to take place later this year in Australia.&nbsp;
This week he played against both of his previous franchises, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and picked up two wickets in each of those games. In the match against Bangalore, Chahal bowled an absolute stunner to knock off David Willey. He was also instrumental in running out <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-virat-kohlis-run-out-by-former-rcb-teammate-yuzvendra-chahal-ignites-meme-fest-on-twitter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>, a wicket that almost won them the game.
In 117 IPL games so far, Chahal has picked up 146 wickets at an impressive average of 21.64. With a solid start to the season, he would be hoping to contribute more and take his new franchise closer to the title.
<h3>10. Jasprit Bumrah (MI)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_566085" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-566085" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-566085" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-566085" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Twitter/Indian Premier League)</figcaption></figure>
No best XI is complete without Bumrah. Regarded as one of the finest bowlers going around, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/isko-fat-bolte-hai-beta-jasprit-bumrah-hilariously-trolls-ishan-kishan-during-mis-latest-photoshoot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah</a> has picked up 133 wickets in 109 matches.&nbsp;Although he had an average match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he was at his brilliant best against Rajasthan Royals (RR). In his stipulated quota of four overs, he picked up three wickets and gave away literally nothing in the final few overs.
Although Bumrah isn’t in the best of form currently, he can always be backed to deliver at any stage of the game, though he is most effective right at the end of the innings.
<h3>11. Avesh Khan (LSG)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623063" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623063" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-623063" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan2.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623063" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Nicknamed “Indore Express”, Avesh Khan recently made his international debut after impressive performances in IPL 2021 for Delhi Capitals, picking up 24 wickets. From this year onwards, he is plying his trade for Lucknow Super Giants and hasn’t taken long to make his mark. In the game against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-changes-srh-need-to-make-for-their-next-game-against-csk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a>, the young pacer picked up four wickets while giving away only 24 runs, and was adjudged “Player of the Match”. 
Against his former team Delhi Capitals, even though he went for a few runs upfront, he came back well to tighten the screws at the fag end of the innings.&nbsp;His new franchise will expect a lot from him in the future as Lucknow chase the elusive title in their debut year.&nbsp;
Written by Jatin Shad
&nbsp;

The second week of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2022</a> has just concluded and there hasn’t been any dearth of nail biters. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) currently top the points table, but Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans are also up there, only separated by NRR. Gujarat, led by Hardik Pandya, is still undefeated so far in the competition. 
As was the case with the first week, Indian players seem to have outperformed their overseas counterparts. The likes of Dinesh Karthik, Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Tilak Varma among others were the star performers in the second week of the tournament. 
<h3>Playing XI of best players from the second week of IPL 2022</h3>
<h3>1. KL Rahul (LSG) (C)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623061" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623061" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623061" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623061" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-lucknow-super-giants-celebrate-first-win-with-a-victory-song-in-dressing-room/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucknow Super Giants</a> skipper is one of the most prolific run makers in IPL and has been churning out runs season after season. This edition is proving to be no different. The Indian T20I vice-captain has amassed 3405 runs in IPL so far at a healthy strike rate of 136.09. This week, he made a match-winning 68(50) against SRH and anchored the chase during the first half of the innings against the Capitals.
Rahul has been fantastic with his captaincy skills too, as was evident during his side’s defense of 169 runs against the Sunrisers where the Super Giants went on to win the match from an improbable situation. So far, he has led Lucknow from the front and will hope to continue the good work for the rest of the season. 

<h3>2. Jos Buttler (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621792" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621792" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621792" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jos-Buttlers-century.jpg" alt="Jos Buttler's century" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621792" class="wp-caption-text">Jos Buttler&#8217;s century. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
After being dropped from England&#8217;s Test squad for the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pcb-likely-to-end-covid-protocols-for-home-series-against-west-indies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Indies</a> series, Jos Buttler was available for Rajasthan right from the start of the tournament. The 2008 IPL winners have greatly benefitted from that as the English wicket-keeper batsman has already scored 205 runs for them this season in just three games, which includes a century and a half-century.
Since his debut in 2016, Jos Buttler has played 68 games in the league. Even though he has scored only 2173 runs, he boasts a strike rate of almost 150. This week, he stroked a sublime 100 (68) against Mumbai Indians to power his side to a comfortable victory. He followed it with a fine 70 (47), where he dealt in sixes only, although this knock came in a losing cause.
<h3>3. Tilak Varma (MI)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621889" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621889" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621889" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tilak-Varma.jpg" alt="Tilak Varma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621889" class="wp-caption-text">Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Young <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/theres-a-lot-of-variation-in-his-shot-selection-ravi-shastri-hails-young-batter-tilak-varma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tilak Varma</a> has been the talk of the town after Mumbai Indians pulled off another scouting heroics as they picked the 19-year-old in the auction. So far, he hasn’t disappointed his team one bit. Batting at No.3 and 4, he has scored 121 runs so far in just three matches at an amazing strike rate of 161.33. 
Even though Mumbai haven&#8217;t done well so far in IPL 2022, his form has been a silver lining for them. A lot is expected from this teenager already this season, and we hope to see a lot more of what we have seen in these three matches.
<h3>4. Liam Livingstone (PBKS)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_625036" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-625036" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-625036" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Liam-Livingstone-2.jpg" alt="Liam Livingstone" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-625036" class="wp-caption-text">Liam Livingstone. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The dangerous Liam Livingstone is touted as one of the most destructive T20 batsmen. Still, he hasn’t quite set IPL on fire yet. This year might finally be the year for him though. In IPL 2022, he has scored more runs in four matches than in the past three years combined, which also tells you that he hardly played in the past three seasons. 
The English batter annihilated the Chennai bowlers in his knock of 60(32) which consisted of five fours and five sixes. He followed it up with an even more disdainful knock of 64(27) against the Gujarat Titans where he managed to hit seven fours and four sixes.
Apart from batting, Livingstone is handy with his leg-spin and picked up two wickets in the game against CSK which included the big wicket of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/just-like-serving-cake-to-a-little-kindergarten-kid-matthew-hayden-on-shivam-dubes-medium-pace-bowling-on-flat-pitch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shivam Dube</a>.

<h3>5. Shimron Hetmyer (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621892" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621892" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621892" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shimron-Hetmyer.jpg" alt="Shimron Hetmyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621892" class="wp-caption-text">Shimron Hetmyer. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
A hard-hitting middle-order batsman, who often plays the role of a finisher, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-price-tag-does-not-really-matter-to-me-rr-batter-shimron-hetmyer-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shimron Hetmyer</a> is tailor-made for the T20 format. In IPL, he boasts of a strike rate of 156.5. This week, the southpaw played two crucial knocks, both in the presence of Jos Buttler. Against Mumbai Indians, he played a quickfire knock of 35 runs in just 14 balls at a strike rate of 250. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore he scored 42 runs but at a relatively lower strike rate of 135.48.
Consistency is what will be expected from Hetmyer going forward in the season as he is known to throw his wicket away after a good start. However, if he starts to fire consistently, then it&#8217;s going to be a long nightmare for the opposition bowlers.

<h3>6. Dinesh Karthik (RCB) (WK)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_621253" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-621253" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-621253" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-621253" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Regarded as the calmest player after <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-told-me-that-my-glovework-leg-movements-are-very-good-jitesh-sharma/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a>, Dinesh Karthik has mastered the art of finishing games over the years.  His innings of 44*(23) against Rajasthan Royals earned appreciation from all quarters. Many even called for his return to the national side with the T20 World Cup looming large later this year. 
Karthik came in at a very difficult position in the match but took on his statesman Ravichandran Ashwin for 19 runs in a single over to turn the tide in his team’s favor. After that, he took only calculated risks and steered his side to a victory.
An IPL veteran, the 36-year-old Karthik has played as many as 216 games. Having scored more than 4000 runs, he has taken big-hitting to a different level in the past four years or so. He also has safe hands behind the stumps and will keep wickets for this side too.

<h3>7. Shahbaz Ahmed (RCB)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_620409" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-620409" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-620409" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shahbaz-Ahmed.jpg" alt="Shahbaz Ahmed" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-620409" class="wp-caption-text">Shahbaz Ahmed. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The skinny dynamite from RCB has played a handful of IPL games only and doesn’t boast an impressive record to show. However, it is those little cameos with the bat or those couple of wickets with the ball that makes the captain persist with him. Shahbaz played one such inning alongside Dinesh Karthik against the Rajasthan Royals which changed the complexion of the game. 
He was promoted ahead of even Karthik and the Bengal all-rounder repaid the faith shown in him by smashing four fours and three sixes during his 26-ball 45 runs knock. A more than a useful left-arm spinner, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shahbaz-ahmed-did-the-job-for-us-mohammed-siraj-showers-praise-on-rcb-all-rounder-after-his-three-wicket-haul-against-srh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shahbaz Ahmed</a> is a multi-purpose T20 player, any captain’s delight.
<h3>8. Pat Cummins (KKR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623974" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623974" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623974" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Pat-Cummins3.jpg" alt="Pat Cummins" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623974" class="wp-caption-text">Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Australia&#8217;s Test captain Pat Cummins perhaps played one of the most surprising innings in the IPL history, against Mumbai Indians. The 28-year-old all-rounder smoked six sixes and four fours in an unbelievable inning of 56*(15) that stunned <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-win-together-we-lose-together-rohit-sharma-delivers-passionate-speech-in-dressing-room-after-mis-defeat-to-kkr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohit Sharma</a> and Co.
Now, he isn’t even your regular all-rounder. He is a mighty fine bowler, one of the best going around, who can wield the willow if required. And boy did he assault the Mumbai bowlers that day. Even Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t spared, and poor Daniel Sams went for 35 runs in his final over.
Not to forget he picked up two wickets with the ball in hand earlier in that match. Cummins can take the new ball and is effective in the death overs as well.
<h3>9. Yuzvendra Chahal (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623499" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623499" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623499" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/yuzi.jpg" alt="Yuzvendra Chahal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623499" class="wp-caption-text">Yuzvendra Chahal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Chahal has been probably the best Indian leg spinner for a while now. He had an average outing in the first half of IPL 2021, because of which he was dropped from India’s T20 squad for the T20 World Cup last year. However, since then, Chahal has done exceedingly well and is one of the frontrunners to stake a claim in the T20 World Cup squad, scheduled to take place later this year in Australia. 
This week he played against both of his previous franchises, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and picked up two wickets in each of those games. In the match against Bangalore, Chahal bowled an absolute stunner to knock off David Willey. He was also instrumental in running out <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-virat-kohlis-run-out-by-former-rcb-teammate-yuzvendra-chahal-ignites-meme-fest-on-twitter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a>, a wicket that almost won them the game.
In 117 IPL games so far, Chahal has picked up 146 wickets at an impressive average of 21.64. With a solid start to the season, he would be hoping to contribute more and take his new franchise closer to the title.
<h3>10. Jasprit Bumrah (MI)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_566085" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-566085" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-566085" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-566085" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Twitter/Indian Premier League)</figcaption></figure>
No best XI is complete without Bumrah. Regarded as one of the finest bowlers going around, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/isko-fat-bolte-hai-beta-jasprit-bumrah-hilariously-trolls-ishan-kishan-during-mis-latest-photoshoot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah</a> has picked up 133 wickets in 109 matches. Although he had an average match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he was at his brilliant best against Rajasthan Royals (RR). In his stipulated quota of four overs, he picked up three wickets and gave away literally nothing in the final few overs.
Although Bumrah isn’t in the best of form currently, he can always be backed to deliver at any stage of the game, though he is most effective right at the end of the innings.
<h3>11. Avesh Khan (LSG)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_623063" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-623063" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-623063" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan2.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-623063" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Nicknamed “Indore Express”, Avesh Khan recently made his international debut after impressive performances in IPL 2021 for Delhi Capitals, picking up 24 wickets. From this year onwards, he is plying his trade for Lucknow Super Giants and hasn’t taken long to make his mark. In the game against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-changes-srh-need-to-make-for-their-next-game-against-csk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a>, the young pacer picked up four wickets while giving away only 24 runs, and was adjudged &#8220;Player of the Match&#8221;. 
Against his former team Delhi Capitals, even though he went for a few runs upfront, he came back well to tighten the screws at the fag end of the innings. His new franchise will expect a lot from him in the future as Lucknow chase the elusive title in their debut year. 
Written by Jatin Shad
&nbsp;

The second week of IPL 2022 witnessed a couple of nail-biting encounters.

IPL 2022: Best XI from the second week

As the second week of IPL 2022 comes to an end, we take a look at best playing XI of the second week of the tournament