The 16th edition of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League</a> has started to get exciting and players and teams are coming up with performances which are hard to miss. The last ball finishes and stiff run chases are making the IPL more fun and exciting. The low scores being defended and sudden twists in the matches are making this edition of IPL even more attractive.

Every team plays their heart out when they are on the field and fights to get those two crucial points in their kitty. In the third week of IPL, the contests with the bat and ball have become even more exciting and the impact player rule is being utilised even more strategically.

There have been individual performances too which have lit up the third week of the IPL and the fans and spectators have been treated with some fantastic display of batting, bowling and fielding. The players have shown their talent and skill to change the course of the match and have made some contributions which have been simply outstanding.

Here's a look at the Best XI from Week Three of IPL

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681997986596_Faf-du-Plesssis.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Faf du Plesssis. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

The RCB captain has been in tremendous form in this edition of the IPL and is currently the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-orange-cap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orange Cap</a> holder with 343 runs at an average of 68.60. The batter has been timing the ball beautifully and has led from the front. The rate at which the runs have come is also impressive, helping the team to accelerate when required. RCB had three league matches in the third week and Faf had significant contributions in all three games. In the match against DC, Faf was able to give the home team a quick start before getting out for 22 of 16 balls. Riding on the quick start, RCB posted a total of 174 which was comfortable enough to defend against DC. In the next match against CSK, Faf unleashed his topmost skills while chasing a huge target of 226. After losing Virat in the first over of the second innings, Faf took the bull by its horn and played an impactful innings in partnership with Maxwell to keep the home side in the hunt. Although a below par contribution from the lower order handed an eight-run defeat to the RCB side. The best of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-faf-du-plessis-mohammed-siraj-star-in-rcbs-convincing-victory-in-mohali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faf du Plessis</a> came in the match against PBKS. Faf was nursing a rib injury and Virat was the stand-in skipper. Faf didn't leave any chance to create an impact and played an eventful innings of 84 in just 56 balls which included five sixes. The power hitting and placement of shots was absolutely brilliant and the innings was impactful enough to get RCB their second win in the last three matches they played.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681997912059_Virat.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/virat-kohli-tries-out-blindfold-challenge-with-rcb-teammates-gets-surprised-by-indian-football-legend-sunil-chhetri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a> has once again shown the glimpses of who he really is. The cover drives and aggressive flicks are back in his game and the raring to go attitude is like cherry on top for ardent cricket lovers. The batter, who had a dismal 2022, was looking in great touch this season, courtesy of some good scores under his belt from the international fixtures.

Virat, like Faf has been a vital cog in the top heavy RCB batting line up and the consistency with which he has contributed to the team's cause has been phenomenal. There has been intent shown in the powerplay to attack the blowers and he has also settled down to play the anchor's role if required. Virat started off the third week with a fifty against the Delhi side which included six boundaries and a maximum. Although he was unfortunate to miss out in the match against CSK when the ball ricocheted off the inside edge of his bat onto his pads and hit the stumps.

Virat was named the stand in captain for the game against Punjab and when he came out to bat, he was as fluent as it gets. The shots were racing to the boundary in no time and the run rate was on the brighter side with Faf also hitting the ball beautifully from the other end. Virat ended up with a score of 59 which included 5 boundaries and a maximum. The opening partnership between the duo of Faf and Virat was helpful in setting a competitive total of 174 and helped the visiting side beat Punjab comfortably by 24 runs.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681667283889_Shubman-Gill.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ipl-2023-shubman-gill-picks-sachin-tendulkar-as-his-dream-opening-partner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shubman Gill</a> has been seen as the next big thing in international cricket. And in the IPL, the top order batter has been in magnificent form in 2023. The batter has churned out runs at ease at the international arena and has had the hunger to do even better in every match he has come out to play. Gill has been handed the responsibility to open the innings for the Gujarat Titans and he has shown great composure and temperament to make the most of this opportunity.

During the third week of the 16 edition of IPL, Gill delivered a couple of commendable batting performances. During the chase against PBKS, Shubman Gill held one end tight and played a mindful innings of 67 runs which included seven fours and six. The innings was perfect to allow others to play around him and he anchored the team to cross the line comfortably at the end and GT won the match by six wickets.

In their next match against RR, Shubman, while batting first, played a crucial knock to give GT the start they required to set a competitive total on board to defend against the in-form batting line up of RR. Gill scored 45 runs and stitched a couple of important partnerships; however, the score was chased down by RR in an edge-of-the-seat thriller. But the promising batting performances by Gill are indication towards a big score soon.

4. Sanju Samson (c &amp; wk) (RR)

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681667000884_Sanju-Samson.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/sreesanth-took-me-to-the-trials-sanju-samson-reveals-how-he-impressed-rahul-dravid-to-earn-maiden-rr-contract/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanju Samson</a>&nbsp;has been a name which has made a lot of noise in the domestic circuit and also in the IPL. Everyone wants to see him become a permanent member of the Indian Cricket Team, although, some inconsistent batting has been a cause of concern for the RR batter. However, in 2023, he has notched up three fifty plus scores in six innings and three low scores which includes an unlucky run out.

Sanju has been outstanding behind the stumps and has managed his team well strategically and the way he has batted in the tournament has been exceptional as well. The team under Sanju has looked like a very tough opponent to beat and the fighting spirit shown by the team has been very delightful to watch. Sanju himself has had a great tournament and he showed his dominance against the world's best T20 bowler, Rashid Khan when he smashed him for three consecutive sixes.&nbsp;

The feat happened in the clash between RR and GT. Rajasthan were way behind in the chase at the end of 12 overs and they needed another 112 runs of the final 8 overs when Rashid Khan came to bowl. Sanju smashed him for three consecutive sixes and that was the momentum shift the chasing team needed. The aggressive attitude and a brisk knock of 60 runs was a pivotal contributor in the win against GT.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680454831836_Tilak-Varma.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/tilak-varma-an-india-player-in-near-future-he-will-be-banging-that-door-down-ravi-shastri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tilak Varma</a>&nbsp;was the shining light at the end of a rather dark tunnel for MI last year and this year it has been no different by the Hyderabad batter. Tilak has been in top form and has adjusted his batting according to the situation, demanded by the team. Though his rescue act of 84* in the first match against RCB which went in vain, Tilak has played, in his short career, a number of impactful knocks in the middle order for MI.

Varma has had the opportunity to share the dressing room with the greats of the game and he is showing maturity and temperament when he is given the opportunity to bat. In the third week of the league, MI had played two matches and Tilak contributed in both matches decently as his knocks played a vital role in helping the team reach the required score. In the chase against KKR at Wankhede, Tilak contributed with a crucial knock of 30 runs which was important at that stage and MI were able to win the match with 14 balls to spare.

In the next match, Varma was playing in front of his home ground and he entertained the fans with his quick-fire knock of 37 of just 17 balls which included four maximums and helped the team post a huge total of 192. Varma has gone from strength to strength and the coming matches will witness even better performances from the skilful batter.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681666891276_Shimron-Hetmyer.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Shimron Hetmyer. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

Every team requires a finisher, lower down the order, to come in and get the job done and RR has found their finisher in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/today-was-sort-of-a-revenge-shimron-hetmyer-on-rajasthan-royals-clinching-maiden-win-over-gujarat-titans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shimron Hetmyer</a>. Hetmyer has been mindful in the approach he takes while chasing targets and plays a strategically sound knock when batting first which helps the RR team make the most of him as a finisher.

Hetmyer has been no different in the third week of the IPL and put up a great couple of performances for his IPL team. In the stiff chase against GT, Hetmyer was the game changer at the end. Hetmyer played a crucial knock of 56* of 26 balls which included five maximums. The knock under pressure was a special one as the RR were able to win the match from the jaws of defeat.

The innings was a testimonial of his ability to finish matches and get the team home. Although, there may be failures here and there, the power hitting and temperament Hetmyer brings to the table is absolutely vital for a batter who plays the role of a finisher. In the coming matches, there will be hopefully many more blissful innings from his bat.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680254203621_Sam-Curran.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Sam Curran (Photo Source: PBKS/Twitter)</figcaption>

The English all-rounder was picked up by PBKS at a huge price of INR 18.5 crore in the auctions and the allrounder has been able to live up to the expectations of the management with the ball. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/you-cant-buy-experience-with-18-crore-virender-sehwag-slams-sam-curran-after-his-poor-outing-against-rcb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Curran</a>, in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, was handed the responsibility of captaining the PBKS side and he has been able to do decently in that role as well.

In the third week of IPL, Curran had been captain of the side for a couple of matches and has a 50-50 ratio in the win loss section. However, his bowling has been absolutely top notch and has helped contain the batters from hitting boundaries and scoring freely. In the match against LSG, which PBKS won by two wickets, Curran bowled his share of four overs and gave away only 31 runs and took three crucial wickets.

His timely strike at the end of the innings restricted the LSG batters from accelerating and posting a huge total. The brilliant bowling display helped stop LSG at a score of 159 and PBKS were able to comfortably chase down the target. In the next match, even though Curran went wicketless, he was able to bowl economically and gave only 27 runs in his four overs and recorded the second-best economy rate of 6.8 in the match. Although PBKS lost the match, the tight bowling and good strategic thinking while captaining the side was a positive for the English all-rounder.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1682017001730_Axar-Patel.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Axar Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

DC has had a forgettable season and they have only managed a solitary win in the six matches they have played. However, there have been individual performances that have stood out for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/delhi-capitals-players-bats-and-other-equipment-found-in-bengaluru-two-arrested/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delhi Capitals</a> and Axar Patel has been one player who has given performances consistently for the team in this year's IPL.

The left arm all-rounder has been brilliant with the ball and has played delightful knocks, but to his misery the team hasn't done too well on the points table. In the third week of the IPL, Axar, in the match against RCB, was able to play a small cameo of 21 runs in the chase, however, his bowling was something which stood out in that match. Axar conceded only 25 runs in his three overs and took a wicket as well.

Axar again delivered a tight bowling spell in the next match against KKR at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and took two wickets in his three overs and gave away only 13 runs. While chasing the 128-run target, Axar steadied the boat and took the team home with his patient knock of 19 not out. The character and display of confidence while bowling, combined with his ability to bat has been phenomenal in the ongoing IPL.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681582449225_Brar.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Harpreet Brar. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

Harpreet Brar has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and his bowling spells in the IPL have been talked about as well. The left arm spinner has had a decent career for PBKS and has performed considerably well in the limited opportunities he has received.

In the ongoing edition of IPL, Brar has been exceptional with the ball and has been able to get timely scalps to shift the momentum of the game. In the match against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-cricket/twitter-reactions-mohit-sharmas-last-over-heroics-helps-gujarat-trump-lsg-in-low-scoring-thriller-7077/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GT</a>, Brar bowled an economical spell and gave away only 20 runs in his share of four overs while defending a rather below par total of 154. Although PBKS lost the match, the tight bowling by Brar was a standout performance.

In the next fixture against LSG, Brar again continued his economical and tactical bowling style and gave away only 10 runs in the two overs he bowled and took the priced wicket of in-form opener Kyle Mayers. The combined contribution from the team and Brar's economical bowling handed PBKS a victory over LSG. Harpreet Brar has shown great potential in the third week and promises to deliver even greater performances in the coming weeks.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681322972045_Sandeep-Sharma.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Sandeep Sharma. (Photo source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

Sandeep Sharma would have been disappointed when he went unsold in the IPL auctions held in Kochi. But the tables turned when Sandeep Sharma was included in the RR squad as a replacement for the injured <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/ipl-2023-rajasthan-royals-share-mysterious-picture-of-prasidh-krishnas-jersey-ahead-of-lsg-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prasidh Krishna</a> and that has given a new lease of life to the veteran fast bowler.

Sandeep shot to limelight when he defended 21 off the final over against the chase master MS Dhoni. The brilliant display of death bowling and pin point yorker execution was talked about a lot after the match. Sandeep was always seen as a new ball bowler, however, with his return to the IPL, he has shown that he can be utilised at any stage of the innings.

Sandeep in the third week of IPL has contributed splendidly with the ball. In the two matches he has played this week, he has been economical and has bowled tight lengths to restrict the batsman from playing freely. Sandeep in the match against GT bowled tight lengths and picked two crucial wickets of Shubman Gill and David Miller and gave away only 25 runs. Sandeep maintained the consistency and in the next league match against LSG, he again gave away only 32 runs in his four overs and picked the wicket of Marcus Stoinis. Although, RR lost the match, the tight bowling must have boosted the Sandeep's confidence to bowl more economical spells.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1681566333634_Mohammed-Siraj.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Mohammed Siraj. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

Virat's trusted ally, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/reports-mohammed-siraj-approached-by-gambler-for-inside-information-on-rcb-pacer-reports-action-to-bcci-acu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Siraj </a>has always showed great caliber but was somehow unable to deliver at the big stage. But things have changed now, Siraj looks more confident and knows what to do even if a plan fails to deliver the results. He seems a lot more settled and calmer and reads the situation even better than before.&nbsp;

In the third week, Siraj has been nothing but exceptional. Siraj has picked up crucial wickets and has bowled tight lines to restrict the runs. In the match against DC, Siraj bowled a splendid four over spell and gave away only 23 runs and bagged two wickets. In the next match, which was a run fest, Siraj again came out as the odd one out and gave away only 30 runs and picked up a wicket.

The best of Siraj came in the third match this week when RCB locked horns against PBKS. Siraj bagged a four-wicket haul and was adjudged the Player of the match and adding to that was handed the purple cap for bagging the most number of wickets till now. Siraj has bagged 12 wickets in the six matches he has played so far and has shown great improvement from the previous years.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The 16th edition of Indian Premier League has started to get exciting and players and teams are coming up with performances which are hard to miss. The last ball finishes and stiff run chases are maki

IPL 2023: Best XI from third week of tournament

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IPL 2023: Best XI from third week of tournament

The third week of IPL 2023 witnessed some breathtaking performances by a select bunch of players

8. Axar Patel (DC)