IPL 2023: Best playing XI of season

There have been a plethora of splendid performances by both the batters and bowlers in the ongoing IPL 2023, which ensured that the game went down to the wire for the majority of the matches played in the coveted tournament so far. As the cash-rich league finally entered its last week, only the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have managed to enter the final of the IPL for a record tenth time.

Meanwhile, both Mumbai Indians (MI) and the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, will cross swords with each other in the Qualifier Two on Friday, May 26, at the Chepauk in Chennai, in a bid to set the date with the MS Dhoni-led side. It will be interesting to see how both teams will fare in the high-voltage clash amid several memorable performances this season.

In the same vein, let us have a look at the best playing XI of the tournament based on how players have fared so far in the IPL 2023 edition. Speaking of the openers, the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis remained in sublime touch. During his IPL campaign, the South African amassed 730 runs from 14 appearances.

While two prolific Indian batters who are tipped to be the future of Indian cricket ahead have showcased their batting masterclass on several occasions. They are none other than GT's Shubman Gill, and Rajasthan Royals' young prodigy, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill scored 722 runs so far and is only eight runs away from the Orange cap holder, du Plessis. Even Jaiswal is in the fifth spot for the batters with the most runs with 625 runs from 14 matches in the IPL 2023.

Now speaking of the middle order, the first name undoubtedly the fan favourite is MI's, Suryakumar Yadav. Mr 360 has amassed 544 runs from 15 matches and continues to entertain the fans. Another player who impressed this season is CSK's Shivam Dube who delivered his explosive knocks just when the MS Dhoni-led side needed it the most. Speaking of his stats, in the current edition, the lanky batter has scored 386 runs from 15 matches while there is still one grand final left to play for.

Interestingly enough, there have been some teams who had a dismal run in the IPL 2023 but their batters did not let the team performance affect their individual game. Among them, there are two talented batters who fought hard for their team with their bat. They are the Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) stumper-batter Heinrich Klaasen and the Delhi Capitals' (DC) star all-rounder, Axar Patel. Both Klaasen and Axar accumulated 448 runs (12 matches) and 283 runs (14 matches), respectively. While Klaasen scored a thrilling maiden IPL century for a losing cause, Axar also showed his bowling prowess and picked up 11 wickets.

When it comes to winning matches with the ball, it cannot happen without the efforts of the skilful bowlers. Speaking of the lower order in the best-playing XI, the GT all-rounder, Rashid Khan, has been in a league of his own in the ongoing IPL 2023. The ace leg spinner not only produced some memorable bowling spells but also played some mind-boggling knocks with the bat. In his journey of the IPL 2023, the Afghan picked 25 wickets and is just behind his team-mate and pacer, Mohammed Shami, who is currently holding the Purple cap with 26 wickets to his name. While batting, Khan scored 125 runs with a memorable unbeaten fifty (79*) in the mega cricket carnival.

To make the job easier for the spinners, the Afghan got an able support in Shami who is currently ruling the bowling charts with 26 wickets which includes two four-wicket hauls in the 2023 season. Another pacer who got under the skin of the batters was the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) spearhead, Mohammed Siraj. The swing bowler has been bowling sensationally for the past year apart from the IPL for his teams. Speaking of his numbers, the Hyderabad-based pacer scalped 19 wickets from 14 appearances with a four-wicket haul for his franchise.

However, one bowler who is also fondly known as 'Baby Malinga' has impressed everyone in the IPL 2023. Playing for the CSK, Matheesha Pathirana has bamboozled the batters with his slingy action and good toe crushers at the fag end of the games. The Sri Lankan youngster, under the guidance of his skipper, MS Dhoni, showed his abilities with the ball and picked up 17 wickets from 11 matches he has played so far in the tournament.

Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans will clash in Qualifier Two for sealing their final spot in IPL 2023

Notably, the IPL 2023 reached its last week with only one Playoff game left to decide another finalist. Currently, the Chennai Super Kings are the only side who have stormed into the grand Final in some style after defeating the defending champions, Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier one. CSK clinched a thrilling 15-run victory over the visitors to reach the final for a record tenth time.

Now speaking of Qualifier Two, MI and GT will clash with each other with high stakes on the line, which is to make it to the finals of the IPL 2023. The match will be played at the iconic Chepauk in Chennai on Friday, May 26.