Pictures of the week: From Virat Kohli's pearls of wisdom to Shubman Gill's exuberance

While there wasn't much action on display on the international front in the past week, IPL 2023 more than made up for it with some swash-buckling matches. The race for the top four took an interesting turn in the last week of league fixtures with Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians joining Gujarat Titans in the final four.

All three teams below the reigning champions sealed their place in the knockout stages in their respective last matches with Mumbai going through after Royal Challengers Bangalore's defeat against Gujarat in the last league fixture of this year.

Here are the best pictures to roundoff an entertaining week in cricket

Master's words of advice to the apprentice 

Royal Challengers Bangalore completed a record-breaking victory against fellow contenders Rajasthan Royals to boost their qualification hopes. Following their commanding victory, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli had an animated chat with Rajasthan's young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal.

CSK players laud home support after their final league game in Chennai

Although Chennai Super Kings' final home league fixture saw them succumb to a disappointing loss against Kolkata Knight Riders, the home side acknowledged the crowd for their unwavering support throughout the league stage.

Shubman Gill's swaggering maiden IPL century deflates SRH

Shubman Gill's tremendous run with the bat in 2023 continued as the young Indian opener registered his maiden IPL ton against SRH in front of his home crowd in Ahmedabad in the 16th edition of the tournament. 

Mohsin Khan's rescue act uplifts LSG

Lucknow Super Giants' left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan was one of the breakthrough stars of last year's competition. Despite a shoulder injury that nearly derailed his career, Mohsin displayed tremendous control and guile in a nerve-wracking final over against Mumbai Indians to seal a thrilling victory.

David Warner applauds Liam Livingstone's belligerence

Punjab Kings' Liam Livingstone nearly pulled off a spectacular run chase against Delhi Capitals in a dramatic clash. The explosive English batter failed to take his side over the line but received a pat on his shoulder from opposition skipper David Warner.

Virat Kohli outclasses Heinrich Klaasen 

 
Royal Challengers Bangalore's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs received a massive shot in the arm after Virat Kohli's sixth IPL century sealed an emphatic victory for his side despite Heinrich Klaasen's maiden IPL century in the first innings.

A rare sight on English shores

Veteran Indian batting bulwark Cheteshwar Pujara has been making all the noise in county cricket, away from the glitz and glamour of the Indian Premier League. However, Pujara's remarkable run in England's domestic cricket came to an end after he was dismissed for a duck by Michael Neser.

No shortage of entertainment when David Warner is at the crease

David Warner might not have had a great campaign in IPL 2023, but the veteran Aussie opener delivered a rib-tickling dose of entertainment to the fans during his side's clash against CSK. The Delhi skipper brought out Ravindra Jadeja's trademark sword celebration in a hilarious passage of play.

David Warner wears a look of despondence after DC's meek surrender

Delhi Capitals were swatted aside by the four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their last league fixture at their home ground in Delhi. During their horrible batting display, Delhi's lone warrior and skipper David Warner wore a despondent look after his side failed to qualify for the knockout stages for a second season running.

Kolkata opens their arms for their iconic former skipper

Former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir, who is currently associated with the Lucknow Super Giants, received a grand welcome by a full house crowd at the Eden Gardens. The former Indian cricketer guided KKR to both their IPL titles during his glorious stint with the franchise.

A relieved Yash Thakur hugs Rinku Singh after latter's heroics

Kolkata Knight Riders' Rinku Singh, who has been one of the breakthrough stars this season, almost pulled off another stunning chase, only to fall short by just one run. Lucknow's Yash Thakur, who bowled the final over, hugged Rinku after LSG sealed their spot in the playoffs with a narrow victory against KKR.

Cameron Green's leap seals emphatic victory

Mumbai Indians' expensive Australian import Cameron Green justified his hefty price tag after smashing a majestic maiden IPL century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The towering Aussie leapt in the air to celebrate his landmark innings.

The passing of the torch

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli sent the records books tumbling on a day of centuries in IPL 2023. His seventh IPL century, the most in the competition's history, saw him receive plaudits from compatriot Mohammed Shami. But his innings was triumphed by another glittering century, from the bat of Shubman Gill, who timed the chase to perfection to knock out RCB.

A dejected wholehearted performer

RCB's IPL 2023 campaign ended in heartbreak after they came up short against the defending champions in a must-win encounter. A dejected Mohammed Siraj, who had a phenomenal outing in this year's competition, lay on the ground after the Bangalore-based outfit were knocked out of the tournament at the Chinnaswamy.  

Gujarat Titans' very own 'Captain Cool'

Gujarat Titans built a head of steam for their crucial clash against Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1 after breaking the hearts of RCB fans at the Chinnaswamy. Hardik Pandya was jubilant, quite expectedly, after their victory against RCB.