The 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League is proving out to be a very thrilling season. It has been only two weeks in to the cricket carnival, and the fans have already witness some high class action. As the second week came to an end with a <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-match-17-csk-vs-rr-review-shane-watson-and-bowlers-walk-out-with-a-swagger-of-a-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>marquee clash between the returning franchises</strong></a>, the IPL 2018 is now set to enter the third week with a promise of only getting better and bigger in the days to follow.

Before one gets ready for the third week of the tournament, it is only justified to relive some of the spectacular performances that the players came up with during the second week of the season. The second week saw two tons being scored. Also, there was something for the bowlers too. Umesh Yadav bowled a fiery spell against the Mumbai Indians to scalp two wickets in the first two balls of the match.

The fielding has been top class with some spectacular catches being taken in the tournament &#8211; be it Manish Pandey&#8217;s athletic abilities in the field, or be it K Gowtham&#8217;s stunners against the Chennai Super Kings. All in all, the week that just passed had some breathtaking brand of cricket on display. Here we pick the top eleven performers of the week. While the first week was about the new stars dominating, the second week had the legends taking the center stage.

Here is the Best XI from the second week of IPL 2018:

1. Shane Watson &#8211; Chennai Super Kings

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shane-Watson-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson proved yet again why he is tipped as one of the finest all-rounders in the shortest format of the game. Watson became the second centurion of the season after his whirlwind knock against the Rajasthan Royals in Pune. Watson plundered 106 runs in just 57 deliveries with 9 fours and 6 maximums to take CSK to a total of 204 in the match.

Later, he backed it up with a fine spell of 1/13 in 3 overs. Earlier, in the game against the Kings XI Punjab, he had fared decently with the ball with 1/15 to his name. The Chennai Super Kings would be happy to see Watson picking up the right pace at the right time in the tournament.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242084" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242084" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Universe Boss Chris Gayle gave his first look in the IPL 2018 in the second week of the season. He had warmed the bench in the first week and got his chances for his new franchise in the second week. The veteran batsman <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/a-lot-of-people-thought-that-i-am-old-says-chris-gayle-after-6th-ipl-ton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>showed that the age is just a number.</strong></a> Gayle played two matches in the week and returned with two spectacular performances.

Playing against the Chennai Super Kings, Gayle hammered 63 with the bat. In the next game, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he bettered his own effort and became the first centurion of the season. Gayle scored an unbeaten 104 in the winning cause for his side. His efforts ended the unbeaten run of the SRH camp.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241329" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma Mumbai Indians" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241329" class="wp-caption-text">MI captain Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma was under the firing range of a lot of critics for the poor show of his side in the first three matches. The Men in Blue had lost their first three games of the season and many believed that Rohit lacked the knack of leading from the front.

The veteran batsman responded to the critics in the best possible fashion. Having arrived at the crease at 0/2 in the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-rohit-sharma-faced-arjun-tendulkar-in-the-nets-just-before-scoring-94-against-rcb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>game against Royal Challengers Bangalore</strong></a>, Rohit played a marathon knock of 94 to take his team to a total of 213/6. His efforts came off just 52 deliveries with 10 boundaries and a five sixes. He led his side to their first win this season. And the MI fans would believe, that there will certainly be more to follow.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Jason-Roy-shot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240270" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jason-Roy-shot.jpg" alt="Jason Roy" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240270" class="wp-caption-text">Jason Roy of Delhi Daredevils in action. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

The second week of the IPL 2018 kick-started with a day game between Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Daredevils. The Mumbai Indians were blown away by a certain Jason Roy in the game. Roy, who played his first game for the Delhi camp, helped his side register their first and the only win of the season thus far.

Chasing a target of 194 was never going to be easy. But Roy made it a point to steer his side home with an unbeaten knock. He scored 91 off just 53 deliveries with 6 sixes and as many number of fours in the match. Since then, Roy has largely failed, but his efforts to help DD get on the points board fetches him a place in the list.

5. Virat Kohli &#8211; Royal Challengers Bangalore

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Virat-Kohli-7.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241397" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-7.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241397" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli of RCB plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Virat Kohli has been a lone ranger for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. In the match against Mumbai Indians, they were chasing 214 for the win. Kohli, who had opened the innings, remained unbeaten on 92 off 62 deliveries with 7 fours and 4 sixes.

He batted through the innings but his team fell short by 46 runs. He found no support from the other end. Now, many believe that the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-rcb-not-deserve-player-like-virat-kohli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RCB team do not deserve a player like Virat Kohli</strong></a>. Earlier in the week, Kohli had hammered 57 off deliveries in the game against the Rajasthan Royals, again in a losing cause.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Sanju-Samson-shot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240569" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-shot.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240569" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson of Rajasthan Royals in action. (Photo by: IANS)</figcaption>

Young Sanju Samson has been around for quite some time in the IPL. With every passing edition of the tournament, he is only getting better. This season, he has been a mainstay in the Rajasthan Royals batting lineup along with Ajinkya Rahane. Albeit Samson has lost his plot in the last couple of games, the way he had started off the week helps him make the cut in this elite list.

Samson had hammered an unbeaten 92 off just 45 deliveries with a couple of fours and 10 maximums against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His knock had fetched him praised from all corners. Some of his <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-ben-laughlin-draws-comparison-sanju-samson-don-bradman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>teammates compared him to Don Bradman</strong></a> and the ones from the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-ab-de-villiers-feels-that-sanju-samson-is-an-exciting-talent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>opposition hailed him as a star of the future</strong></a>.

7. MS Dhoni (C &amp; WK) &#8211; Chennai Super Kings

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/MSD.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240646" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MSD.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240646" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings in action. (Photo by: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Veteran Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is always under the constant scrutiny of the cricket pundits. This edition of the IPL has been no exception either. Coming in to the game against the Kings XI Punjab, Dhoni was under some serious heat to perform. Also, chasing a total of 197 was never going to make it easy.

Despite the odds being against him, Dhoni singlehandedly marshaled along to take the game to the very last ball. CSK fell short by just 4 runs eventually despite a last ball six from Dhoni. Dhoni batted through pain and remained unbeaten on 79 from 44 deliveries with six fours and five sixes. Well, it is rightly said, one should <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/england-women-cricketers-shower-praises-legend-ms-dhoni/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>never write off a legend</strong></a>.

8. Andre Russell &#8211; Kolkata Knight Riders

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Andre-Russell-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241020" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Andre-Russell-4.jpg" alt="Andre Russell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241020" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

Windies all-rounder Andre Russell has undoubtedly been the most entertaining cricketer in this season of the IPL. After his heroics in the first week of the season against the Chennai Super Kings, Russell continued his entertaining show in the second week. In the match against the Delhi Daredevils, he unleashed the beast yet again.

He hammered 41 off just 12 balls to propel the KKR total to 200 in the match. His knock was studded with six brutal maximums. Interestingly, all these sixes came off against the pace of Mohammed Shami. Russell is surely one of the most valuable players of this year&#8217;s IPL thus far.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Trent-Boult.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-239233" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Trent Boult" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-239233" class="wp-caption-text">Trent Boult of Delhi Daredevils celebrates fall of Ben Stokes&#8217; wicket. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

The shortest format of the game if a cruel one for the fast bowlers. One does not really get to see the fast bowlers dictating terms in the T20 cricket. But the case is quite different for Trent Boult. The Kiwi speedster has been bowling very well for his side, the Delhi Daredevils.

In the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he returned with figures of 2/29 in 4 overs. In the very same game, the KKR had posted a total of 200. Boult was the solitary positive for his side. He had started off his spell with a maiden. Also, he dismissed Andre Russell with a brilliant yorker. Russell had plundered 41 off 12 balls in the game.

10. Nitish Rana &#8211; Kolkata Knight Riders

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Nitish-Rana-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241023" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Nitish-Rana-3.jpg" alt="Nitish Rana" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241023" class="wp-caption-text">Nitish Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-bond-nitish-rana-sanju-samson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nitish Rana</strong></a> is slowly making a name for himself in the tournament this year. He was among the top performers in the first week and has managed to continue his good run in the second week as well. Rana played a match-winning knock of 59 runs against the Delhi Daredevils in Kolkata.

His knock had come off just 35 deliveries on the day. Rana backed it up with a brilliant all-round show in the next game against the Rajasthan Royals. He dismissed the two set batsmen of the opposition camp, Ajinkya Rahane and D Arcy Short, with his part timers in the game. Later, he scored an unbeaten 35 off 27 balls to see his side home in the match.

11. Bhuvneshwar Kumar &#8211; Sunrisers Hyderabad

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240348" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg" alt="Bhuvneshwar Kumar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240348" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Bhuvneshwar Kumar in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

Bhuvneshwar had a slow start to the season and looked a bit off-color at the onset. But now, as the tournament is picking up pace, the guile and precision of Bhuvneshwar is coming to the fore. In the game against Kings XI Punjab, when Chris Gayle slaughtered all bowlers, Bhuvneshwar gave away just 25 runs in his four overs.

In the game that preceded the match against the Kings, Bhuvneshwar had bowled a fine spell against the Kolkata Knight Riders to be the pick of the bowlers for his side. He had returned with figures of 3/26 in the match and had taken the big wickets of Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa in the innings.

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<p>The 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League is proving out to be a very thrilling season. It has been only two weeks in to the cricket carnival, and the fans have already witness some high class action. As the second week came to an end with a <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-match-17-csk-vs-rr-review-shane-watson-and-bowlers-walk-out-with-a-swagger-of-a-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>marquee clash between the returning franchises</strong></a>, the IPL 2018 is now set to enter the third week with a promise of only getting better and bigger in the days to follow.</p>
<p>Before one gets ready for the third week of the tournament, it is only justified to relive some of the spectacular performances that the players came up with during the second week of the season. The second week saw two tons being scored. Also, there was something for the bowlers too. Umesh Yadav bowled a fiery spell against the Mumbai Indians to scalp two wickets in the first two balls of the match.</p>
<p>The fielding has been top class with some spectacular catches being taken in the tournament – be it Manish Pandey’s athletic abilities in the field, or be it K Gowtham’s stunners against the Chennai Super Kings. All in all, the week that just passed had some breathtaking brand of cricket on display. Here we pick the top eleven performers of the week. While the first week was about the new stars dominating, the second week had the legends taking the center stage.</p>
<h3>Here is the Best XI from the second week of IPL 2018:</h3>
<h4>1. Shane Watson – Chennai Super Kings</h4>
<figure id="attachment_242471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shane-Watson-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson proved yet again why he is tipped as one of the finest all-rounders in the shortest format of the game. Watson became the second centurion of the season after his whirlwind knock against the Rajasthan Royals in Pune. Watson plundered 106 runs in just 57 deliveries with 9 fours and 6 maximums to take CSK to a total of 204 in the match.</p>
<p>Later, he backed it up with a fine spell of 1/13 in 3 overs. Earlier, in the game against the Kings XI Punjab, he had fared decently with the ball with 1/15 to his name. The Chennai Super Kings would be happy to see Watson picking up the right pace at the right time in the tournament.</p>
<h4>2. Chris Gayle – Kings XI Punjab</h4>
<figure id="attachment_242084" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242084" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-242084" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242084" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Universe Boss Chris Gayle gave his first look in the IPL 2018 in the second week of the season. He had warmed the bench in the first week and got his chances for his new franchise in the second week. The veteran batsman <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/a-lot-of-people-thought-that-i-am-old-says-chris-gayle-after-6th-ipl-ton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>showed that the age is just a number.</strong></a> Gayle played two matches in the week and returned with two spectacular performances.</p>
<p>Playing against the Chennai Super Kings, Gayle hammered 63 with the bat. In the next game, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he bettered his own effort and became the first centurion of the season. Gayle scored an unbeaten 104 in the winning cause for his side. His efforts ended the unbeaten run of the SRH camp.</p>
<h4>3. Rohit Sharma – Mumbai Indians</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241329" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241329" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-241329" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma Mumbai Indians" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241329" class="wp-caption-text">MI captain Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma was under the firing range of a lot of critics for the poor show of his side in the first three matches. The Men in Blue had lost their first three games of the season and many believed that Rohit lacked the knack of leading from the front.</p>
<p>The veteran batsman responded to the critics in the best possible fashion. Having arrived at the crease at 0/2 in the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-rohit-sharma-faced-arjun-tendulkar-in-the-nets-just-before-scoring-94-against-rcb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>game against Royal Challengers Bangalore</strong></a>, Rohit played a marathon knock of 94 to take his team to a total of 213/6. His efforts came off just 52 deliveries with 10 boundaries and a five sixes. He led his side to their first win this season. And the MI fans would believe, that there will certainly be more to follow.</p>
<h4>4.&nbsp;Jason Roy – Delhi Daredevils</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240270" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240270" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Jason-Roy-shot.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-240270" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jason-Roy-shot.jpg" alt="Jason Roy" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240270" class="wp-caption-text">Jason Roy of Delhi Daredevils in action. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The second week of the IPL 2018 kick-started with a day game between Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Daredevils. The Mumbai Indians were blown away by a certain Jason Roy in the game. Roy, who played his first game for the Delhi camp, helped his side register their first and the only win of the season thus far.</p>
<p>Chasing a target of 194 was never going to be easy. But Roy made it a point to steer his side home with an unbeaten knock. He scored 91 off just 53 deliveries with 6 sixes and as many number of fours in the match. Since then, Roy has largely failed, but his efforts to help DD get on the points board fetches him a place in the list.</p>
<h4>5. Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bangalore</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241397" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Virat-Kohli-7.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-241397" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-7.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli IPL" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241397" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli of RCB plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Virat Kohli has been a lone ranger for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. In the match against Mumbai Indians, they were chasing 214 for the win. Kohli, who had opened the innings, remained unbeaten on 92 off 62 deliveries with 7 fours and 4 sixes.</p>
<p>He batted through the innings but his team fell short by 46 runs. He found no support from the other end. Now, many believe that the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-rcb-not-deserve-player-like-virat-kohli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RCB team do not deserve a player like Virat Kohli</strong></a>. Earlier in the week, Kohli had hammered 57 off deliveries in the game against the Rajasthan Royals, again in a losing cause.</p>
<h4>6. Sanju Samson – Rajasthan Royals</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240569" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240569" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Sanju-Samson-shot.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-240569" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-shot.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240569" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson of Rajasthan Royals in action. (Photo by: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Young Sanju Samson has been around for quite some time in the IPL. With every passing edition of the tournament, he is only getting better. This season, he has been a mainstay in the Rajasthan Royals batting lineup along with Ajinkya Rahane. Albeit Samson has lost his plot in the last couple of games, the way he had started off the week helps him make the cut in this elite list.</p>
<p>Samson had hammered an unbeaten 92 off just 45 deliveries with a couple of fours and 10 maximums against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His knock had fetched him praised from all corners. Some of his <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-ben-laughlin-draws-comparison-sanju-samson-don-bradman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>teammates compared him to Don Bradman</strong></a> and the ones from the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-ab-de-villiers-feels-that-sanju-samson-is-an-exciting-talent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>opposition hailed him as a star of the future</strong></a>.</p>
<h4>7. MS Dhoni (C &amp; WK) – Chennai Super Kings</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240646" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240646" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/MSD.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-240646" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MSD.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240646" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings in action. (Photo by: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Veteran Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is always under the constant scrutiny of the cricket pundits. This edition of the IPL has been no exception either. Coming in to the game against the Kings XI Punjab, Dhoni was under some serious heat to perform. Also, chasing a total of 197 was never going to make it easy.</p>
<p>Despite the odds being against him, Dhoni singlehandedly marshaled along to take the game to the very last ball. CSK fell short by just 4 runs eventually despite a last ball six from Dhoni. Dhoni batted through pain and remained unbeaten on 79 from 44 deliveries with six fours and five sixes. Well, it is rightly said, one should <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/england-women-cricketers-shower-praises-legend-ms-dhoni/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>never write off a legend</strong></a>.</p>
<h4>8. Andre Russell – Kolkata Knight Riders</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241020" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241020" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Andre-Russell-4.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-241020" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Andre-Russell-4.jpg" alt="Andre Russell" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241020" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Windies all-rounder Andre Russell has undoubtedly been the most entertaining cricketer in this season of the IPL. After his heroics in the first week of the season against the Chennai Super Kings, Russell continued his entertaining show in the second week. In the match against the Delhi Daredevils, he unleashed the beast yet again.</p>
<p>He hammered 41 off just 12 balls to propel the KKR total to 200 in the match. His knock was studded with six brutal maximums. Interestingly, all these sixes came off against the pace of Mohammed Shami. Russell is surely one of the most valuable players of this year’s IPL thus far.</p>
<h4>9. Trent Boult – Delhi Daredevils</h4>
<figure id="attachment_239233" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-239233" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Trent-Boult.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-239233" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Trent Boult" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-239233" class="wp-caption-text">Trent Boult of Delhi Daredevils celebrates fall of Ben Stokes’ wicket. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The shortest format of the game if a cruel one for the fast bowlers. One does not really get to see the fast bowlers dictating terms in the T20 cricket. But the case is quite different for Trent Boult. The Kiwi speedster has been bowling very well for his side, the Delhi Daredevils.</p>
<p>In the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he returned with figures of 2/29 in 4 overs. In the very same game, the KKR had posted a total of 200. Boult was the solitary positive for his side. He had started off his spell with a maiden. Also, he dismissed Andre Russell with a brilliant yorker. Russell had plundered 41 off 12 balls in the game.</p>
<p></p>
<h4>10. Nitish Rana – Kolkata Knight Riders</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241023" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241023" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Nitish-Rana-3.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-241023" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Nitish-Rana-3.jpg" alt="Nitish Rana" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241023" class="wp-caption-text">Nitish Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-bond-nitish-rana-sanju-samson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nitish Rana</strong></a> is slowly making a name for himself in the tournament this year. He was among the top performers in the first week and has managed to continue his good run in the second week as well. Rana played a match-winning knock of 59 runs against the Delhi Daredevils in Kolkata.</p>
<p>His knock had come off just 35 deliveries on the day. Rana backed it up with a brilliant all-round show in the next game against the Rajasthan Royals. He dismissed the two set batsmen of the opposition camp, Ajinkya Rahane and D Arcy Short, with his part timers in the game. Later, he scored an unbeaten 35 off 27 balls to see his side home in the match.</p>
<h4>11. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Sunrisers Hyderabad</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240348" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240348" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-240348" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg" alt="Bhuvneshwar Kumar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240348" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Bhuvneshwar had a slow start to the season and looked a bit off-color at the onset. But now, as the tournament is picking up pace, the guile and precision of Bhuvneshwar is coming to the fore. In the game against Kings XI Punjab, when Chris Gayle slaughtered all bowlers, Bhuvneshwar gave away just 25 runs in his four overs.</p>
<p>In the game that preceded the match against the Kings, Bhuvneshwar had bowled a fine spell against the Kolkata Knight Riders to be the pick of the bowlers for his side. He had returned with figures of 3/26 in the match and had taken the big wickets of Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa in the innings.</p>
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<p>The 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League is proving out to be a very thrilling season. It has been only two weeks in to the cricket carnival, and the fans have already witness some high class action. As the second week came to an end with a <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-match-17-csk-vs-rr-review-shane-watson-and-bowlers-walk-out-with-a-swagger-of-a-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>marquee clash between the returning franchises</strong></a>, the IPL 2018 is now set to enter the third week with a promise of only getting better and bigger in the days to follow.</p>
<p>Before one gets ready for the third week of the tournament, it is only justified to relive some of the spectacular performances that the players came up with during the second week of the season. The second week saw two tons being scored. Also, there was something for the bowlers too. Umesh Yadav bowled a fiery spell against the Mumbai Indians to scalp two wickets in the first two balls of the match.</p>
<p>The fielding has been top class with some spectacular catches being taken in the tournament &#8211; be it Manish Pandey&#8217;s athletic abilities in the field, or be it K Gowtham&#8217;s stunners against the Chennai Super Kings. All in all, the week that just passed had some breathtaking brand of cricket on display. Here we pick the top eleven performers of the week. While the first week was about the new stars dominating, the second week had the legends taking the center stage.</p>
<h3>Here is the Best XI from the second week of IPL 2018:</h3>
<h4>1. Shane Watson &#8211; Chennai Super Kings</h4>
<figure id="attachment_242471" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242471" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Shane-Watson-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242471" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-1.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242471" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson proved yet again why he is tipped as one of the finest all-rounders in the shortest format of the game. Watson became the second centurion of the season after his whirlwind knock against the Rajasthan Royals in Pune. Watson plundered 106 runs in just 57 deliveries with 9 fours and 6 maximums to take CSK to a total of 204 in the match.</p>
<p>Later, he backed it up with a fine spell of 1/13 in 3 overs. Earlier, in the game against the Kings XI Punjab, he had fared decently with the ball with 1/15 to his name. The Chennai Super Kings would be happy to see Watson picking up the right pace at the right time in the tournament.</p>
<h4>2. Chris Gayle &#8211; Kings XI Punjab</h4>
<figure id="attachment_242084" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-242084" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-242084" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-242084" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Universe Boss Chris Gayle gave his first look in the IPL 2018 in the second week of the season. He had warmed the bench in the first week and got his chances for his new franchise in the second week. The veteran batsman <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/a-lot-of-people-thought-that-i-am-old-says-chris-gayle-after-6th-ipl-ton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>showed that the age is just a number.</strong></a> Gayle played two matches in the week and returned with two spectacular performances.</p>
<p>Playing against the Chennai Super Kings, Gayle hammered 63 with the bat. In the next game, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he bettered his own effort and became the first centurion of the season. Gayle scored an unbeaten 104 in the winning cause for his side. His efforts ended the unbeaten run of the SRH camp.</p>
<h4>3. Rohit Sharma &#8211; Mumbai Indians</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241329" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241329" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241329" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma Mumbai Indians" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241329" class="wp-caption-text">MI captain Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma was under the firing range of a lot of critics for the poor show of his side in the first three matches. The Men in Blue had lost their first three games of the season and many believed that Rohit lacked the knack of leading from the front.</p>
<p>The veteran batsman responded to the critics in the best possible fashion. Having arrived at the crease at 0/2 in the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-rohit-sharma-faced-arjun-tendulkar-in-the-nets-just-before-scoring-94-against-rcb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>game against Royal Challengers Bangalore</strong></a>, Rohit played a marathon knock of 94 to take his team to a total of 213/6. His efforts came off just 52 deliveries with 10 boundaries and a five sixes. He led his side to their first win this season. And the MI fans would believe, that there will certainly be more to follow.</p>
<h4>4. Jason Roy &#8211; Delhi Daredevils</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240270" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240270" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Jason-Roy-shot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240270" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jason-Roy-shot.jpg" alt="Jason Roy" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240270" class="wp-caption-text">Jason Roy of Delhi Daredevils in action. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The second week of the IPL 2018 kick-started with a day game between Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Daredevils. The Mumbai Indians were blown away by a certain Jason Roy in the game. Roy, who played his first game for the Delhi camp, helped his side register their first and the only win of the season thus far.</p>
<p>Chasing a target of 194 was never going to be easy. But Roy made it a point to steer his side home with an unbeaten knock. He scored 91 off just 53 deliveries with 6 sixes and as many number of fours in the match. Since then, Roy has largely failed, but his efforts to help DD get on the points board fetches him a place in the list.</p>
<h4>5. Virat Kohli &#8211; Royal Challengers Bangalore</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241397" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Virat-Kohli-7.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241397" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-7.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241397" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli of RCB plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Virat Kohli has been a lone ranger for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. In the match against Mumbai Indians, they were chasing 214 for the win. Kohli, who had opened the innings, remained unbeaten on 92 off 62 deliveries with 7 fours and 4 sixes.</p>
<p>He batted through the innings but his team fell short by 46 runs. He found no support from the other end. Now, many believe that the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-rcb-not-deserve-player-like-virat-kohli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RCB team do not deserve a player like Virat Kohli</strong></a>. Earlier in the week, Kohli had hammered 57 off deliveries in the game against the Rajasthan Royals, again in a losing cause.</p>
<h4>6. Sanju Samson &#8211; Rajasthan Royals</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240569" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240569" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Sanju-Samson-shot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240569" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-shot.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240569" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson of Rajasthan Royals in action. (Photo by: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Young Sanju Samson has been around for quite some time in the IPL. With every passing edition of the tournament, he is only getting better. This season, he has been a mainstay in the Rajasthan Royals batting lineup along with Ajinkya Rahane. Albeit Samson has lost his plot in the last couple of games, the way he had started off the week helps him make the cut in this elite list.</p>
<p>Samson had hammered an unbeaten 92 off just 45 deliveries with a couple of fours and 10 maximums against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His knock had fetched him praised from all corners. Some of his <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-ben-laughlin-draws-comparison-sanju-samson-don-bradman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>teammates compared him to Don Bradman</strong></a> and the ones from the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-ab-de-villiers-feels-that-sanju-samson-is-an-exciting-talent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>opposition hailed him as a star of the future</strong></a>.</p>
<h4>7. MS Dhoni (C &amp; WK) &#8211; Chennai Super Kings</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240646" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240646" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/MSD.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240646" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/MSD.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240646" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings in action. (Photo by: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Veteran Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is always under the constant scrutiny of the cricket pundits. This edition of the IPL has been no exception either. Coming in to the game against the Kings XI Punjab, Dhoni was under some serious heat to perform. Also, chasing a total of 197 was never going to make it easy.</p>
<p>Despite the odds being against him, Dhoni singlehandedly marshaled along to take the game to the very last ball. CSK fell short by just 4 runs eventually despite a last ball six from Dhoni. Dhoni batted through pain and remained unbeaten on 79 from 44 deliveries with six fours and five sixes. Well, it is rightly said, one should <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/england-women-cricketers-shower-praises-legend-ms-dhoni/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>never write off a legend</strong></a>.</p>
<h4>8. Andre Russell &#8211; Kolkata Knight Riders</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241020" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241020" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Andre-Russell-4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241020" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Andre-Russell-4.jpg" alt="Andre Russell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241020" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Windies all-rounder Andre Russell has undoubtedly been the most entertaining cricketer in this season of the IPL. After his heroics in the first week of the season against the Chennai Super Kings, Russell continued his entertaining show in the second week. In the match against the Delhi Daredevils, he unleashed the beast yet again.</p>
<p>He hammered 41 off just 12 balls to propel the KKR total to 200 in the match. His knock was studded with six brutal maximums. Interestingly, all these sixes came off against the pace of Mohammed Shami. Russell is surely one of the most valuable players of this year&#8217;s IPL thus far.</p>
<h4>9. Trent Boult &#8211; Delhi Daredevils</h4>
<figure id="attachment_239233" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-239233" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Trent-Boult.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-239233" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Trent-Boult.jpg" alt="Trent Boult" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-239233" class="wp-caption-text">Trent Boult of Delhi Daredevils celebrates fall of Ben Stokes&#8217; wicket. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The shortest format of the game if a cruel one for the fast bowlers. One does not really get to see the fast bowlers dictating terms in the T20 cricket. But the case is quite different for Trent Boult. The Kiwi speedster has been bowling very well for his side, the Delhi Daredevils.</p>
<p>In the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he returned with figures of 2/29 in 4 overs. In the very same game, the KKR had posted a total of 200. Boult was the solitary positive for his side. He had started off his spell with a maiden. Also, he dismissed Andre Russell with a brilliant yorker. Russell had plundered 41 off 12 balls in the game.</p>
<p></p>
<h4>10. Nitish Rana &#8211; Kolkata Knight Riders</h4>
<figure id="attachment_241023" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-241023" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Nitish-Rana-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-241023" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Nitish-Rana-3.jpg" alt="Nitish Rana" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-241023" class="wp-caption-text">Nitish Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2018-bond-nitish-rana-sanju-samson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nitish Rana</strong></a> is slowly making a name for himself in the tournament this year. He was among the top performers in the first week and has managed to continue his good run in the second week as well. Rana played a match-winning knock of 59 runs against the Delhi Daredevils in Kolkata.</p>
<p>His knock had come off just 35 deliveries on the day. Rana backed it up with a brilliant all-round show in the next game against the Rajasthan Royals. He dismissed the two set batsmen of the opposition camp, Ajinkya Rahane and D Arcy Short, with his part timers in the game. Later, he scored an unbeaten 35 off 27 balls to see his side home in the match.</p>
<h4>11. Bhuvneshwar Kumar &#8211; Sunrisers Hyderabad</h4>
<figure id="attachment_240348" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-240348" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/04/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-240348" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg" alt="Bhuvneshwar Kumar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-240348" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad&#8217;s Bhuvneshwar Kumar in action. (Photo by: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Bhuvneshwar had a slow start to the season and looked a bit off-color at the onset. But now, as the tournament is picking up pace, the guile and precision of Bhuvneshwar is coming to the fore. In the game against Kings XI Punjab, when Chris Gayle slaughtered all bowlers, Bhuvneshwar gave away just 25 runs in his four overs.</p>
<p>In the game that preceded the match against the Kings, Bhuvneshwar had bowled a fine spell against the Kolkata Knight Riders to be the pick of the bowlers for his side. He had returned with figures of 3/26 in the match and had taken the big wickets of Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa in the innings.</p>
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While the first week was about the new stars dominating, the second week had the legends taking the center stage.

IPL 2018, Week 2 - Best XI of the Week

The 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League is proving out to be a very thrilling season. It has been only two weeks in to the cricket carnival, and the