IPL Worst XI of the Week: Gambhir, Hodge and Nadeem

We've only had seven matches in this, the seventh season of the Indian Premier League. However, with the first working week ending and the second beginning, it is time to pick the worst XI of that week.

There are some harsh selections here—we've not had much cricket yet, after all.

In any case, click Begin Slideshow to find out who suffers the ignominy of being picked.

1. Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders

Aijaz Rahi

2 innings, 0 runs

Things could hardly have gone worse for former Indian opener Gambhir.

Heading into this season on the back of some promising scores, he will have hoped this IPL would project him back into the frame for international selection.

As it is, he has bagged two ducks in two innings. Only KKR's victory over Mumbai on the opening night has staved off total humiliation.

2. Murali Vijay, Delhi Daredevils

Aijaz Rahi

2 innings, 18 runs

A duck in Delhi Daredevils' second fixture was preceded by just 18 in their first against RCB.

Vijay was released by CSK last season and will have been hoping for a new lease of life in Delhi.

So far, he has struggled. 

3. Manoj Tiwary, Delhi Daredevils

Rajanish Kakade

2 innings, 9 runs

Just nine runs in two matches make Tiwary a shoo-in for this side.

Delhi were saved by Duminy versus KKR but otherwise their batting has floundered.

4. Wriddhiman Saha, Kings XI Punjab

Themba Hadebe

1 innings, 2 runs

Saha has played both matches for KXIP, batting once and scoring just two runs.

He has not taken a catch or a stumping. He's probably a bit unfortunate to be lumped in the "worst team" of Week 1, but he's the worst of a bunch of keepers who have not had much to do.

5. Corey Anderson, Mumbai Indians

Ross Setford

2 innings, 20 runs, 0 wickets

Anderson was the hottest property in the auction, with a number of teams desperate for his services.

He has thus far failed to make an impact, struggling against spin with the bat and taking some tap with the ball against KKR. 

6. Brad Hodge, Rajasthan Royals

Uncredited

1 innings, 1 run

Australia's ageing T20 specialist was something of a revelation last season. However, after his eight-ball one in Rajasthan's tense chase against pathetic Sunrisers Hyderabad, his powers are suspected to be on the wane.

7. Pawan Negi, Chennai Super Kings

Uncredited

1 innings, 0 wickets

Another harsh selection. After all, Negi has only bowled three overs so far. However, he was hit for 37 in those overs when Kings XI Punjab chased 205 on Saturday.

8. Shahbaz Nadeem, Delhi Daredevils

(Source: ESPNcricinfo)

2 innings, 1 wicket

It is still early days for Delhi's promising left-arm spin bowler. However, thus far, he has really struggled for control on pitches that have assisted him.

He has conceded 61 runs in his 5.4 overs so far. 

9. Mitchell Johnson, Kings XI Punjab

Morne de Klerk/Getty Images

2 innings, 1 wicket

Hopes were high that Johnson could continue his outstanding international form in the IPL. However, on a flat batting pitch in the heat of the day, he was offered a tough introduction against CSK and bowled four wicket-less overs for an eye-watering 47 runs.

He returned well in his second match against Rajasthan but still makes the worst team of the week.

10. Vinay Kumar, Kolkata Knight Riders

Source: Mahesh Kumar A (ESPNcricinfo)

2 innings, 0 wickets

Kumar has conceded 50 runs in his six overs so far—his four overs for 35 against Delhi being particularly crucial in a narrow defeat for the Knight Riders. 

11. Pragyan Ojha, Mumbai Indians

Rajanish Kakade

2 innings, 0 wickets

There have been no wickets so far for Ojha, one of Mumbai's premier spinners, and he has conceded more than 70 runs in the process.

Mumbai will need him to come back into form if they are to defend their title.