IPL 2015: Best XI from Week 5 of Indian Premier League
The Indian Premier League’s fifth week saw more exhibitions of superb batting and bowling from the top Twenty20 players in the world as they desperately try to win the tournament.
A number of individuals managed to impress with bat and ball, with some notable performances highlighting another week of tight competition.
Read on for a best XI made up of players who stood out in the fifth week of the IPL.
All stats courtesy of ESPNCricinfo, games played between May 2 and May 8 taken into account.
1. Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals)
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At the top of the order is Indian opener Ajinkya Rahane, who was very impressive for the Rajasthan Royals in Week 5.
His highlight came against the Delhi Daredevils, when he scored an unbeaten 91 from just 54 deliveries.
2. Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
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One of the best innings of this year’s IPL came courtesy of Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Chris Gayle, who makes his way into this team of the week as a result.
Gayle hit Kings XI Punjab for 117 from just 57 balls for an astonishing strike rate of 205.26, a knock that helped his team win by 138 runs.
3. David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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David Warner may well have been strong in the opening position for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but for the purposes of this team, he will come in at three.
The Australian looked in splendid form with his attacking play and remains consistent at the top of Hyderabad’s order.
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4. Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings)
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Next up for our team of the week is Suresh Raina of Chennai Super Kings, who continues to be strong in their top order.
His highlight in IPL Week 5 was a 52 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, which helped the Super Kings to another victory.
5. Eoin Morgan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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Eoin Morgan could have played for England but has instead played impressively for Sunrisers Hyderabad last week.
His top score of 63 came against Rajasthan, while his unbeaten 32 against Chennai was also a strong knock.
6. Karun Nair (Rajasthan Royals)
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Young Indian batsman Karun Nair has been impressive for the Rajasthan Royals and is rewarded for his form with a spot in our team of the week.
His best of 61 was vital for Rajasthan against the Delhi Daredevils, and the talented 23-year-old has shown just what he is capable of.
7. Robin Uthappa (Kolkata Knight Riders): Wicketkeeper
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Robin Uthappa is typically an opener for the Kolkata Knight Riders, but for the purposes of this team of the week, he will bat at No. 7 and keep wicket.
The 29-year-old has consistently got his side off to strong starts, and while he may not have gone onto a big knock himself, he plays a vital role.
8. Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings)
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West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been a key cog for the Chennai Super Kings with both bat and ball last week.
He regularly chipped in with wickets, and while he has not always been required with the bat, an unbeaten 25 against Hyderabad showed what he is capable of in that regard.
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
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Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has looked strong for Sunrisers Hyderabad, with his lack of pace seemingly not preventing him from taking wickets.
He has been a consistent threat with the ball this week, and in our period of games, he never failed to take fewer than two wickets in an innings.
10. Mitchell Starc (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
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Australian left-armer Mitchell Starc was another seamer to do well last week, this time for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
His best was a special 4-15 against Kings XI Punjab, which demonstrated his class and how his form from the World Cup has continued.
11. Piyush Chawla (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Piyush Chawla also looked mightily impressive with the ball last week.
Chawla’s 4-32 helped restrict the Delhi Daredevils as they chased 172 to win and showed his mastery of the conditions in Kolkata.
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