IPL 2018: Best XI from the league stage of IPL 2018
As the round-robin stage of the IPL 2018 draws to a close, audiences have been witness to yet more amazing displays of skill and technical ability, enthralled by brute hitting and shots of finesse, searing yorkers and slow knuckleballs.
There have been spectacular catches and some silly misses. The league stage was played in a round-robin format with each franchise playing all the other 7 teams twice - home and away. After 56 matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals made it to the play-offs.
The league stage saw the highest batting score of 128* as Rishabh Pant laid claim to the Orange Cap with 684 runs, while Andrew Tye finished as the best bowler with 24 wickets.
The league stage allowed fans to experience some wonderful cricket from all eight franchises, from the world's top players. While stalwarts like Dhoni, Gayle and de Villiers showcased all of their experience and skill, it was the younger players like Markande, Mujeeb, Pant and Shaw who took the IPL by storm.
All eight franchises have given everything in qualifying for the play-offs, but only four could make it through. Here, we take a look at the best XI, capable of beating any side in the world.
Openers
Sunil Narine
The mystery spinner, who has opened the batting once more, has enjoyed a terrific season with ball and bat, scoring 327 runs at a mammoth strike rate of 182.82, and picking up 16 wickets with the ball. The swashbuckling opener is the perfect option to get a fast and furious start, with his spin coming in handy against any opposition, on any pitch.
KL Rahul
The Karnataka batsman has had a sensational 2018 season, with his batting heroics earning him a place in India's squad to tour England. The classy and technically sound player has fired on all cylinders, racking up 659 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 160.98. He has hit 66 fours thus far, the most by any batsman.