IPL 2018 Review: Top 5 Batsmen in this years’ competition
The recently concluded Indian Premier League did see plenty of action-packed games. The league did have plenty of surprises with Chennai managing to overcome all odds to clinch third IPL crown. There are plenty of stellar batting performances throughout the competition. From Kane Williamson, incredible run-scoring spree to Shane Watson’s revival with the bat was some of the major talking points this season.
Here we take a look at the top five batsmen of 2018 Indian Premier League, who entertained cricketing fans with scintillating performances in the competition.
Kane Williamson
In the absence of David Warner, Kane Williamson raised his game with the bat for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He had a memorable run with the bat in the recently concluded Indian Premier League. Williamson topped the batting charts with 735 runs in 17 innings at an average of 52.5 with eight half-centuries to his name. He showcased incredible consistency in producing good scores throughout the competition to help Sunrisers reach the finals. Williamson faltered at the final stage as a bowling attack fell apart in the finals courtesy of special innings by Shane Watson.
Rishabh Pant
The left-handed batsman was the only standout for Delhi in the recently concluded Indian Premier League. Pant continued his good run of form in this season and amassed 684 runs in 14 innings at an average of 52.61. He produced his season’s best score of unbeaten 128 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The southpaw also notched up five half-centuries in the competition. Pant turned out to be only positive for Delhi in another disappointing campaign this season.
Lokesh Rahul
Third in the list is Lokesh Rahul, who had a tremendous season with the bat for Kings XI Punjab. Rahul smashed the fastest half-century in the history of Indian Premier League. He got his side off to rampant starts and was instrumental in Punjab doing well in the first half of the competition. Rahul amassed 659 runs in 14 innings at an average of 54.91 with five-half centuries to his name. He produced memorable performances for Kings XI Punjab in this year’s competition.
Ambati Rayudu
The biggest surprise of Indian Premier League came in form of Ambati Rayudu, who scored a lot of runs for Chennai to help them clinch the title in their comeback year. No one expected Rayudu to have such a great tournament. It turned out to be a great move for the right-handed batsman who earlier played for Mumbai Indians since 2010. He produced consistently good scores to see Chennai post big totals on the board. Ambati Rayudu scored 602 runs in 16 innings at an average of 43. He also went on to notch up his maiden IPL century.
Shane Watson
All-rounder looked a rejuvenated figure as he came into the Indian Premier League on the back of good performances in the PSL. Watson did exceedingly well at the top of the innings for Chennai and formed a lethal combination with Ambati Rayudu. He scored 555 runs in 15 innings at a strike of 154. 59. He smashed a scintillating ton in the finals against Sunrisers Hyderabad to see Chennai clinch their third IPL crown. He scored two centuries and two half-centuries in the competition. He was instrumental in Chennai scripting a perfect comeback in the Indian Premier League.
Another notable mention is Rajasthan Royal’s Jos Buttler, who smashed five half-centuries on the trot to see his side secure their playoff berth.
