Best XI of the IPL 2018 so far

No.3 - Kane Williamson (SRH)

Williamson has led SRH from the front this season

When David Warner was banned from all forms of cricket for a year due to his part in the ball-tampering incident in South Africa, it hurt SRH the most as they not only their explosive opener and also their inspirational leader, the man who had led them to the title two years ago.

Replacing him was going to be a humongous task but luckily for SRH, they had Williamson in their side and he has led the side from the front with the bat and his attacking captaincy has been influential in SRH defending a string of low scores this season.

He has made 410 runs in 10 matches at a healthy strike rate of 131.83 and an exceptional average of 51.25. His 84 off 54 balls in a losing cause against CSK earlier this season showcased his suitability for the shortest format.

More so than his batting, it is his attacking captaincy that has made SRH not feel the absence of Warner. His attacking fields, his handling of bowlers, especially Rashid Khan, who he has managed effectively, has been one of the stories of the season as SRH have defended a string of low scores this season.

If not for a certain CSK wicketkeeper-batsman, he would have definitely captained this side!