IPL 2017, Team of the week: April 5th-9th

Openers

Rishabh Pant was spectacular in his first match

Chris Lynn – There was a lot expected of this 27-year-old big-hitting Australian and he did not disappoint as he smashed his way to an unbeaten 93 of just 41 deliveries to help Kolkata Knight Riders thrash the Gujarat Lions in their first match of the season.

His knock included 6 fours and 8 sixes and he was involved in an 184 run partnership with Gautam Gambhir which turned out to be the highest ever opening wicket stand ever in IPL history. He wasn’t as explosive in the second match against the Mumbai Indians but he still managed to score 32.

Unfortunately, he is set for a lengthy lay-off after he injured his shoulder while fielding in the second innings of the match against Mumbai.

Rishabh Pant played an exemplary knock of 57 in his first match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and almost single-handedly took his side to victory but unfortunately was dismissed in the very last over.

What made his knock even more special was that he had just come back from performing his father’s last rites in his hometown Roorkee the day prior to the match. In a side filled with players with a lot of experience, Pant was the only one who showed a lot of maturity in his batting performance.

With the form he has shown over the past 12 months, he could go on to challenge for the top scorers of the tournament.