Week One of the greatest T20 league in the world has already given us some incredible entertainment and big surprises too, with great efforts from new names and also big names in new colours. So today at Man’s Life, we’re taking a look at the 5 knocks that left us awestruck from the explosive first week of the IPL (until 2nd April, 2022):
6. Faf Du Plessis (RCB) – 88 (57) vs Punjab Kings
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Captaincy isn’t an easy job and it’s even harder when you’re taking over from the most popular leader in world cricket over the last decade. But, Faf Du Plessis seemed to enjoy all the attention as he converted it to a magical debut innings for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, albeit in a losing cause, and even broke the record for the highest individual score by an overseas batter on captaincy debut in the IPL, previously held by Kieron Pollard. Du Plessis displayed why RCB and Virat Kohli put their faith in his services and looked unfazed as he seamlessly switched gears vs the PBKS bowlers to finish on 88 of just 57 deliveries in a batting masterclass.
5. Sanju Samson (RR) – 55 (27) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
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Sanju Samson from just his first innings of the IPL 2022 has put to bed any questions about why he’s so often considered to play for India! In a magical innings of 55 of just 27 deliveries, Samson played a delightful Captains knock to take the Rajasthan Royals to 210 vs 2016 Champions SRH and truly looked majestic in his stroke-play through it. From launching sixes to reverse sweeps, Samson’s innings had it all and in my opinion, along with teammate Jos Buttler, he will certainly be in the reckoning for the Orange cap this season with the form that he displayed.
4. Shubman Gill (GT) – 84 (46) vs Delhi Capitals
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There are few more elegant batsmen in full flow than Shubman Gill, and after a disappointing outing in his first game for the Gujarat Titans, he made sure he more than made up for it with his highest score in any T20 game. His 84 off 46 deliveries was laced with gorgeous shot-making and oozed class all the way through.
3. Evin Lewis (LSG) – 55* (23) vs Chennai Super Kings
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For a man who was only brought in as a replacement in the last IPL, Evin Lewis sure isn’t ever short on confidence and is a man who has found a way to always make an opportunity count. Picked up by the newbies, Lucknow Super Giants and batting in more unfamiliar territory at number 4 and not as an opener, Lewis hammered the defending champions at a time when the game looked to be heading towards the men in yellow. Chasing 211, Lewis only came out to bat in the 12th over but got the chase on track instantly and then took a liking to Shivam Dube with two fours and a six to leave just 8 to get in the final over. It was a knock to remember from the eternal comeback kid of the IPL!
2. Andre Russell (KKR) – 70* (31) vs Punjab Kings
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One thing is certain in this IPL – it’s about the power hitters who can go big from ball one and there is perhaps no one in the game more destructive in this department than Muscle Russell. On a night when the Kolkata Knight Riders found themselves in a spot of bother in a relatively low scoring chase of 138, Russell decided to put on a real show as he bludgeoned 8 towering sixes (and said later that he just middled only ONE of them) against the Punjab Kings to repay the faith in KKR playing him essentially as a pure batsman. Just scored an unbeaten 70 off just 31 deliveries to dent any hopes that the PBKS men might have had halfway through that chase.
1. Jos Buttler (RR) – 100 (68) vs Mumbai Indians
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The first and only centurion so far of IPL 2022 and what a day to do it! You always want to impress when you’re playing against a former side and the Mumbai Indians must be wondering why on earth, they ever left Jos Buttler go. In an epic innings (something we’ve gotten used to from the Englishman), Jos BOSSED the Mumbai Indians bowling line-up and took the Rajasthan Royals to a mighty total of 193 and gave us another glimpse of why he is one of the world’s best batsmen in the shorter formats!
[Featured Image Credit: ANI]
Suhail Chandhok
Vertical Head - Sports