IPL 2018: Batsmen who have flourished so far in the 11th edition

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The willow wielders have once again hogged all the limelight in the ongoing eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Power-hitting, deft touches, clean striking have ruled the roost and provided the fans with some serious excitement. While many fans claim that this season has been one of the best, the cricket pundits feel that there is still plenty more to come in the remainder of the tournament. With over a month passed so far, we take a look at the top five batsmen who have proved their worth IPL, smashing runs galore and have no intention of pausing their game. 

So far till May 8 before match no. 40 of IPL 2018, 561 sixes have been smashed and the longest one registered was of a whopping 111 metres. In  39 matches this season, 12,901 runs have been scored in which 7,630 runs have come from boundaries. All the capped, uncapped players or the marquee players have managed to leave a mark with their performances with the bat. We take a look at the top five batsmen who have scored the most runs and are the ones the teams should look out for. 

1. Ambati Rayudu (Chennai Super Kings)

One of the most feared and consistent batsmen in the Indian Premier League, Ambati Rayudu has made a big statement this season with his blade and seems to have some unfinished business. The top-order batsman has been simply destructive with his performances so far which makes him the leading run scorer and current orange cap holder in the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League. He has helped Chennai win many matches this season with his fine innings and Rayudu does what he does best. Smash.

STATS: In the 10 matches Rayudu has played this season, he has amassed a staggering 423 runs so far in the 10 innings with a best score of 82. With an electrifying strike rate of 151.61, Rayudu has scored 2 half centuries, scoring 39 fours and 22 sixes. Rayudu, has been the man to look out for in the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League.

2. Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Ever since taking charge of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the New Zealand team's skipper has admirably led the Orange camp in absence of David Warner who was banned under the ball-tampering scandal. Much to everyone's surprise, Sunrisers Hyderabad are at the top of the points table In IPL-11 and boasts off the best bowling unit of the tournament. They have won many under pressure matches and successfully defended low totals under the smart leadership of Williamson. He has led the team from the front with the bat scoring five half-centuries in this edition of the cash-rich league. 

STATS: In the 10 matches Sunrisers Hyderabad have played, the Kiwi has been exceptional and one factor which differentiates him from the other captains and batsman, has been his patience and leadership qualities. Kane has scored 410 runs so far and a highest score of 84. With a strike rate of 131.83, Williamson has hit 34 fours and 14 sixes, which places him at the second spot for now (May 8).

3. Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)

Undoubtedly, Suryakumar has been one of the most impressive batsmen this season for defending champions Mumbai Indians. The opener has consistently provided Mumbai good starts at the top of the order and has knitted crucial partnerships to lay the foundation of a big score.

STATS: In the 10 matches Suryakumar has played, he has hit four half-centuries and has scored a mammoth 399 runs. He has a best score of 72 this season and has a healthy strike rate of 132.11, smashing 45 fours and 12 sixes. Suryakumar has been exquisite to watch this season and has made the most of his opportunities in the powerplay. 

4. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

It is a regular routine for every cricket enthusiast to find the name of Indian captain Virat Kohli in almost every second modern day batting records or charts where he can easily be found. Royal Challengers Bangalore have always been known to have world class players in their line-up with the likes of Kohli, AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum in their ranks. But a cut above the rest, the 29-year old is once again a prolific scorer for his franchise and is the best bet of his team in a crisis situation. He is the most feared and aggressive batsmen on field and every bowler who comes across him, knows for a fact that it is a hard task getting the wizard out. Despite his good outings with the bat in the current season, RCB have failed to perform as a team and are languishing at sixth spot in the points table. 

STATS: In the ten matches the RCB skipper has played, Kohli has smashed 396 runs, with his personal highest of unbeaten 92. He also boasts off an impressive strike rate of 135.15. Kohli ha smashed 37 fours and 13 sixes so far. With a few more matches left, Kohli still has the chance to top the batters list. 

5. Rishabh Pant (Delhi Daredevils)

Delhi Daredevils have had a poor run so far in the season, languishing in the bottom four, however, their middle-order batsman Rishabh Pant has been the one who has been making a difference for the team. Pant has been fearsome so far in the 11th edition of the IPL and with his spontaneous innovation under pressure, Pant has been on a different zone so far and only has eyes for the big ones. He doesn't mind taking the ariel route and plays his natural game he is known for.

STATS: Pant is on the fifth spot in the top five batsmen and in the 10 matches he has played, he has scored a whopping 393 runs with his individual best of 85. With a thundering strike rate of 173.12, the highest in the top five, Pant has smashed three half-centuries, hammered 41 fours and 20 sixes.