IPL 2018: The IPL XI for the month of April

The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League, with much fanfare and anticipation, kicked off on April 07, 2018.

During the course of past 23 days, we have witnessed some pulsating action in all facets of the game. While a few big names have disappointed, a plethora of talent has been on disposal, who have lit up this year's tournament.

That said, in this article today, we will form an IPL XI for the month of April.

Here's my compilation:

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Openers

#1 Ambati Rayudu (CSK)

The 32-year-old has been a revelation as a batsman thus far

The 32-year-old has been a revelation as a batsman thus far for the Chennai Super Kings.

Rayudu who represented Mumbai Indians from 2010 to 2017, was roped in by the Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 auction and has thus far been in blistering form thus far, having stroked 370 runs in seven games at an average of 52.85.

#2 Chris Gayle (KXIP)

Gayle has been in destructive form thus far in the IPL

Partnering Ambati Rayudu at the top will be the 'Universe Boss', Chris Gayle. After having not being retained by RCB, Gayle was brought in at the eleventh hour by Virender Sehwag mentored Franchise KXIP.

Gayle has been in destructive form thus far in the IPL, having already stroked a hundred and two fifties in the four matches that he has played thus far.

Middle Order

#3 Kane Williamson (SRH)

Williamson has been the bedrock of their batting unit.

With his immaculate game-sense and understanding of match situation, Kane Williamson has been a revelation for SRH this season.

A team that heavily relies on its bowling to deliver the goods, Williamson has been the bedrock of their batting unit. With four fifties in eight matches, Williamson has already accumulated 322 runs at an average of 46.00 and a strike-rate of 133.05.

#4 Virat Kohli (RCB)

Kohli has amassed 317 runs in seven matches

In at No.4 comes Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli. Though his team has led him down, Kohli after an indifferent start to the tournament came into his own with a pulsating 92 not out against Mumbai Indians.

Kohli has amassed 317 runs in seven matches at an average of 63.40 and a strike-rate of 140.26.

#5 AB de Villiers (RCB)

Mr 360 has been in full flow this season

Mr 360 AB de Villiers has been pulsating form this IPL season. de Villiers, who missed the last game due to viral, has already amassed 280 runs in six matches thus far at an average of 56.00 and a Brobdingnagian strike-rate of 184.21.

The highlight of AB de Villiers performance thus far was his swashbuckling 90 off just 39 balls that pulverized the Delhi bowlers into submission.

#6 MS Dhoni (Captain and Wicketkeeper) (CSK)

The Vintage MS Dhoni

One of the fairytales of this IPL thus far has been the resurgence of MS Dhoni- the batsman.

After striking at 121.96, 135.23 and 116.00 in the last three seasons, Dhoni has shown glimpses of former self thus far in the tournament. Dhoni has already amassed 286 runs at a fantastic strike-rate of 169.23 including a match-winning 70 not out and a 51 off 21 balls against RCB and Delhi Daredevils respectively.

Dhoni has also led his team brilliantly, CSK sitting atop of the table a testimony to the fact as mentioned above.

Spinners

#7 Rashid Khan (SRH)

The vile leg-spinner has been the bedrock of SRH's bowling attack this season.

With 10 wickets in 8 matches, at an Economy of 7.25 and an average of 23.20, Rashid walks into our IPL XI for the month of April.

The vile leg-spinner has been the bedrock of SRH's bowling attack this season.

#8 Mayank Markand (MI)

Markande bamboozled Dhoni with a wrong'un.

The young leg-spinner has been a revelation in his debut IPL season. With 10 wickets across seven matches, Markande has managed to bamboozle the batsmen with his guile and a plethora of skills, most prominent being the wrong'un at his disposal.

Fast-bowlers

#9 Siddarth Kaul (SRH)

Kaul has stepped up big time in the absence of Bhuvi

Kaul's death bowling in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a cornerstone for SRH's bowling success this season thus far.

With ice-cool temperament and a variety of skills, most prominent being the knuckle-balls, Kaul has bagged 11 wickets in eight games at an average of 20.00 and economy of 6.87.

#10 Jasprit Bumrah (MI)

Bumrah would form a perfect foil to Siddarth Kaul at the backend of the innings.

With eight wickets in seven matches at an average of 25.25, Bumrah has been a vital member of the Mumbai Indians bowling attack in this season thus far.

With an immaculate ability to nail down yorkers at the death, Bumrah would form a perfect foil to Siddarth Kaul at the backend of the innings.

#11 Umesh Yadav (RCB)

Umesh has been brilliant in the Powerplay overs.

In a bowling attack looking for consistency, Umesh Yadav has more often than not hit the right straps this season especially in the powerplay overs.

Umesh has bagged nine wickets across seven games at an average of 25.66 and ve more often than not picked up crucial wickets at the start of the innings, most pivotal being his spell of 3-23 against the KXIP earlier in the tournament.