The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is alive and kicking. A total of eight matches have been played in IPL 2023 and the franchises involved have provided immense entertainment to their loyal supporters. After six days of action in the cash-rich tournament, all teams have played at least one game while a few franchises have played two matches. While the tournament began with a blockbuster clash between the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) and four-time title winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the campaign's first weekend ended with a big-ticket clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the most successful IPL team, Mumbai Indians (MI).
In the new week thus far, GT and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) continued to stride in the right direction and flexed their muscle to rise to the top of the points table. The two franchises are tied on four points at the top of the standing. Four teams in the cash-rich tournament are yet to open their account this season.
While it's still early days in this edition of the cash-rich league, each franchise would have analysed its strengths and weaknesses depending on the performances. Let's take a closer look at the points table.
1. Gujarat Titans: The defending champions registered back-to-back wins to begin their season and are currently in first place with 4 points and an NRR of 0.700.
2. Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan's side rose to second place on the points table after defeating Rajasthan Royals on April 5 (Wednesday). The franchise has four points after two matches played and an NRR of 0.333.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore: The Red Army defeated Mumbai Indians by eight wickets and began their season in tremendous style. Faf du Plessis' side is currently third on the points table with an NNR of +1.981
4. Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson's side now has one win and one loss in two matches played in the season so far. With two points and an NRR of 1.675, the Royals are dropped down from the second place to the fourth spot in the standings.
5. Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul's men began their season on the right note as they trounced Delhi Capitals but lost their second game against the Super Kings. With two points in as many matches and an NRR of 0.950, the Giants are currently in fourth place in the standings.
6. Chennai Super Kings: The Men in Yellow are in sixth place in the standings after losing one and winning one game to begin their season. They have an NRR of 0.036.
7. Kolkata Knight Riders: The two-time champions suffered a defeat against Punjab and are in sixth place in the standings with an NRR of -0.438.
8. Delhi Capitals: David Warner's team is in eighth place in the standings with two losses in as many games. They have an NRR of -1.703
9: Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma's men are in eighth place in the standings with an NRR of -1.981.
10: Sunrisers Hyderabad: The Orange Army is stationed at the bottom of the points table with an NRR of -3.600.
Let's look at the players leading the race when it comes to the Purple Cap (leading wicket-takers).
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