Top performers of IPL 2012 so far

IPL extravaganza has begun in a grand fashion, throwing up some nail-biting contests and has produced some great performances both with the bat and ball. From Ajinkya Rahane to Faf du Plessis and Munaf Patel to Sunil Narine, cricketers from all over the planet have provided wholesome entertainment to the fans and this is just the beginning of the IPL jamboree.

Slideshow» Here we take a look at the top performer of the IPL so far: Top three Batsmen Ajinkya Rahane Ajinkya Rahane has set the ball rolling in the fifth edition of IPL with his blazing match-winning knocks of 98 and 102* for Rajasthan Royals. The orange cap holder has set the stage on fire accumulating boundaries at breathtaking pace. The Mumbai lad who was with Mumbai Indians for the first three editions didn’t get many chances to play. However, this year right from the first match against KXI, he has been the highest run scorer and in 7 games so far has scored 319 runs at 53.16 including a century. Faf du Plessis The South African recruit of Chennai Super Kings, Francois du Plessis or ‘Faf’ has joined the IPL bandwagon milking to the fullest the opportunity presented to him. Opening the innings for CSK, Du Plessis has so far accumulated 302 runs at 53.16 in 7 innings. Owais Shah Karachi-born Owais Shah was bought by Rajasthan Royals this year after his previous franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala was terminated. He has justified his place in the side by scoring 3 fifties in 7 innings. He has so far scored 268 runs at 53.60 Top three Bowlers Morne Morkel The lanky speedster from South Africa was bought by Delhi Daredevils in the IPL 2012 auction. He has carried international form in IPL claiming 15 wickets in 6 matches. In his 23 overs bowled so far, he has given away 162 runs. Munaf Patel Once hailed as the fastest man in Indian cricket Munaf Patel plays for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. He hasn’t played for India since England tour but has emerged as the leading wicket taker in IPL 5 so far. In four matches he has bowled 14.4 overs and taken 10 wickets at 8.90 while giving away 89 runs. Kevon Cooper Before IPL 2012 began the name Kevon Cooper didn’t ring any bell with Indian cricket fans. However, just after playing in his only second IPL match for Rajasthan, Cooper found himself wearing the purple cap. So far in 4 matches he has claimed 10 wickets. He has bowled 16 overs and given away 12 runs. Statistics updated till 21st April