From IPL Archives: Top run-scorer of each side during 2009 season

#2 Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers)

Adam Gilchrist

Key Statistics: Matches 16, Innings 16, Not Outs 0, Runs 495, Highest 85, Centuries 0, Fifties 3, Average 30.94, Strike Rate 152.31.

Adam Gilchrist and co. had a really disappointing campaign in the opening season of the Indian Premier League in 2008, and the side was determined to make amends as the attention shifted to South Africa the very next year. True to their word, the side emerged champions within two more months and underlined a spectacular comeback.

Among the champions, their captain Gilchrist himself played one of the most pivotal roles for the side in the tournament, eventually coming second behind national teammate Hayden in the run-charts. He opened the innings for the Chargers throughout the event and amassed 495 runs from 16 innings, at a strike rate of over 150.

His best knock came against table-toppers Delhi in the semi-finals, when he scored 85 off 35 balls to help his team overcome the 154-run target with relative ease. His innings effectively removed Delhi from the remainder of the tournament, after they had a brilliant run in the group stages.