IPL: Overseas batsmen with most runs in the tournament

#4 Shane Watson: 3177 runs in 113 innings

Shane Watson

Shane Watson had been injured for a long time when Rajasthan Royals drafted him into the side in the first IPL auction, without too much hope pinned on him. Fast forward to 1 June 2008, Rajasthan Royals were crowned champions and Watson grabbed the Player of the Series trophy. It was the tournament that propelled Watson into the forefront of T20 cricket.

Shane Watson scored 472 runs and bagged 17 wickets in what ended as a dream inaugural season. He ended up being picked again in the Australian squad in 2008 and went on to become a premier opener for his national team.

Watson's IPL record speaks for itself - 3177 runs in 113 innings at a strike rate of 141.20. He has been a lethal player for every side he's played. He won the Player of the Tournament award again in 2013, scoring an impressive 543 runs at a strike rate of 142.

His IPL stints have formed the foundation for an extremely successful international T20 career, from which he retired in 2016, ranked as the world's No. 1 all-rounder. Watson also played a key role in CSK's title win in 2018.