Man of the Match is a crucial award in the cricket games. It is an honor for the player who performs the best in a particular game. Every player wants to win this award, but it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Everyone has a habit of remembering firsts in cricket. For example, India won the first T20 World Cup in 2007, and Rajasthan Royals won the first IPL in 2008. However, do all fans remember the 1st Man of the Match award winner for each franchise in 2008? Here’s a list.
1. Brendon McCullum – 1st Man of the Match for Kolkata Knight Riders
Brendon McCullum was the first Player of the Match award winner in IPL history. He won the award for his 158-run knock in the opening game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The former Kolkata Knight Riders opener is now England’s Test coach.
2. Mark Boucher – 1st Man of the Match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Mark Boucher’s unbeaten 19-ball 39 helped RCB record their first win of IPL history against Mumbai Indians. Interestingly, Boucher is the head coach of the Mumbai Indians team now.
3. Adam Gilchrist – 1st Man of the Match for Deccan Chargers
Adam Gilchrist had a lovely association with Deccan Chargers. He led them to their first trophy in 2009, and a year before that, he won Player of the Match for a ton against Mumbai Indians. Gilchrist has retired and works as a commentator in Australia now.
4. Farveez Maharoof – 1st Man of the Match for Delhi Daredevils
Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof was the first Player of the Match award winner for the Delhi Daredevils team. He took 2/11 against Rajasthan Royals on debut, and right now, he plays in Legends League.
5. Michael Hussey – 1st MOTM for Chennai Super Kings
Michael Hussey was the first CSK star to win the Player of the Match. Playing against Punjab Kings, Hussey blasted a century and helped CSK record their first win. He is CSK’s batting coach now.
6. Shane Watson – 1st MOTM for Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals were the inaugural IPL champions, and their first win was against Punjab, where Shane Watson scored an unbeaten 76. Watson has moved to the world of coaching and commentary now.
7. Kumar Sangakkara – 1st MOTM for Kings XI Punjab
Another former Sri Lankan star to feature on the list is Kumar Sangakkara. The veteran wicketkeeper batter amassed 94 runs against Mumbai Indians and won the MOTM for KXIP. Even he has moved to coaching, commentary and administration now.
8. Sanath Jayasuriya – 1st MOTM for Mumbai Indians
It is quite surprising that not a single Indian features on this list. For Mumbai Indians, the first MOTM was legendary all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya, who bagged 3 wickets and scored 18 runs in the team’s win against Kolkata Knight Riders. He is Sri Lanka’s interim coach now.
