When IPL 2008 started, things were very new. Especially with regards to the T20 format, only one World Cup was over, and most of the star players were not part of it. Also, the idea of foreigners and Indians combining in a single XI was pretty new. Hence, any achievement in IPL 2008 is worth a throwback and analysis. Be it the highest run-getter or the top most wicket-taker, every stat is interesting.
In this article, we will dwell on the topic of run-scoring. We tell you the player who was the highest run-getter for each franchise in IPL 2008.
Chennai Super Kings – Suresh Raina (421 runs)
Not only for the first edition, in many other seasons as well, Suresh Raina was also the highest run-getter for CSK. Hence, the title of Mr IPL is absolutely just and deserving of the player. In 2008, Raina managed 421 runs at an average of 38.27. His record included three half-centuries in sixteen encounters. Most knocks came at crucial junctures, and that is why Raina’s contributions were extremely important.
Delhi Capitals/Delhi Daredevils – Gautam Gambhir (534 runs)
Gautam Gambhir is at No.2 in IPL 2008’s Orange Cap chart. The Delhi opener was at the peak of his game then, and this show was expected from the southpaw. 534 runs came in 14 games at an excellent average of 41.07. The strike-rate of 140.8 was also very impressive.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Sourav Ganguly (349 runs)
Although Brendon McCullum scored 158 runs in the very first game, the Kiwi just played three more games that season. Hence, he did not end up as the highest run-getter for KKR. It was captain Sourav Ganguly who took home the honour. The former Indian captain’s numbers read 349 runs from 13 matches at an average of 29.08.
Mumbai Indians – Sanath Jayasuriya (518 runs)
Mumbai Indians’ Sanath Jayasuriya had a stellar campaign in 2008. He played his natural game, and although the start was not very good, the Sri Lankan picked up later. He scored 58 boundaries and 31 sixes that edition and made a century too. Sanath also contributed with the ball whenever required.
Punjab Kings/Kings XI Punjab – Shaun Marsh (616 runs)
Amongst the legends, it was a relatively unknown player who scored the most runs in IPL 2008. Shaun Marsh was a revelation for the Punjab franchise in the first edition. Including a century and five fifties, the Aussie made 616 runs at an average of 68.44 in that campaign. He played well in the next few seasons as well. However, since then, Marsh has not done a good job in IPL.
Rajasthan Royals – Shane Watson (472 runs)
Shane Watson was one player who truly upped his game in the 2008 edition. He was a massive force for the Royals and was one of the main reasons for the team to win the trophy. Apart from also doing the job with the ball, Watto scored 472 runs at an average of 47.20. His highest score was a 76 not out that came at an important situation.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Rahul Dravid (371 runs)
RCB had a difficult batting campaign, but Rahul Dravid had a decent season. The ‘Wall’ accumulated 371 runs from 14 matches in IPL 2008. He scored two half-centuries that contributed mainly to his record. Rahul also hit eleven sixes, a stat which was impressive considering the style of batting that he usually exhibits.
Sunrisers Hyderabad/Deccan Chargers – Adam Gilchrist (436 runs)
Adam Gilchrist was the highest run-getter for Deccan Chargers in 2008. Opening the batting, Gilly was at his usual best for the outfit. Although the franchise struggled with their overall performances, the Aussie wicket-keeper was at the top of his game. In 14 encounters, the multiple World Cup winner accumulated 436 runs at an average of 33.53 and a trademark strike-rate of 137.10. Overall, he was the sixth-highest run-scorer in IPL that edition.
