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

#3 AB de Villiers (Delhi Daredevils)

AB De Villiers

Key Statistics: Matches 15, Innings 13, Not Outs 4, Runs 465, Highest 105, Centuries 1, Fifties 3, Average 51.67, Strike Rate 130.99.

"ABD" as he is fondly called, will forever be placed at the forefront of limited overs' cricket, the world has witnessed his cricketing prowess in various forms across the years. He was one among the best players of IPL 2009, which was incidentally conducted in his own home country, ending the tournament with the third spot among run-making charts, behind Hayden and Gilchrist.

AB de Villiers was part of the Delhi Daredevils' side which finished first in the group stages, with 10 wins from 14 matches in total. The side owes much of its advancements to the top-order batsman, who made 465 runs from 13 innings, at a strike rate of nearly 131. His best innings was undoubtedly the 105 he scored in his first ever innings in the season, against Chennai Super Kings at Kingsmead, Durban. The innings featured 5 fours and 6 sixes in a total of 54 balls and helped Delhi secure a win by 9 runs in the end.

ABD's consistency helped the Daredevils' start matches well, which was reflected in their victories in many cases. They were, however, eliminated by the Deccan Chargers in the semi-finals. To this date, 2009 remains the only time that The Delhi franchise (now renamed to "Delhi Capitals") stood at the top of the table in the Group Stage.