From The Archives: Best XI of IPL 2010

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Murali Vijay

After the 2009 season in South Africa in which the scoring rates were low because of bowler friendly pitches, the 2010 Indian Premier League season offered a lot of entertainment to the viewers as the tournament returned to India. The powerful Mumbai Indians lineup finally played to it’s potential and they finished on top of the points table with 10 wins in 14 matches.

The Deccan Chargers finished second with 16 points while there was heavy competition for the 3rd and 4th place as 4 teams finished with 14 points each. In the end, Chennai Superkings and Royal Challengers Bangalore qualified on the basis of net run-rate. In the first semifinal, Mumbai comfortably defeated RCB while CSK bowled meticulously to defend a low total against Deccan Chargers.

In the final, Suresh Raina’s fluent fifty took CSK to a respectable total of 168. While chasing, Mumbai struggled to keep up with the asking rate and lost by 22 runs as CSK clinched their maiden title. Here is the best team of the 2010 IPL season.

#1 Murali Vijay

Innings: 15   

Runs: 458

Average: 35.23

SR: 156.84

This was a breakthrough year for Murali Vijay as he became a very reliable player for CSK at the top of the order. His stylish stroke-making caught the attention of many people and he piled those runs at a rapid pace. His 126* against the Rajasthan Royals in Chennai remains one of the most memorable knocks in IPL history.

#2 Sachin Tendulkar

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Sachin Tendulkar

Innings: 15   

Runs: 618

Average: 47.53

SR: 132.61

Sachin Tendulkar’s first two IPL seasons were not quite up to his standards but he showed the world that, even at 37, he was still the best batsman in the world as he finished as the season’s highest run-getter. Unfortunately, he was not fully fit for the knockouts and could not perform to his potential.

#3 Suresh Raina

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Suresh Raina

Innings: 16

Runs: 520

Average: 47.27

SR: 142.85

“Mr. IPL” was once again his team’s MVP as he played some crucial knocks throughout the season and changed the flow of the game with his breathtaking fielding. His well-constructed half-century in the final earned him the player of the match award as well.

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