Retired IPL XI of the decade

Matthew Hayden

Powerful, brutal, menacing, savage, and fearless – it is all one could think of when Matthew Hayden is on a song. Along with Adam Gilchrist, Hayden pummelled the opposing bowlers from the get-go in limited-overs international cricket. Prior to the IPL in 2008, the Queenslander showcased his potential in the World T20 in 2007.

He was the tournament’s highest run-getter, racking up 265 runs in six games at a staggering average of 88.33. The 48-year old played just four matches for Chennai Super Kings in 2008 before returning to Australia due to an injury. In those four games, Hayden scored 189 runs at 63 and striking at 144.27. In the subsequent season, he featured in 12 out of 14 matches for the yellow army and powered through to the Orange Cap. 

The southpaw finished the season by getting 572 runs under his belt at an average of more than 50. The 2010 season was relatively a very lean season for him, averaging a little more than 20. The Queensland-born retired from IPL after scoring over 1100 runs in only 32 games across three tournaments. With a stellar record in the IPL and displaying the attacking intent right from the outset, Hayden will partner Sachin at the top.