The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed numerous remarkable batting performances over the years. Yet, even the most prolific run-scorers have sometimes seen their teams fall short of reaching the coveted final. Let’s delve into five notable instances where players amassed the highest runs in a single season but couldn’t steer their teams to the final.
Virat Kohli, the stalwart of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), experienced another heart-wrenching exit from the IPL in 2024. Despite his stellar performance throughout the season, RCB’s journey ended in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals. Kohli’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, as he accumulated 741 runs in 15 innings, averaging 61.75 with a strike rate of 154.70. His season featured one century and five half-centuries, including a sensational 113* off 72 balls against Rajasthan Royals and a blistering 92 off 47 against Punjab Kings.
Kohli’s remarkable consistency and ability to anchor the innings were pivotal for RCB’s resurgence after a poor start. However, despite his efforts, RCB couldn’t capitalize in the crucial knockout stage, and Kohli’s dream of lifting the IPL trophy remains unfulfilled.
Chris Gayle (2012): 733 Runs
Chris Gayle’s explosive batting made him one of the most feared players in the IPL. In the 2012 season, Gayle was at his destructive best, scoring 733 runs in 14 innings for RCB at an average of 61.08 and an astonishing strike rate of 160.74. His campaign included one century and seven half-centuries. Notable innings included an unbeaten 128 off 62 balls against Delhi Capitals and a match-winning 87 off 56 against Punjab Kings.
Despite Gayle’s Herculean efforts, RCB finished fifth in the points table and failed to make it to the playoffs. Gayle’s dominant performances entertained fans and struck fear into bowlers, but the team couldn’t translate his individual brilliance into collective success.
Faf du Plessis (2023): 730 Runs
Faf du Plessis showcased exceptional form in the 2023 IPL season for RCB. He amassed 730 runs in 14 innings, averaging 56.15 with a strike rate of 153.68. Although Du Plessis didn’t score a century, he notched up eight half-centuries, with a highest score of 84 against Punjab Kings. His unbeaten 79 off 46 against Lucknow Super Giants highlighted his ability to anchor and accelerate the innings.
Despite Du Plessis’ efforts, RCB finished sixth in the points table, winning seven out of 14 matches. His consistency at the top of the order was commendable, but RCB’s overall team performance fell short, leaving them out of the playoff race.
Chris Gayle (2013): 708 Runs
Chris Gayle features again on this list for his 2013 season exploits. He scored 708 runs in 17 innings, averaging 59 with a strike rate of 156.29. His 2013 campaign was highlighted by an iconic 175* off 66 balls against Pune Warriors, a record-breaking innings that included 13 fours and 17 sixes. Gayle’s power-hitting was on full display, and he also contributed significant scores like 92 off 58 against Mumbai Indians.
Despite Gayle’s breathtaking performances, RCB finished fifth in the points table and couldn’t advance to the playoffs. Gayle’s season remains one of the most memorable in IPL history, but team success eluded him and RCB.
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