Cricket World® Player Of The Week - Adam Gilchrist

Cricket World® Player Of The Week - Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist hits out during his stunning innings in the semi-final.

©REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Deccan Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist has been named as the Cricket World® Player Of The Week after he led his side to victory in the 2009 Indian Premier League.

Although the former international scored a duck in the final, his team were there mainly due to a stunning innings of 85 in 35 balls that secured a six-wicket win over the Delhi Daredevils in the semi-final.

That knock, which brought back memories of his 149 in the 2007 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, contained ten fours and five sixes and after he was dismissed, his side were able to ease home with victory coming in the 18th over.

He was bowled by an Anil Kumble googly without scoring in the final but he put that behind as he successfully marshalled his team to victory as they defended what had looked a low score of 143 to win by six runs.

He chipped in behind the stumps with a catch and two stumpings to add to his 495 runs, and three half-centuries as the Chargers, bottom of the pile in 2008, completed a stunning turnaround under the leadership of Gilchrist to win the tournament.

Other contenders for the award included England's Stuart Broad and Paul Collingwood for their roles in putting their side 1-0 up in the One Day International series against the West Indies.

The Player Of The Week award is decided by the Cricket World® Editorial Team following a review of the week's matches.

© Cricket World 2009