Most Runs in IPL: List of The Highest Run Scorers

Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the IPL every year, and it is not just the excitement of watching their favourite teams play that captivates them. The IPL has produced some of the most incredible cricketing performances, and the battle for the highest run-scorer title has always been one of the fascinating aspects of the league. The IPL has been a platform where the most talented batsman showcase their skills and strive to achieve the coveted title of being the highest run-scorer. The league has witnessed some of the greatest cricketing moments, with batsmen, hitting massive sixes, scoring centuries, and taking their teams to victory. The IPL is a high-pressure tournament, with millions of fans watching every match. This means that the batsmen need to perform consistently well to win matches for their team. The pressure to score runs and win matches falls largely on the batsmen, making them key players in the tournament. Furthermore, batters have always been under pressure to perform and thus they have a bigger role to play for the team.

IPL No 1 Batsman

In a league like the IPL, where every team is stacked with some of the best cricketing talents in the world, it's crucial to have a strong batting lineup because the higher the runs, the higher the chance of the team winning. Therefore, the importance of runs in the IPL cannot be overstated. The team's batsmen play a pivotal role in achieving the target set by the opposition or in setting up a formidable total to defend. The IPL has power plays and field restrictions that favour the batsmen. During the first six overs, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, which means that there are plenty of gaps in the field for the batsmen to exploit. This gives the batsmen a great opportunity to score runs quickly and set a good platform for the rest of the innings.

Moreover, the IPL is not just a platform for domestic players to showcase their talent but also a platform for international players to gain experience playing in subcontinent conditions. The IPL's high-pressure environment is one of the toughest challenges for any cricketer, and scoring runs in such conditions is a testament to a player's skill and temperament. It is a significant achievement for any player to be among the highest run-getters in the IPL, as it is a testament to their consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

Most runs in IPL

Without further ado, let's take a look at the top ten batsmen who have scored the most runs in IPL history. These players have created a benchmark for others to follow, and their contributions to the IPL are invaluable. Their outstanding performances have not only helped their respective teams but also established them as the best batsmen in the league. Let's explore each of these players' journeys and discover what made them reach the pinnacle of success in the IPL.

The list of the top ten IPL batsmen who have scored the most runs includes Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni, Chris Gayle, and many more. These players have been the backbone of their respective teams, and their contributions have been crucial in shaping their team's fortunes in the league. Each of these players has a unique style of playing and has made a significant impact on the league over the years.

In conclusion, the IPL has been a platform for some of the best cricketing talents in the world to showcase their skills and compete against each other. The league has witnessed some of the most unforgettable cricketing moments, with batsmen hitting massive sixes and scoring centuries. The battle for the IPL highest run player has always been one of the most fascinating aspects of the league, with players striving to achieve the coveted title. The top ten batsmen who have scored the most runs in IPL history have made a significant impact on the league, and their performances have been nothing short of exceptional. In the following sections, we will explore each of these players in detail and delve into their journey towards becoming the highest run-getters in the IPL. Over the years, the tournament has seen several young batsmen emerge as stars, and the upcoming seasons of the IPL promise to be no different.

Top 10 IPL run scorers

Following is the IPL most runs list

Player	Mat	Inns	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	100	50	4s	6s
Virat Kohli (RCB)	237	229	7263	37.24	130.02	7	50	643	234
Shikhar Dhawan (DC/MI/PBKS/SRH)	217	216	6617	35.38	127.17	2	50	750	148
David Warner (DC/SRH)	176	176	6397	41.53	139.91	4	61	646	226
Rohit Sharma (DC/MI)	243	238	6211	29.57	130.04	1	42	554	257
Suresh Raina (CSK/GL)	205	200	5528	32.51	136.73	1	39	506	203
AB de Villiers (DC/RCB)	184	170	5162	39.7	151.68	3	40	413	251
MS Dhoni (CSK/RPS)	250	218	5082	38.79	135.91	-	24	349	239
Chris Gayle (KKR/KXIP/PBKS/RCB)	142	141	4965	39.72	148.96	6	31	404	357
Robin Uthappa (CSK/KKR/MI/PWI/RCB/RR)	205	197	4952	27.51	130.35	-	27	481	182
Dinesh Karthik (DC/GL/KKR/KXIP/MI/RCB)	242	221	4516	25.8	132.7	-	20	439	139

Who has the most runs in the IPL?

1. Virat Kohli - 7263 runs

Virat Kohli, the fearless and flamboyant Indian top-order batsman, has claimed the top spot for scoring the most runs in the IPL, with a total of 7263 runs in 237 matches. Kohli also remains as the top run scorer in the IPL. Kohli made his IPL debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008 and has played every game for them ever since averaging 36.20 in the event. In addition, he holds the record for the highest run-getter in IPL‘s single season, with 973 runs in 16 matches during the 2016 season. Despite his impressive performances, Kohli has yet to win an IPL trophy, which is unfortunate for one of the best in the game. Kohli's technique and shot-making ability are also worth mentioning. He is an aggressive batsman who is not afraid to take on the bowlers and play his shots. He is equally comfortable playing both pace and spin, making him a versatile batsman. His cover drives and straight drives are a treat to watch, and he can effortlessly clear the boundary with his lofted shots.

Kohli has been a run-scoring machine for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, being their highest run-scorer and the only batter to have appeared in 200 IPL games for a single team. He has been a vital player for the team and has won several awards for his remarkable performances in the IPL. Kohli is adored by the fans and is called the IPL top batsman. Apart from his batting prowess, Kohli's leadership skills are also commendable. He took over as the captain of RCB in 2013 and has since led the team to several playoff appearances. He is known for his aggressive captaincy style and his ability to motivate and inspire his team.

2. Shikhar Dhawan - 6617 runs

Taking the second spot on the list of highest run-getters in the IPL is the stylish left-hander, Shikhar Dhawan, who has amassed a total of 6617 runs in the tournament so far. Throughout his IPL career, Dhawan has proven to be a consistent performer for his teams and has bailed them out of trouble on numerous occasions with his impressive batting skills. Known for his flamboyant batting style, he has won several awards for his outstanding performances in the IPL, making him one of the most sought-after players in the league.

Dhawan has played for various teams in the IPL, including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, and has made a significant impact on all of them. With an impressive average of 35.38 and a strike rate of 127.17, he has scored two centuries and 50 half-centuries in his IPL career, showcasing his ability to score big runs consistently. His highest score of 106 not out came against Kings XI Punjab in the 2017 season of IPL, further solidifying his place as one of the most dangerous left-handed batsmen in the league.

3. David Warner - 6397 runs

David Warner has been a stalwart performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since his debut in 2014. The Australian southpaw is the only batsman to have consistently scored 500 runs or more in each IPL season since then. He has played in 176 IPL innings, scoring a total of 6397 runs at an impressive average of 41.53, which includes four centuries and 61 half-centuries. Warner's aggressive style of play and ability to take the game away from the opposition make him one of the best batsmen in IPL history.

Warner's IPL career has been nothing short of exceptional, with his ability to score runs with a strike rate of 139.91 making him a valuable asset for any team he plays for. In the 2017 season, Warner's highest score of 126 against Kolkata Knight Riders showcased his match-winning ability. Although he now plays for Delhi Capitals, his contributions to Sunrisers Hyderabad cannot be overlooked. The left-handed opener has a knack for consistently performing well in high-pressure situations and has been a key factor in several matches.

4. Rohit Sharma - 6211 runs

Rohit Sharma's journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a remarkable one. His career took a turn for the better when he transferred from Deccan Chargers to Mumbai Indians. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title five times and he has been a force to reckon with the bat as well.

Rohit Sharma started his IPL career under the captaincy of Adam Gilchrist at Deccan Chargers in 2008. Initially, he played as a middle-order batsman and also offered off-spin bowling. However, his fortunes changed when he moved to Mumbai Indians, where he was given the responsibility to open the innings.

In his IPL career of 243 innings, he has smashed 6211 runs with a strike rate of 130.04. He has hit 42 half-centuries and one century in his 15 years of IPL career. He has been the backbone of Mumbai's batting lineup and has led them to five IPL titles. Additionally, he also won the title with Deccan Chargers in 2009.

5. Suresh Raina - 5528 runs

Suresh Raina, the former Indian all-rounder, has been an indispensable part of the Indian Premier League since its inception. For many years, he held the record for playing the most matches and scoring the most runs in the tournament. Raina played for Chennai Super Kings and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions, accumulating 5528 runs in 205 matches (200 innings) with an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.76. He has hit 39 half-centuries and one century in his IPL career.

Raina played a crucial role in the success of Chennai Super Kings, who won the IPL three times, in 2010, 2011, and 2018. He was part of the team on all three occasions and scored 5528 runs in 200 innings for the franchise. Raina also holds the record for being the first player to score 2000 and 5000 runs in the history of IPL. Raina's contributions to the IPL have been immense, and he is one of the most successful players in the tournament's history.

6. AB de Villiers - 5162 runs

AB de Villiers, the former South African cricketer, is considered one of the greatest batsmen to have ever played the game. He started his IPL journey with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2008 and played for them for the first three seasons. However, he rose to prominence after joining Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 and went on to become an integral part of their team for a decade.

The South African batsman has an impressive record in the IPL, having scored 5162 runs at an average of 39.71 and a staggering strike rate of 151.68. His 40 half-centuries and three centuries in the tournament are a testament to his consistency and brilliance. De Villiers announced his retirement from all forms ofcricketafter the conclusion of the IPL 2021 in the UAE, which brought an end to his illustrious IPL career. He ended as the second most capped (157) player for Royal Challengers Bangalore, and also the second highest run-scorer in the franchise's history behind his close friend and teammate, Virat Kohli.

De Villiers has been a fan-favourite throughout his IPL career, and his performances on the field have earned him a huge fan base across the globe

7. MS Dhoni - 5082 runs

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly known as MS Dhoni, is one of the most iconic cricketers in the world. He has had a massive impact on the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has played a crucial role in building the brand of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the IPL.

MS Dhoni has played 250 matches in the IPL, scoring 5082 runs at an impressive strike rate of 135.91. He has also captained CSK in 219 matches, leading them to three IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. In June 2022, he held the record for the most capped matches in the IPL, a testament to his longevity and consistency in the tournament.

Dhoni is known for his powerful hitting, and he holds the record for the most sixes hit by a CSK player, with 239 sixes to his name. He is also the fourth-highest six-hitter in the IPL overall. With his astute captaincy and calm demeanour on the field, Dhoni has become an inspiration to many young cricketers around the world.

8. Chris Gayle - 4965 runs

West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle is considered as one of the most dangerous batsmen in IPL history. He has played for various franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab. In his IPL career, Gayle has scored 4,965 runs in 142 matches with an impressive strike rate of 148.96.

Gayle's performance in the IPL has been remarkable. He has scored six centuries in the tournament, which is the highest by any batsman in the history of the IPL. Apart from his centuries, Gayle has also hit 357 sixes, which is also the highest by any player in the IPL. Gayle's finest IPL season was in 2012, when he amassed 733 runs in only 15 games at an average of 61.08, including an incredible 175* off just 66 balls against Pune Warriors India, which still stands as the highest individual score in IPL history. He has remained as one of the best IPL players in tournament history.

9. Robin Uthappa - 4952 runs

Robin Uthappa has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to his consistent performances. He started his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians in the first season, where he scored some useful 30s. The next season, he moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he played well and scored a few fifties. In 2011, Pune Warriors India bought him for a whopping Rs. 9 crores.

However, his best performance came with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2014, where he was picked as an opener and won the orange cap for scoring the most runs in the tournament. In that season, he broke the record of Matthew Hayden and scored eleven 40+ scores. Uthappa was a vital part of KKR's title-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014, where he scored 405 and 660 runs, respectively.

After being released by KKR, Uthappa was bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 3 crores during the IPL Players Auction ahead of IPL 2020. With 4952 runs from 205 IPL matches, Uthappa is one of the highest run-scorers in the tournament.

10. Dinesh Karthik - 4516 runs

Dinesh Karthik, an Indian cricketer, has had a colourful journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playing for multiple franchises. He made his debut in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural season of the tournament. Karthik then joined Kings XI Punjab in 2011 for $900,000, followed by Mumbai Indians in the next season for a whopping $2.35 million. In 2014, he went back to Delhi Daredevils, then moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015, and to Gujarat Lions in 2016.

In the 2018 season, Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Karthik, and he was appointed as the team captain. Under his leadership, the team made it to the playoffs but unfortunately lost the game. Throughout his IPL career, Karthik has accumulated 4516 runs in 242 matches played over 15 seasons, playing for a different team with an average of 25.80 at a strike rate of 132.70. He has hit 20 fifties so far. Moreover, he has been a player who has played well and hence his experience has always been a thing for the teams who are looking to get bigger and better.

Wrapping Up

The Indian Premier League has provided a platform for both domestic and international cricketers to showcase their talent and skills on a global stage. Over the past 14 seasons, the league has witnessed some of the greatest performances from batsmen like Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and David Warner, who have consistently delivered match-winning performances for their teams. With new talent emerging every season, the IPL promises to continue to entertain and captivate cricket fans across the world. The IPL has seen several great batsmen who have left a lasting impression on the tournament. While the above-mentioned players are some of the best in IPL history, there have been several other notable performers as well. The IPL has always been a platform for young and upcoming cricketers to make a name for themselves, and the upcoming seasons promise to be no different. These players are some of the most promising young batsmen in the IPL, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the upcoming seasons of the tournament.