Which player has the most runs in IPL History?

The Indian Premier league has been one of the best cricket tournaments since its inception, and we can say that the IPL has changed the T20 Cricket format completely. Overall skills have evolved for both batsmen and bowlers, suiting the shortest format of the game. Majorly, the batsmen have completely changed the game adding to its excitement and fun. But for a batsman to entertain the audience, they must be at the peak of their powers for decades and seasons. That’s what these batsmen topping the highest run scores in IPL history list have shown. 

So, in this article by ZAP, as we prepare for the 2024 IPL season to begin, let’s look at the batsmen with the most runs in Indian Premier League (IPL) history from 2008 – 2023. 

Most Runs in IPL History:

Here's the table of the top 10 players with the most runs in IPL history:

Name	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Batting Average	Strike Rate	100s	50s
Virat Kohli	237	7263	113	37.25	130.02	7	50
Shikhar Dhawan	217	6617	106*	35.39	127.18	2	50
David Warner	176	6397	126	41.54	139.92	4	60
Rohit Sharma	243	6211	109*	29.58	130.05	1	42
Suresh Raina	205	5528	100*	32.52	136.76	1	39
AB de Villiers	184	5162	133*	39.70	151.68	3	40
MS Dhoni	250	5082	84*	38.79	135.92	0	24
Chris Gayle	142	4965	175*	39.72	148.96	6	31
Robin Uthappa	205	4952	88	27.51	130.35	0	27
Dinesh Karthik	242	4516	97*	25.81	132.71	0	20

1. Virat Kohli (7263) – Most Runs in IPL history:

Credit: ESPN Cricinfo

With a staggering 7263 runs, Virat Kohli is the highest run scorer in IPL history. He has been a consistent performer for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), with an impressive batting average of 37.25 and a strike rate of 130.02. Kohli's highest score of 113 showcases his exceptional talent, and he has notched up seven centuries and fifty half-centuries throughout his IPL career. His aggressive yet technically sound batting style has made him one of the most effective batsmen in the tournament's history. Virat Kohli’s 2016 IPL season was the best a batsman has ever had in the league. Kohli scored 973 runs, the most runs in an IPL season ever, for which he earned the Orange Cap, and single handedly carried the Royal Challengers Bangalore to the Final that year. Though he hasn’t won the IPL Trophy yet, he is undoubtedly the best batsman ever in the IPL.

2. Shikhar Dhawan (6617):

 

Credit: NDTV Sports

Shikhar Dhawan, representing various franchises over the years, has scored 6617 runs in the IPL. Known for his elegant batting while opening the innings, the left hander Dhawan has a batting average of 35.39 and a strike rate of 127.18. Dhawan has scored two centuries, which came in back-to-back matches in IPL 2020 season and fifty half-centuries in his IPL career so far. Shikhar Dhawan also holds the record for hitting the most 4s in IPL history. Though he might not be playing for the Indian Cricket Team any more, his batting and captaincy still remain crucial for the Punjab Kings IPL Team for the 2024 season.

3. David Warner (6397):

Credit: Rediff

David Warner, the dynamic left-handed opener, has been a prolific run-scorer for Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. With 6397 runs to his name, Warner boasts a stellar batting average of 41.54 and a blistering strike rate of 139.92. His highest score in the IPL is 126 runs which reflects his ability to dominate the opposition bowling attack and start firing from the start in the powerplays. Warner is also the first and only batsman to win 3 IPL Orange Caps and with four centuries and sixty half-centuries, he has been the best overseas batter in the IPL history.

4. Rohit Sharma (6211):

Rohit Sharma, the former captain of Mumbai Indians, has been a mainstay in the IPL since its inception. With 6211 runs under his belt, Sharma is one of the best opening batsmen in the IPL. His highest score of 109* demonstrates his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. While Sharma has notched up one century and forty-two half-centuries, his leadership and captaincy has won the Mumbai Indians 5 IPL Trophies. 

5. Suresh Raina (5528):

Credits: Bangalore Mirror

Suresh Raina, fondly known as Mr. IPL, has been a leader with the bat for Chennai Super Kings. With 5528 runs, Raina has an average of 32.52 and a strike rate of 136.76. Raina has hit one century and thirty-nine half-centuries, and is one of the most underrated batsman in the league. 

6. AB de Villiers (5162):

Credit: Hindustan Times

Mr 360 of Cricket, AB de Villiers, has been the ultimate game-changer for Royal Challengers Bangalore. With 5162 runs, de Villiers has batting average of 39.70 and a staggering strike rate of 151.68. He could decimate any bowling lineup with the bat in his hand and is one was one of the best finishers in the tournament. De Villiers has scored three centuries and forty half-centuries and his highest score in the IPL is 133, and ever since his retirement from the league, RCB has been struggling to find a match winner in their batting middle order. 

7. MS Dhoni (5082):

Credit: Rediff

MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings, has been instrumental in his team's success over the years. With 5082 runs, Dhoni has an average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.92. While his highest score of 84* may not be as flashy as some others on the list, Dhoni's ability to finish matches with his trademark helicopter shot has been invaluable to CSK. Despite batting in the lower middle order and often after some of his bowling all rounders, Dhoni has been a reliable contributor with twenty-four half-centuries to his name.

Also Read: Helicopter Shot

8. Chris Gayle (4965):

Credit: NDTV Sports

Chris Gayle, the 'Universe Boss', has entertained IPL fans with his explosive batting for various franchises. With 4965 runs, Gayle boasts a remarkable batting average of 39.72 and a destructive strike rate of 148.96. His highest score of 175* remains the highest individual score in IPL history and one of the greatest knocks in T20 Cricket ever. Gayle has smashed six centuries and thirty-one half-centuries, and was one of the most dangerous batsmen in T20 cricket.

Also Read: The God of T20 Cricket

9. Robin Uthappa (4952):

Credit: Sportskeeda

Robin Uthappa, has been an underrated and consistent performer for various IPL franchises. With 4952 runs, Uthappa has an average of 27.51 and a strike rate of 130.35. His best season came in 2014 where he scored the most runs in the league that year and won the Orange Cap Award while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

10. Dinesh Karthik (4516):

Credit: NDTV Sports

Dinesh Karthik is the 10th highest run getter in IPL history and throughout his career has been a very versatile player. Brilliant with his hands behind the wickets and batting at all places in the batting lineup, be it as the opener, the number 3 batter or as a cameo finisher. With 4516 runs, Karthik has an average of 25.81 and a strike rate of 132.71. Though his stats aren’t the best, his ability to finish innings coming in at the end in the past few years for the RCB have been very crucial for his franchise. 

Also Read: The Most Runs in Cricket History | The Most Centuries in Cricket

IPL Orange Cap winners:

The IPL Orange Cap is an individual award given to the batsmen with the most runs in the IPL season. First won by Shaun Marsh in 2008, there have been 13 batsmen who have won the award. David Warner has won the Orange Cap the most times with (3). Virat Kohli scored the most runs in a single IPL season ever in the 2016 season winning the IPL Orange Cap by a huge margin. Let’s look at the IPL Orange Cap winners from 2008 to 2023. 

Year	Player	Team	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s	Batting Average	Strike Rate
2008	Shaun Marsh	Punjab	11	616	115	1	5	68.44	139.68
2009	Matthew Hayden	Chennai	12	572	89	0	5	52.00	144.81
2010	Sachin Tendulkar	Mumbai	15	618	89	0	5	47.53	132.61
2011	Chris Gayle	Bangalore	12	608	107	2	3	67.55	183.13
2012	Chris Gayle	Bangalore	15	733	128	1	7	61.08	160.74
2013	Michael Hussey	Chennai	16	733	95	0	6	52.35	129.5
2014	Robin Uthappa	Kolkata	16	660	83	0	5	44.00	137.78
2015	David Warner	Hyderabad	14	562	91	0	7	43.23	156.54
2016	Virat Kohli	Bangalore	16	973	113	4	7	81.08	152.03
2017	David Warner	Hyderabad	14	641	126	1	4	58.27	141.81
2018	Kane Williamson	Hyderabad	17	735	84	0	8	52.50	142.44
2019	David Warner	Hyderabad	12	692	100	1	8	69.20	143.87
2020	KL Rahul	Punjab	14	670	132*	1	5	55.83	129.34
2021	Ruturaj Gaikwad	Chennai	16	635	101*	1	4	45.35	136.26
2022	Jos Buttler	Rajasthan	17	863	116	4	4	57.53	149.05
2023	Shubman Gill	Gujarat	17	890	129	3	4	59.33	157.80

IPL Orange Cap 2008 Winner – Shaun Marsh:

Matches: 11

Runs: 616

Strike Rate: 139.68

Highest Score: 115

100s/50s: 1/5

IPL Orange Cap 2009 – Mattew Hayden:

Matches: 12

Runs: 572

Strike Rate: 144.81

Highest Score: 89

100s/50s: 0/5

IPL Orange Cap 2010 Winner – Sachin Tendulkar:

Matches: 15

Runs: 618

Strike Rate: 132.61

Highest Score: 89

100s/50s: 0/5

IPL Orange Cap in 2011 – Chris Gayle:

Matches: 12

Runs: 608

Strike Rate: 183.13

Highest Score: 107

100s/50s: 2/3

IPL Orange CAP 2012 Winner – Chris Gayle:

Matches: 15

Runs: 733

Strike Rate: 160.74

Highest Score: 128

100s/50s: 1/7

IPL Orange Cap 2013 Winner – Michael Hussey:

Matches: 16

Runs: 733

Strike Rate: 129.5

Highest Score: 95

100s/50s: 0/6

IPL Orange Cap 2014 Winner – Robin Uthappa:

Matches: 16

Runs: 660

Strike Rate: 137.78

Highest Score: 83

100s/50s: 0/5

IPL Orange Cap 2015 – David Warner:

Matches: 14

Runs: 562

Strike Rate: 156.54

Highest Score: 91

100s/50s: 0/7

2016 IPL Orange Cap Winner – Virat Kohli:

Matches: 16

Runs: 973

Strike Rate: 152.03

Highest Score: 113

100s/50s: 4/7

2017 IPL Orange Cap Winner – David Warner:

Matches: 14

Runs: 641

Strike Rate: 141.81

Highest Score: 126

100s/50s: 1/4

2018 IPL Orange Cap – Kane Williamson:

Matches: 17

Runs: 735

Strike Rate: 142.44

Highest Score: 84

100s/50s: 0/8

2019 IPL Orange Cap – David Warner:

Matches: 12

Runs: 692

Strike Rate: 143.87

Highest Score: 100

100s/50s: 1/8

2020 IPL Orange Cap – KL Rahul:

Matches: 14

Runs: 670

Strike Rate: 129.34

Highest Score: 132*

100s/50s: 1/5

IPL 2021 Orange Cap – Ruturaj Gaikwad:

Matches: 16

Runs: 635

Strike Rate: 136.26

Highest Score: 101*

100s/50s: 1/4

IPL 2022 Orange Cap – Jos Buttler:

Matches: 17

Runs: 863

Strike Rate: 149.05

Highest Score: 116

100s/50s: 4/4

IPL 2023 Orange Cap Winner – Shubman Gill:

Matches: 17

Runs: 890

Strike Rate: 157.80

Highest Score: 129

100s/50s: 3/4

Highest Run Scorer for Each IPL Team:

Most IPL Runs for Mumbai Indians:

Name	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Strike Rate	Batting Average	100s	50s
Rohit Sharma	207	5314	109*	129.76	29.52	1	35
Keiron Pollard	211	3915	87*	147.01	28.78	0	18
Suryakumar Yadav	87	2688	103*	145.92	35.36	1	20
Ambati Rayudu	136	2635	81*	123.36	24.39	0	14
Sachin Tendulkar	91	2599	100*	118.62	32.48	1	14

Rohit Sharma is the leading run-getter for the Mumbai Indians’ with 5314 runs in 207 matches. Following closely is Kieron Pollard, one of the best all rounders in the league, known for his explosive hitting, accumulating 3915 runs in 211 matches. Suryakumar Yadav, Ambati Rayudu, and Sachin Tendulkar occupy the subsequent positions.

Most IPL Runs for Chennai Super Kings:

Name	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Strike Rate	Batting Average	100s	50s
Suresh Raina	200	5529	109*	138.91	33.10	2	38
MS Dhoni	244	4957	84*	137.80	38.72	0	23
Faf du Plessis	100	2932	96	132.07	34.90	0	21
Michael Hussey	64	2213	116*	122.80	40.98	1	17
Murali Vijay	89	2205	127	123.46	25.94	2	10

Suresh Raina leads with 5529 runs, including a high of 109*. MS Dhoni follows with 4957 runs, his best being 84*. Faf du Plessis has 2932 runs with a high of 96, while Mike Hussey has 2213 runs, his highest being 116*. M Vijay rounds out the list with 2205 runs, including a top score of 127. These top scores highlight their pivotal roles in the team's batting lineup and overall success.

Most IPL Runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Name	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Strike Rate	Batting Average	100s	50s
Virat Kohli	229	7263	113	130.02	37.24	7	50
AB de Villiers	144	4491	133*	158.63	41.20	2	37
Chris Gayle	84	3163	175*	152.72	43.32	5	19
Glenn Maxwell	41	1214	78	161.43	34.68	0	12
Faf du Plessis	30	1198	96	142.28	42.78	0	11

Virat Kohli, the longest serving RCB captain stands out as the leading run-getter not only for RCB but also in the entire IPL history. With an impressive total of 7263 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02, Kohli's consistency and ability to anchor the innings have been crucial for RCB's success over the years. Alongside him, AB de Villiers has been a key contributor with his explosive batting style, amassing 4491 runs at an outstanding average of 41.20 and a staggering strike rate of 158.63. Together, Kohli and de Villiers form a formidable duo in RCB's batting lineup, capable of single-handedly changing the course of a match. Chris Gayle, Glenn Maxwell and Faf Du Plessis 

Most IPL Runs for Delhi Capitals:

Name	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Strike Rate	Batting Average	100s	50s
Rishabh Pant	98	2838	128*	147.96	34.60	1	15
Virender Sehwag	86	2382	119	158.37	29.77	1	17
Shreyas Iyer	87	2375	96	123.95	31.66	0	16
Shikhar Dhawan	63	2066	106*	131.00	38.98	2	16
David Warner	69	1888	109*	136.51	31.46	2	15

Rishabh Pant stands out as the highest scorer for the Delhi Capitals IPL Team with 2838 runs in 98 matches, with an impressive batting average of 34.60 and a remarkable strike rate of 147.96. He was also the captain of the franchise, but after his unfortunate absence from the league due to his accident, David Warner was named captain of the 2023 season.  

Most IPL Runs for Kolkata Knight Riders:

Player	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Strike Rate	100s	50s
Gautam Gambhir	122	3345	93*	124.72	0	30
Robin Uthappa	91	2649	87*	135.84	0	17
Andre Russell	111	2269	88*	175.07	0	11
Nitish Rana	81	2157	87	136.60	0	14
Yusuf Pathan	122	2061	72	135.94	0	7

Gautam Gambhir the former Kolkata Knight Riders’ Captains is the highest run-scorer for KKR in the IPL, coring a total of 3345 runs in 122 matches with a highest score of 93*. He is followed closely by the 2014 IPL Orange Cap winner, Robin Uthappa, who scored 2649 runs in 91 matches, with a highest score of 87*. Andre Russell, known for his explosive batting, has also made significant contributions to the team’s middle order with 2269 runs in 111 matches, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 175.07. 

Most IPL Runs for Punjab Kings:

Player	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Average	100s	50s
KL Rahul	55	2548	132	56.62	2	23
Shaun Marsh	72	2477	115	39.95	1	20
David Miller	79	1850	101	34.25	1	9
Mayank Agarwal	60	1514	106	26.56	1	9
Chris Gayle	41	1339	104*	36.18	1	10

KL Rahul tops the list as the highest run-scorer for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, scoring 2548 runs in 55 matches with an impressive average of 56.62. Next is Shaun Marsh, the IPL 2008 Orange Cap winner, who has scored 2477 runs in 72 matches, showcasing an average of 39.95. David Miller, with 1850 runs in 79 matches, had  been a consistent performer for PBK and now plays for the Gujarat Titans IPL team. 

Most Runs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad:

Player	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Batting Average	Strike Rate	100s	50s
David Warner	95	4014	126	49.55	142.59	2	40
Shikhar Dhawan	85	2518	92*	34.49	124.28	0	19
Kane Williamson	76	2101	89	36.22	126.03	0	18
Manish Pandey	51	1345	83*	35.39	124.76	0	12
Jonny Bairstow	28	1038	114	41.52	142.19	1	7

Among the top run-scorers for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, David Warner stands out as the highest with 4014 runs from 95 matches, including two centuries and 40 half-centuries, at an impressive strike rate of 142.59. Next is his batting partner, Shikhar Dhawan with 2518 runs in 85 matches for the franchise. Kane Williamson, with 2101 runs in 76 matches, has been another crucial contributor, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to stabilize the innings.

Most IPL Runs for Gujarat Titans:

Player	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Strike Rate	100s	50s
Shubman Gill	33	1373	129	147.79	3	8
Hardik Pandya	31	833	87*	133.49	0	6
David Miller	32	740	94*	143.68	0	2
Wriddhiman Saha	28	688	81	126	0	5
Sai Sudharsan	13	507	96	137.02	0	4

In the inaugural seasons of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, several players made significant contributions with the bat. Shubman Gill stands out as the top run-getter, with an impressive 1373 runs in 33 matches at an outstanding strike rate of 147.79. His three centuries and eight half-centuries were pivotal in shaping the team's performance in the 2023 season for which he won the Orange Cap. Following closely is their former captain Pandya with 833 runs, showcasing his ability to be one of the best all rounders in the league, performing both with the bat and the ball.

Most runs in IPL For Lucknow SuperGiants:

Player	Matches	Runs	Highest Score	Strike Rate	100s	50s
KL Rahul	24	890	103*	127.69	2	6
Q de Kock	19	651	140*	146.95	1	4
Marcus Stoinis	26	564	89*	149.2	0	3
Deepak Hooda	27	535	59	127.38	0	4
Ayush Badoni	28	399	59*	132.11	0	2

In the two IPL seasons for the Lucknow SuperGiants, KL Rahul emerged as the standout performer with the bat, scoring a total of 890 runs in 24 matches. His highest score of an unbeaten 103* and an impressive strike rate of 127.69 his prowess as a complete top-order batsman. Quinton de Kock also made significant contributions with 651 runs, including a blistering 140* at a striking rate of 146.95. Though the new opener Kyle Mayers took his spot in the 2023 season, de Cock remains an important part of the side, both for his batting and the experience that he brings in. Marcus Stoinis provided valuable middle-order stability with 564 runs in the two seasons, while Deepak Hooda's aggressive batting style yielded 535 runs for the team. Additionally, Ayush Badoni showcased his potential as a promising young talent, contributing 399 runs to the team's tally.

Most IPL Runs for Rajasthan Royals:

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100s	50s
Sanju Samson	123	3211	29.73	2	17
Ajinkya Rahane	99	2810	34.26	2	17
Jos Buttler	72	2696	42.12	5	18
Shane Watson	77	2372	36.49	2	14
Yashasvi Jaiswal	37	1172	32.55	1	8

The Rajasthan Royals have witnessed some stellar batting performances from their top players throughout IPL history. Sanju Samson stands out as the highest run scorer for the franchise, accumulating 3211 runs in 123 matches. Despite an average of 29.73, Samson's ability to anchor the innings and play explosive strokes has been crucial for the team. Ajinkya Rahane was second with 2810 runs, showcasing his consistency at an average of 34.26. Jos Buttler has been one of the most dynamic batsmen for RR, scoring 2696 runs at a stunning average of 42.12, including five centuries. Shane Watson, a former captain of the team, contributed significantly with 2372 runs, blending power-hitting with stability. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the future of the franchise, has already made an impact with 1172 runs to his name. 

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