Virat Kohli stands as the IPL’s greatest run-scorer, amassing an incredible 8,661 runs across 267 matches between 2008 and 2026. The Indian Premier League has established itself as the world’s most competitive T20 tournament since 2008, where consistently scoring runs demands mastery of varying conditions, handling immense pressure, and conquering elite bowling attacks.
The tournament’s relentless intensity makes sustained excellence a rare feat. This article celebrates the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorers, legends who have repeatedly delivered match-winning performances and shaped the league’s identity through exceptional skill, remarkable consistency, and enduring brilliance at the highest level of franchise cricket.
Top 10 Players With Most Runs in IPL History
The IPL has seen amazing batting performances over 18 exciting seasons. These top runscorers have shown incredible consistency, playing key roles in their teams’ success while entertaining millions of fans worldwide.
| Player | Span | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 2008 – 2025 | 267 | 8661 |
| Rohit Sharma | 2008 – 2025 | 272 | 7046 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 2008 – 2024 | 222 | 6769 |
| DA Warner | 2009 – 2024 | 184 | 6565 |
| Suresh Raina | 2008 – 2021 | 205 | 5528 |
| MS Dhoni | 2008 – 2025 | 278 | 5439 |
| KL Rahul | 2013 – 2025 | 145 | 5222 |
| AB de Villiers | 2008 – 2021 | 184 | 5162 |
| AM Rahane | 2008 – 2025 | 198 | 5032 |
| CH Gayle | 2009 – 2021 | 142 | 4965 |
These legendary batsmen have shaped IPL batting with their exceptional skills and consistency. Their contributions go beyond numbers, inspiring young cricketers and setting standards for future players.
The following sections examine each of these players in detail, focusing on their performances during these standout seasons, their roles within the team, and the key factors that contributed to their high run totals.
1. Virat Kohli – 8661 Runs
The undisputed king of IPL run, scoring, Virat Kohli stands alone as the tournament’s greatest batting icon. Playing exclusively for Royal Challengers Bengaluru throughout his IPL career, Kohli has redefined consistency in T20 cricket with his remarkable technique and mental fortitude.
| Matches | 267 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 8661 |
| Team(s) | RCB |
| Highest Individual Score | 113* |
| Strike Rate | 132.85 |
| 50/100 | 63/8 |
| 4s/6s | 771/291 |
Kohli’s ability to convert starts into big scores is remarkable, with 8 centuries and 63 half-centuries to his name. His record 973 runs in the 2016 season remain unbeaten, showcasing his dominance at the peak of his powers.
The RCB legend won his second Orange Cap in 2024 with 741 runs, proving age hasn’t affected his batting. His 771 fours demonstrate his mastery in finding gaps, while his strike rate of 132.85 balances aggression with consistency perfectly.
2. Rohit Sharma – 7046 Runs
Mumbai Indians’ captain and five-time IPL champion, Rohit Sharma, is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history. His elegant batting style and smart captaincy have made him one of the most successful players in tournament history.
| Matches | 272 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 7046 |
| Team(s) | DCH/MI |
| Highest Individual Score | 109* |
| Strike Rate | 132.09 |
| 50/100 | 47/2 |
| 4s/6s | 640/302 |
Rohit’s journey from 2008 shows incredible consistency across 17 seasons. His 302 sixes prove his power, hitting ability, while 47 half-centuries and 2 centuries show he can build big innings when needed.
As an opener, Rohit gives Mumbai Indians explosive starts that set up winning totals. His ability to read match situations and adjust his batting accordingly makes him a complete T20 player and one of IPL’s greatest leaders.
3. Shikhar Dhawan – 6769 Runs
Known as “Gabbar,” Shikhar Dhawan is one of the most consistent openers in IPL history. Playing for multiple teams, including Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings, he has adapted brilliantly to different environments while scoring runs freely.
| Matches | 222 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 6769 |
| Team(s) | DC/DCH/MI/PBKS/SRH |
| Highest Individual Score | 106* |
| Strike Rate | 127.14 |
| 50/100 | 51/2 |
| 4s/6s | 768/152 |
Dhawan’s 768 fours are the most in IPL history, showing his ability to find gaps and play elegant shots. His 51 half-centuries and 2 centuries prove he knows how to convert good starts into big scores regularly.
The left-handed opener has scored 300+ runs in 13 consecutive IPL seasons, which shows remarkable consistency. His attacking approach from the first ball puts pressure on bowlers and sets the tone for his team’s innings.
4. DA Warner – 6565 Runs
Australian powerhouse David Warner is one of the most explosive openers in IPL history. His aggressive batting style and match winning ability have made him a fan favorite, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals with great success.
| Matches | 184 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 6565 |
| Team(s) | DC/SRH |
| Highest Individual Score | 126 |
| Strike Rate | 139.77 |
| 50/100 | 62/4 |
| 4s/6s | 663/236 |
Warner has won three Orange Caps (2015, 2017, 2019), proving he can dominate bowling attacks season after season. His strike rate of 139.77 is the highest among batsmen with over 6,000 runs, showing he scores quickly without losing consistency.
With 62 half-centuries and 4 centuries in just 184 matches, Warner’s conversion rate is outstanding. His ability to attack from ball one and maintain that intensity throughout his innings makes him one of the most feared batsmen in T20 cricket.
5. Suresh Raina – 5528 Runs
Known as “Mr. IPL,” Suresh Raina was the heart of the Chennai Super Kings’ success for many years. His middle-order batting and electric fielding made him a complete package and a key player in CSK’s multiple championship wins.
| Matches | 205 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 5528 |
| Team(s) | CSK/GL |
| Highest Individual Score | 100* |
| Strike Rate | 136.73 |
| 50/100 | 39/1 |
| 4s/6s | 506/203 |
Raina’s strike rate of 136.73 shows his attacking mindset, especially in the middle overs, where he accelerated the scoring rate. His 39 half centuries and 1 century came at crucial times, helping CSK win many close matches.
Playing mostly at number 3, Raina was the perfect link between top order and finishers. His ability to hit boundaries under pressure and rotate strike smartly made him one of the most reliable middle order batsmen in IPL history.
6. MS Dhoni – 5439 Runs
Captain Cool MS Dhoni changed the art of finishing in T20 cricket with his calm mindset and powerful hitting. Leading Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles, Dhoni’s batting in pressure situations has won countless matches from impossible positions.
| Matches | 278 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 5439 |
| Team(s) | CSK/RPS |
| Highest Individual Score | 84* |
| Strike Rate | 137.45 |
| 50/100 | 24/, |
| 4s/6s | 375/264 |
With 278 matches, Dhoni holds the record for most IPL appearances, showing amazing longevity. His famous helicopter shot and ability to finish games under pressure made him the ultimate match winner in death overs.
Dhoni’s 264 sixes prove his power, hitting skills, while his strike rate of 137.45 shows he scores quickly when batting lower down the order. His leadership combined with finishing ability created a winning culture at CSK that lasted over 15 years.
7. KL Rahul – 5222 Runs
One of the most stylish batsmen in modern cricket, KL Rahul combines classical technique with T20 power. His consistency across different teams, especially Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, shows his ability to adapt and perform under different conditions.
| Matches | 145 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 5222 |
| Team(s) | DC/KXIP/LSG/PBKS/RCB/SRH |
| Highest Individual Score | 132* |
| Strike Rate | 136.02 |
| 50/100 | 40/5 |
| 4s/6s | 452/208 |
Rahul won the Orange Cap in 2020 with 670 runs, showing his ability to dominate throughout a season. His highest score of 132* against RCB proved he can play a long match,winning innings while keeping the scoring rate high.
With 5 centuries and 40 fifties in just 145 matches, Rahul’s average and conversion rate are excellent. His strike rate of 136.02 shows perfect balance between building innings and scoring quickly when needed.
8. AB de Villiers – 5162 Runs
The “360 degree player” AB de Villiers changed batting innovation in the IPL with his creative shot making. His ability to score runs from impossible situations made him one of the most entertaining and impactful players in tournament history
| Matches | 184 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 5162 |
| Team(s) | DC/RCB |
| Highest Individual Score | 133* |
| Strike Rate | 151.68 |
| 50/100 | 40/3 |
| 4s/6s | 413/251 |
De Villiers’ strike rate of 151.68 is the highest among players with 5,000+ runs, showing his incredible ability to score fast. His shots like reverse sweeps, ramp shots, and powerful drives left bowlers helpless and fans amazed throughout his IPL career.
Playing mainly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he formed a deadly partnership with Virat Kohli in the middle order. His 3 centuries and 40 half centuries came in high pressure situations, often saving his team from difficult positions through brilliant batting.
9. AM Rahane – 5032 Runs
A technically sound batsman with elegant stroke play, Ajinkya Rahane has been reliable across multiple franchises. His ability to anchor innings and provide stability at the top order made him valuable throughout his long IPL career.
| Matches | 198 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 5032 |
| Team(s) | CSK/DC/KKR/MI/RPS/RR |
| Highest Individual Score | 105* |
| Strike Rate | 125.01 |
| 50/100 | 33/2 |
| 4s/6s | 514/123 |
Rahane’s calm approach and consistent performances gave his teams the solid foundation needed for successful run chases. His 514 fours show his ability to find gaps and score boundaries regularly through proper cricketing shots.
Playing for teams like Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals, Rahane adapted his game to different team needs. His 2 centuries and 33 half centuries reflect steady contributions that helped build winning totals across many seasons.
10. CH Gayle – 4965 Runs
The “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle is the most destructive batsman in IPL history. His power, hitting and ability to single-handedly win matches made him a feared opponent and fan favorite across teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings.
| Matches | 142 |
|---|---|
| Runs | 4965 |
| Team(s) | KKR/KXIP/PBKS/RCB |
| Highest Individual Score | 175* |
| Strike Rate | 148.96 |
| 50/100 | 31/6 |
| 4s/6s | 404/357 |
Gayle’s 357 sixes are the most in IPL history, showing his unmatched power and six-hitting ability. His record score of 175* against Pune Warriors is the highest individual score in IPL, a complete demolition of the bowling attack.
With 6 centuries in just 142 matches, Gayle’s conversion rate is phenomenal. His strike rate of 148.96 proves he scores faster than almost anyone, often changing match situations within a few overs through his explosive batting style.
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Conclusion: The Legacy of IPL’s Run Masters
IPL run scoring records represent more than numbers; they show sustained excellence in the world’s toughest T20 league. These elite batsmen have consistently performed under pressure, adapting to changing conditions while maintaining remarkable consistency across multiple seasons. The IPL continues shaping T20 cricket globally, with these top run scorers setting standards for future generations. Their performances have entertained millions while inspiring young cricketers worldwide, ensuring the tournament’s legacy as cricket’s premier T20 competition continues for years to come.
