The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some of the best cricketing talent from around the world showcase their skills. Since its inception in 2008, the tournament has produced countless memorable performances, and among those, the contributions of top run-scorers stand out the most. Every season, players come and go, but certain individuals have consistently remained at the top, accumulating massive runs and establishing themselves as legends of the game.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the list of the highest run scorer in IPL history, looking at the players who have amassed the highest runs in the league over the years. This updated list includes stats, career milestones, and the journey of these top IPL players who have lit up the tournament with their performances. This list includes the highest runs in IPL by some legendary players.
Highest Run Scorer in IPL: Top 20 Players
|
Rank |
Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | 100s | 50s |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | 261 | 253 | 8396 | 8 |
60 |
|
2 |
Rohit Sharma | 265 | 260 | 6856 | 2 | 45 |
| 3 | Shikhar Dhawan | 222 | 221 | 6769 | 2 |
51 |
|
4 |
David Warner | 184 | 184 | 6565 | 4 | 62 |
| 5 | Suresh Raina | 205 | 200 | 5528 | 1 |
39 |
|
6 |
MS Dhoni | 272 | 237 | 5377 | – | 24 |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | 184 | 170 | 5162 | 3 |
40 |
|
8 |
KL Rahul | 139 | 130 | 5006 | 4 | 40 |
| 9 | Chris Gayle | 142 | 141 | 4965 | 6 |
31 |
|
10 |
Robin Uthappa | 205 | 197 | 4952 | – | 27 |
| 11 | Ajinkya Rahane | 193 | 179 | 4913 | 2 |
33 |
|
12 |
Dinesh Karthik | 257 | 234 | 4842 | – | 22 |
| 13 | Faf du Plessis | 148 | 141 | 4652 | – |
38 |
|
14 |
Sanju Samson | 175 | 170 | 4643 | 3 | 26 |
| 15 | Ambati Rayudu | 204 | 187 | 4348 | 1 |
22 |
|
16 |
Gautam Gambhir | 154 | 152 | 4217 | – | 36 |
| 17 | Suryakumar Yadav | 159 | 144 | 3967 | 2 |
26 |
|
18 |
Jos Buttler | 115 | 114 | 3938 | 7 | 22 |
| 19 | Shane Watson | 145 | 141 | 3874 | 4 |
21 |
|
20 |
Manish Pandey | 172 | 160 | 3869 | 1 |
22 |
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is, without a doubt, the highest run scorer in IPL history, with a staggering 8000+ runs. Known for his consistency and adaptability, Kohli has been the backbone of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. He holds the record for the most runs in a single season, scoring 973 runs in IPL 2016. His ability to play across various conditions and against all types of bowlers makes him the most reliable player in the IPL History. Kohli’s aggressive yet controlled batting style has allowed him to dominate the IPL for over a decade.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is another stalwart of IPL cricket. With 5879 runs, Sharma has been instrumental in MI’s success in the tournament. His calm demeanor and ability to score big when needed have made him one of the most successful IPL players. His contributions with the bat have played a significant role in Mumbai Indians winning multiple IPL titles.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, known for his solid opening partnership and aggressive batting, is one of the most reliable run-scorers in IPL. Over the years, Dhawan has amassed a remarkable number of runs, making him one of the highest run scorer in IPL. His consistency in the top order has been crucial for both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
David Warner
David Warner, the Australian opening batsman, has been one of the most successful foreign players in the IPL. Warner’s aggressive batting and his ability to play both the short and long formats of the game have helped him accumulate 6565 runs in the IPL. His captaincy of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has also been a significant factor in his long-standing success.
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina, also known as “Chinna Thala,” has been one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen in the IPL. Raina has scored 5528 runs in the tournament, playing a vital role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the years. His ability to finish games and his agility in the field have made him a fan favorite. Raina is also one of the few players who have been consistent in the middle overs, making him an invaluable asset to his team.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been an integral part of the IPL since its inception. Known for his cool and calm demeanor under pressure, Dhoni has amassed a significant number of runs and is one of the highest run scorer in IPL. His finishing abilities have also earned him the title of one of the best finishers in cricket.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, one of the most dynamic and innovative players in the IPL, has scored 5162 runs. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), de Villiers has been an explosive middle-order batsman, known for his unorthodox shots and versatility. His ability to score runs in all areas of the ground makes him one of the most feared batsmen in the league.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul has been one of the standout players in recent seasons, accumulating 5000+ runs in the IPL. Known for his consistency and ability to build innings from the top order, Rahul has been a key player for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and later Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). His ability to adapt to various match situations makes him a versatile player and makes in Highest Run Scorer in IPL list.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” has been one of the most entertaining players in the history of the IPL. With 4965 runs, Gayle has been an explosive force in T20 cricket, often turning games on their head with his massive sixes. His destructive style of batting makes him one of the most dangerous players in IPL history.
Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa, a steady and consistent performer in the IPL, has been an integral part of many successful campaigns. His ability to provide quick starts has helped his teams to post big totals. As one of the players with the highest runs in IPL, Uthappa’s contribution has been vital for his teams over the years.
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, known for his solid technique and calm demeanor, has been a highest run scorer in IPL cricket. With 4913 runs, Rahane’s classical batting style has brought stability to the teams he has represented, including Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). His ability to anchor innings and build partnerships has made him a vital player in the IPL.
Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik is one of the most experienced players in IPL. With his excellent wicketkeeping skills and ability to finish games, Karthik has been a key contributor with the bat. His consistency with the bat has earned him a place among the players with the highest runs in IPL.
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis, the South African batsman, has made a significant impact in the IPL with his solid batting technique and leadership skills. As a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Faf du Plessis has scored some of the highest runs in IPL, establishing himself as one of the most reliable players in the tournament.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in IPL. The Rajasthan Royals captain has been consistent with his batting performances and has racked up a significant number of runs in the IPL. His aggressive style of play has made him one of the highest run scorer in IPL history.
Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu has been an unsung hero in the IPL for many years. Rayudu has played important knocks for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), particularly in the middle order. His ability to stabilize the innings and his calmness under pressure have made him one of the most reliable players in the IPL.
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has been one of the stalwarts of the IPL. Gambhir’s ability to score runs consistently and lead his team to two IPL titles has earned him a place among the highest run scorer in IPL history.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, with his stylish and innovative stroke play, has emerged as one of the brightest talents in IPL. Playing for Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar has been a key contributor, amassing some of the highest runs in IPL. His ability to adapt to different situations makes him a valuable asset in the tournament.
Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler, the England wicketkeeper-batsman, has been one of the most destructive players in IPL. Known for his quick-fire innings and match-winning performances, Buttler has made a name for himself as one of the highest run scorer in IPL history, especially with Rajasthan Royals.
Shane Watson
Shane Watson, the Australian all-rounder, has been a key player for both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With 3874 runs, Watson’s ability to provide both stability and firepower in the batting order has made him an essential part of the teams he represented. Watson’s powerful hitting has been a hallmark of his IPL career.
Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey, another highest run scorer in IPL, has scored over 3869 runs. Known for his elegant batting and ability to play both anchor and aggressive roles, Pandey has been a vital part of teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Key Milestones in IPL History
- Virat Kohli– First player to score 8,000+ runs in IPL; holds the record for highest runs in ipl and most centuries (8).
- Chris Gayle– Scored the highest individual score in IPL history: Not Out 175 off 66 balls in 2013.
- MS Dhoni– First player to captain in 250+ IPL matches; also, the most successful IPL captain with 5 titles (tied with Rohit Sharma).
- KL Rahul– First player to score 600+ runs in 4 different IPL seasons; consistently a top run-scorer.
IPL 2025 Key Milestones
Virat Kohli’s 400th T20 Match
During the IPL 2025 opening ceremony, Virat Kohli was honored with the ‘IPL 18’ memento by BCCI president Roger Binny, celebrating his 400th T20 appearance. Kohli, the highest run scorer in IPL history with over 8,000 runs, continues to be a pivotal figure in the tournament.
Youngest IPL Debutant: Vaibhav Suryavanshi
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history as the youngest player to debut in the IPL. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he scored 34 runs off 20 balls, including three sixes, in a match against Lucknow Super Giants. His remarkable performance has garnered widespread attention.
KL Rahul’s Record-Breaking Performance
KL Rahul, playing for Delhi Capitals, became the fastest player to reach 5,000 IPL runs, achieving this milestone in just 130 innings. In a match against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants, he scored an unbeaten 57 runs, leading Delhi to victory.
Rule Changes and Innovations
- Saliva Ban Lifted: Bowlers are now allowed to use saliva to maintain the ball’s shine, a measure previously restricted due to health concerns.
- Second Ball Rule: To address challenges posed by dew during night matches, teams can switch to a new ball after the 11th over of the second innings if excessive dew is detected.
- Expanded DRS: The Decision Review System now includes referrals for height-based no-balls and wides outside the off-stump, utilizing Hawk-Eye technology for more accurate decisions.
Conclusion
The highest run scorer in IPL list reflects the journey of some of the finest batsmen in T20 cricket. These players have consistently delivered match-winning performances and contributed immensely to their teams’ successes over the years. From Virat Kohli’s dominance to Suresh Raina’s consistency, the IPL has seen the emergence of numerous stars who have left an indelible mark on the history of the league. Their remarkable feats with the bat continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers, and their record highest runs in IPL will be remembered for years to come.
