Top 10 Batsmen With Most Runs In IPL (Updated 2026)

The Indian Premier League is one of cricket’s biggest franchise tournaments, and since 2008 it has featured many great batters, with Virat Kohli leading the all-time run charts with 8,661 runs across 267 matches.

The fast-paced nature of the IPL, coupled with batsmen-friendly conditions and the stroke play, has seen some historic batting performances. This article is a comprehensive compilation of the top 10+ highest run-getters in the history of the Indian Premier League.

Top 10 Players With The Most Runs In IPL

Here are the complete list of players with the most runs in IPL.

Rank	Player	Runs	Matches	Average	Strike Rate	Highest Score
1	Virat Kohli	8,661	267	39.54	132.85	113*
2	Rohit Sharma	7,046	272	29.73	132.09	109*
3	Shikhar Dhawan	6,769	222	35.25	127.14	106*
4	David Warner	6,565	184	40.52	139.77	126
5	Suresh Raina	5,528	205	32.51	136.73	100*
6	MS Dhoni	5,439	278	38.30	137.45	84*
7	KL Rahul	5,222	145	46.21	136.02	132*
8	AB de Villiers	5,162	184	39.70	151.68	133*
9	Ajinkya Rahane	5,032	198	30.49	125.01	105*
10	Chris Gayle	4,965	142	39.72	148.96	175*

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli holds the distinction of being the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, accumulating runs across 18 seasons with Royal Challengers Bangalore. His remarkable consistency has seen him cross the 8,661 run milestone while maintaining an impressive average approaching 40. Kohli’s eight centuries stand as the most by any player in IPL history, with his 2016 season producing 973 runs—a record that remains unbroken. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating when needed has made him indispensable to RCB’s batting lineup throughout his career

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s journey from Deccan Chargers to Mumbai Indians has yielded 7,046 runs, making him the second-highest run-getter in tournament history. As captain of Mumbai Indians, he has led from the front while guiding his team to five championship titles. His tactical acumen combined with explosive batting has produced 47 half-centuries and two centuries. Rohit’s ability to pace innings according to match situations, along with his devastating pull shot, has become his trademark in the IPL arena.

3. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan has established himself as one of the IPL’s most reliable opening batsmen across stints with multiple franchises including Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. His 51 half-centuries demonstrate exceptional consistency at the top of the order. Dhawan’s textbook strokeplay combined with calculated aggression has enabled him to accumulate runs at a healthy average while maintaining steady scoring rates. His experience in handling both pace and spin in powerplay overs has been invaluable to every team he has represented.

4. David Warner 

David Warner’s IPL career has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Australian opener amassing 6,565 runs at an outstanding average exceeding 40. His explosive starts and ability to dominate bowling attacks earned him three Orange Caps for most runs in a season. Warner’s fearless approach at the crease, combined with his innovative strokeplay, has produced 62 half-centuries and four centuries. His partnership chemistry with opening partners has consistently provided strong foundations for his teams’ innings.

5. Suresh Raina 

Suresh Raina epitomized loyalty and consistency during his IPL career, primarily representing Chennai Super Kings. His left-handed batting prowess in the middle order produced crucial contributions that often turned matches in CSK’s favor. Raina’s ability to accelerate innings during the middle overs made him one of the most dependable batsmen of his era. His aggressive running between wickets and powerful hitting against spin bowling became defining features of his game across 205 matches.

6. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s legacy in the IPL extends beyond his 5,439 runs to his exceptional leadership that brought Chennai Super Kings five championship titles. His remarkable batting average reflects his ability to finish matches under pressure, with 100 not-out innings showcasing his unmatched finishing skills. Dhoni’s calculated aggression in death overs, combined with his innovative helicopter shot, has produced countless match-winning performances. His presence at the crease often transforms game situations, making him one of cricket’s most impactful finishers.

7. KL Rahul

KL Rahul has compiled 5,222 runs while maintaining the highest batting average among players with 5,000+ runs in IPL history. His elegant strokeplay and ability to construct innings methodically have resulted in five centuries and 40 half-centuries. Rahul’s versatility allows him to open or bat in the middle order with equal effectiveness. His 2020 season saw him claim the Orange Cap with 670 runs, demonstrating his capability to dominate throughout an entire tournament.

8. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers revolutionized T20 batting during his IPL career with an extraordinary strike rate of 151.68 the highest among all batsmen with 5,162 runs. His 360-degree shotmaking and ability to score boundaries from impossible positions earned him the nickname “Mr. 360.” De Villiers’ partnership with Virat Kohli at RCB produced some of the tournament’s most memorable batting displays. His 40 not-out innings reflect his exceptional finishing abilities when batting deep into innings.

9. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has quietly accumulated 5,032 runs while representing various franchises across his IPL career. His classical technique and ability to anchor innings provided stability at the top of batting orders. Rahane’s 33 half-centuries showcase his consistency in building substantial scores. His calm demeanor under pressure and reliable performances in crucial matches made him a valuable asset for teams requiring experienced batting at the top or middle order.

10. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle’s IPL career featured some of the most destructive batting displays in tournament history. His six centuries include the highest individual score of 175*, which remains an IPL record. Gayle’s towering sixes and ability to single-handedly dismantle bowling attacks made him one of cricket’s most feared batsmen. His 357 sixes stand as a testament to his power-hitting capabilities. Despite playing fewer matches than others in the top 10, his impact on the IPL has been immeasurable.

Records & Interesting Stats From IPL

• Highest batting average among top scorers: KL Rahul holds an exceptional average of 46.21 among all players with 5,000+ runs
• Best strike rate among players with 5,000+ runs: AB de Villiers leads with an astronomical strike rate of 151.68
• Most centuries in IPL history: Virat Kohli has scored 8 centuries, the most by any player
• Most half-centuries in IPL history: Virat Kohli’s 63 fifties are unmatched in tournament history
• Youngest player to score 5,000+ runs: Virat Kohli achieved this milestone at the youngest age among all IPL players
• Most sixes by a batsman: Chris Gayle’s 357 sixes remain the highest in IPL history despite his retirement

Conclusion: Virat Kohli Holds The Record For Most Runs In IPL History

The journey through IPL’s highest run-scorers reveals the extraordinary talent that has graced this tournament over the years. Virat Kohli’s reign at the top with 8,661 runs exemplifies dedication and consistency, while players like Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and AB de Villiers have redefined what it means to dominate in T20 cricket. 

As the IPL continues to evolve with each passing season, new talents emerge while established stars continue adding to their impressive talents. The records set by these legends serve as benchmarks for the next generation of cricketers who dream of making their mark in the world’s most competitive T20 league. 

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