Top 10 Highest Run Scorers in IPL- From Virat Kohli to Chris Gayle

The Indian Premier League has been the biggest platform for cricketers to showcase their skills and entertain millions of fans worldwide. Since its inauguration in 2008, the IPL has witnessed some of the greatest batting performances in T20 history- from powerful openers to dominant middle-order batsmen.

How We Ranked the Batsmen with Most Runs

• Most Runs: To rank the leading run-scorers in the league, the sole criterion is the batsmen with the most runs. 18 years of this league have provided us with numerous talented batsmen, who have gone on to score thousands of runs in the league.

Batsmen With the Most Runs in IPL

The IPL has been a breeding ground for young talent, but it has also seen established stars shine brightly on the biggest stage. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni have been synonymous with the IPL, and their impressive run-scoring records are a testament to their greatness. But they are not alone, as other players like David Warner, Shikhar Dhawan, and AB de Villiers have given their respective teams a very hard time in making them reach such heights of success.

Here we count down the top 10 players with the most runs in IPL history and feature some of the greatest batsmen ever to have played the game. These players have given fans hundreds of moments full of joy and excitement. Now, let us begin by stating who cut our list of the top 10 batsmen with the most runs in IPL history.

10. Chris Gayle | Matches 142 | 4965 Runs

Chris Gayle, often referred to as the “Universe Boss,” was one of the most explosive and entertaining players in the IPL. With 4965 runs in just 142 matches, Gayle’s ability to turn matches on their head with his brute force made him a deadly player in T20 cricket. His highest score of 175* is an IPL record, and his strike rate of 148.96 is a clear reflection of his power-hitting capabilities.

Having played for multiple franchises, including Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings (PBKS), Gayle’s impact on the game is unmatched when it comes to destroying opposition bowling attacks.

9. Ajinkya Rahane | Matches 198 | 5032 Runs

Ajinkya Rahane is a veteran IPL player, having accumulated 5,032 runs in 198 matches. He holds a batting average of 30.49 and a strike rate of 125.42. His record includes 33 fifties and 2 centuries, with a top score of 105 not out. Over the years, Rahane has played for six different franchises: Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Rahane was appointed as the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2025 season, and his performance with the bat was impressive, but KKR failed to qualify for the playoffs. He would be looking to make amends for that in the next season.

8. AB de Villiers | Matches 184 | 5162 Runs

AB de Villiers, the South African maestro, is one of the most dynamic and innovative batsmen in the history of the IPL. With 5162 runs in 184 matches, his ability to play unconventional shots and dominate bowlers made him a fan favourite. With an average of 39.7 and a phenomenal strike rate of 151.68, de Villiers is known for his unorthodox style, often turning games in his team’s favour.

De Villiers’ time with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) saw him develop a reputation as one of the most destructive players in the T20 format. His ability to score runs at will, whether through aerial shots or innovative sweeps, has set him apart.

7. KL Rahul | Matches 145 | 5222 Runs

KL Rahul has been one of the most consistent batsmen in the league over the last few years. He has scored 5222 runs in just 145 matches at an impressive average of 46.21 and with a decent strike rate of 136. He has already smashed 40 half-centuries along with 5 hundreds in just 145 games. Rahul had a quite decent 2025 season with the Delhi Capitals, scoring 539 runs in just 13 matches at an average of 53.9 and striking at 150. KL is considered one of the most dependable batsmen in the league due to his batting prowess. He has the potential to become one of the leading run-scorers in the upcoming seasons.

6. MS Dhoni | Matches 278 | 5439 Runs

MS Dhoni, one of the greatest captains in cricket history, has been the face of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, accumulating 5439 runs in 278 matches. Renowned for his cool-headed approach and finishing abilities, Dhoni has been a game-changer for CSK, leading them to five IPL titles.

Despite his age, Dhoni continues to remain a force in the IPL, with his tactical acumen and finishing prowess ensuring that he remains one of the most loved and respected figures in the tournament.

5. Suresh Raina | Matches 205 | 5528 Runs

Suresh Raina, fondly known as “Mr. IPL,” is one of the most iconic figures in the tournament, scoring 5528 runs in 205 matches. Raina’s aggressive and attacking style stands as a hallmark of his IPL career, particularly with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with whom he won several titles before announcing his retirement from the league.

Raina’s role in the CSK lineup was more than just a top-order batsman; his sharp fielding and occasional bowling contributions added to his value. As one of the most trusted players in IPL history, Raina’s reputation as a big-match player is solidified through his performances in crucial moments.

4. David Warner | Matches 184 | 6565 Runs

David Warner, the Australian opener, is one of the most successful and explosive batsmen in IPL history, scoring 6565 runs in 184 matches. Known for his aggressive stroke play and fearless attitude, Warner was a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), leading them to an IPL title in 2016. He is the most successful overseas batter in the history of the IPL.

His leadership during his tenure as SRH’s captain also contributed to his status as one of the most prominent figures in the IPL. Despite being a foreign player, Warner’s popularity and contributions to the tournament have made him a household name in India.

3. Shikhar Dhawan | 222 Matches | 6769 Runs

Shikhar Dhawan is another superstar of the IPL, with 6769 runs in 222 matches to his name. A left-handed opener known for his aggressive approach, Dhawan has consistently provided his teams with solid starts. With an average of 35.25 and a strike rate of 127.14, Dhawan has been an absolute IPL legend. He is one of the best batsmen in IPL history.

Dhawan has been a crucial player for several franchises, including Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), before announcing his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. His solid performances over the years and his ability to score in a variety of conditions make him one of the most successful and respected figures in the league

2. Rohit Sharma | Matches 272 | 7046 Runs

Rohit Sharma, the former captain of Mumbai Indians (MI), has been an integral part of the IPL, accumulating 7046 runs across 272 matches. Sharma has led MI to five IPL titles, making him the most successful captain in IPL history. He has scored 7046 runs in this league with an average of 29.72 and a strike rate of 132.14. He has scored 47 half-centuries and 2 centuries in the IPL.

Rohit Sharma’s success in the IPL is not just attributed to his batting prowess but also to his leadership qualities. Under his captaincy, MI has become the most dominant team in the history of the IPL, and his performances have played a pivotal role in the franchise’s success.

1. Virat Kohli | 267 Matches | 8661 Runs

The modern-day master Virat Kohli stands as the highest run-scorer in IPL history, amassing a total of 8661 runs in 267 matches. He is the only player to play for a single IPL team since 2008. With 63 half-centuries and 8 centuries to his name, Kohli has been a prolific contributor, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in IPL history.

His leadership and consistency have marked Kohli’s presence in the IPL. He has been the recipient of an orange cap twice in the IPL. He has been a cornerstone of RCB for many seasons, although he stepped down as the team’s captain in recent years. He is the best batsman in IPL history. He also has the most runs in the T20 International. In IPL 2025, he was the highest run scorer in IPL 2025, and his contribution was very important in achieving the maiden IPL trophy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.