The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a stage for cricketing excellence since its inception in 2008, showcasing the talents of some of the world's best cricketers.
Over the years, numerous players have etched their names in the league's history with remarkable performances, but few have managed to leave a lasting legacy like the top run-scorers.
These batters have not only accumulated massive totals but have also consistently delivered match-winning performances, becoming IPL legends.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the top 10 players with the most runs in IPL history, highlighting their career achievements, standout performances, and the impact they've had on the tournament.
From Virat Kohli's unmatched dominance at the top of the run charts to the explosive power of Chris Gayle, these players have redefined what it means to be an IPL batting stalwart.
Virat Kohli has been a consistent presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2025, playing exclusively for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Over 260 matches, Kohli has featured in 252 innings, staying unbeaten in 40 of them.
Kohli stands atop the IPL run charts with a staggering 8,326 runs, making him the only player in the tournament's history to cross the 8,000-run mark. His highest score in the IPL remains 113 not out*, showcasing his ability to anchor as well as accelerate an innings.
With a batting average of 39.27 and a strike rate of 132.26, Kohli has combined consistency with aggression. He has registered 8 centuries and 59 half-centuries, reflecting his dominance across formats and seasons.
Kohli has struck 732 fours and 283 sixes, underlining his capability to mix timing with power. Having faced 6,295 balls, he has crafted many match-winning innings for RCB. Though he has 10 ducks, they are far outweighed by his monumental contributions.
Known for his aggressive mindset, match-winning ability, and unwavering passion, Kohli’s legacy in the IPL is unmatched. He remains not just a run machine, but also an inspirational figure in the league.
Rohit Sharma has been a key figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inaugural season in 2008, playing for Deccan Chargers (DCH) initially, before becoming the face of Mumbai Indians (MI). Over a 17-season span till 2025, Rohit has played 264 matches, batting in 259 innings, with 30 not outs.
Rohit has scored a total of 6,786 runs, placing him among the top five highest run-scorers in IPL history. His highest score in the league is 109 not out*, a testament to his ability to play match-winning knocks when needed.
With a batting average of 29.63 and a strike rate of 131.61, Rohit blends elegance with efficiency. He has registered 2 centuries and 44 half-centuries, often providing solid starts or rescuing his team under pressure.
Sharma has smashed 609 fours and 292 sixes, indicating his prowess in finding gaps and clearing the boundary. Across 5,156 balls faced, his attacking mindset has shaped many iconic chases and victories.
As the five-time title-winning captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit’s legacy is cemented not just as a batter, but also as one of IPL’s most successful leaders.
Shikhar Dhawan has been a cornerstone of the IPL since 2008, representing multiple franchises over the years—Delhi Capitals (DC), Deccan Chargers (DCH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Punjab Kings (PBKS). Over 222 matches and 221 innings till 2024, Dhawan has maintained a high level of consistency, rarely missing a season.
Dhawan has amassed 6,769 runs, placing him among the league's top scorers. With a highest score of 106 not out*, he has often anchored innings with poise and experience. His batting average of 35.25 reflects his reliability at the top of the order.
Known for his graceful strokeplay and calm demeanor, Dhawan boasts a strike rate of 127.14. He has scored 2 centuries and an impressive 51 half-centuries, consistently laying solid platforms for his teams.
With 768 fours, Dhawan holds the record for the most boundaries in IPL history. He has also struck 152 sixes in 5,324 balls faced, making him a threat in any format.
Dhawan’s ability to provide solid starts, rotate strike, and accelerate when needed makes him one of the most dependable batters in IPL history.
David Warner made his IPL debut in 2009 and has since established himself as the most successful overseas batter in the tournament’s history. Representing Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Warner has been a consistent top-order performer across 184 matches, playing all 184 innings—a testament to his fitness and importance to his teams.
Warner has scored a massive 6,565 runs, placing him among the elite IPL run-getters. His highest score of 126 came in dominant fashion, and his batting average of 40.52 reflects remarkable consistency and the ability to perform under pressure.
With a strike rate of 139.77, Warner combines aggression with smart game awareness. He has smashed 4 centuries and 62 half-centuries, often giving his team strong starts in the powerplay.
Warner’s tally of 663 fours and 236 sixes highlights his all-round hitting ability. He has faced 4,697 balls, showing his longevity at the crease. Despite his aggressive style, he’s recorded only 11 ducks.
Warner has won the Orange Cap multiple times, showcasing his unmatched dominance as a foreign player in IPL history. His leadership, especially during his stint with SRH, led the team to their maiden title in 2016.
Suresh Raina, often referred to as “Mr. IPL”, was one of the most consistent performers during the league’s formative years. Representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Lions (GL) between 2008 and 2021, Raina featured in 205 matches and played 200 innings, establishing himself as a cornerstone of CSK’s batting lineup.
Raina amassed 5,528 runs, with a highest score of 100 not out, showcasing his ability to play both anchor and finisher roles. His average of 32.51 underlines his consistency across seasons, while his strike rate of 136.73 reflects his aggressive and impactful approach.
Although he scored just one century, Raina’s 39 fifties often came in crucial situations. His composure under pressure and versatility across batting positions made him a valuable asset for CSK.
Raina was known for his elegant strokeplay, hammering 506 fours and 203 sixes in 4,043 balls faced. Remarkably, he registered only 8 ducks over his long IPL career.
Raina was instrumental in CSK’s multiple title wins and playoff appearances. His leadership, fielding excellence, and loyalty made him a fan favorite and an irreplaceable figure in IPL history.
MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and briefly Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), has been a defining figure in IPL history since the tournament’s inception in 2008. Across 272 matches, Dhoni has played 237 innings, finishing unbeaten in 99 of them—a testament to his unmatched ability to anchor and finish games.
Though primarily batting in the middle and lower-middle order, Dhoni has accumulated 5,377 runs, becoming one of only a handful of players to surpass the 5,000-run mark in IPL. His highest score of 84* and average of 38.96 reflect his knack for finishing games with calculated precision.
Dhoni’s strike rate of 137.87 showcases his power-hitting ability, especially in the death overs. He has slammed 373 fours and 260 sixes in just 3,900 deliveries, often turning the tide of matches single-handedly.
With 24 fifties, 6 ducks, and countless iconic finishes, Dhoni’s legacy goes beyond the numbers. His leadership has brought CSK multiple titles, and his composure under pressure continues to inspire millions, making him one of the most revered figures in IPL history.
AB de Villiers, fondly known as “Mr. 360”, captivated IPL fans with his unorthodox and fearless batting style. Playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2008 to 2021, he became one of the most entertaining and versatile batters in T20 history. Over his 184 matches, he accumulated a total of 5,162 runs, boasting a remarkable average of 39.70.
Known for his innovative strokeplay, de Villiers' highest score of 133* remains etched in IPL history as one of the most explosive innings ever played. His strike rate of 151.68 underscores his ability to score at a rapid pace, with 413 fours and 251 sixes in just 3,403 balls faced.
With 3 centuries and 40 half-centuries, de Villiers consistently provided the much-needed firepower for RCB. His ability to play shots all around the ground, especially in crucial moments, made him a game-changer in the T20 format.
Despite facing 10 ducks, AB's contributions went beyond the numbers. His impact on the IPL transcended stats, making him a global fan favorite and one of the most respected T20 players in history.
Chris Gayle, often referred to as the “Universe Boss,” is one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket history. Playing for multiple franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) between 2009 and 2021, Gayle etched his name in IPL history with a record-breaking innings of 175*, the highest-ever individual score in the league.
Gayle's sheer power and dominance are reflected in his strike rate of 148.96 and 6 centuries. Across 142 matches, he scored 4,965 runs, maintaining an impressive average of 39.72. His ability to clear the boundary at will is evident from his tally of 357 sixes and 404 fours. The "Universe Boss" was a true six-hitting machine.
Not only was Gayle consistent with his batting, but his strike rate of 148.96 reveals just how quickly he could change the game in the blink of an eye. Over 3,333 balls faced, Gayle managed to maintain his dominance, taking down even the best bowlers in the IPL.
Despite having 8 ducks, Gayle's flair for the dramatic and his ability to produce match-winning performances made him a crowd favorite and a crucial figure for every team he played for. His legacy in IPL is not just about the numbers but also his electrifying presence on the field.
Robin Uthappa, who played for several franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Pune Warriors India (PWI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) between 2008 and 2022, was a consistent presence in the IPL. Known for his solid technique and ability to anchor innings, Uthappa played a pivotal role in the success of KKR and CSK over the years.
In his 205 IPL matches, Uthappa scored 4,952 runs, maintaining an average of 27.51. His highest score of 88 was a testament to his ability to play long, steady innings when required. Uthappa’s strike rate of 130.35 showed that, while he was not as explosive as some other IPL stalwarts, he could accumulate runs efficiently, contributing to the team’s total at crucial moments.
Uthappa’s consistent batting and ability to deliver in key situations made him an integral part of KKR's and CSK's batting lineups. Despite not scoring a century in the IPL, he managed to score 27 half-centuries, showing his reliability in building partnerships.
Despite having 8 ducks, Uthappa was a key middle-order batsman who could stabilize an innings or accelerate when needed. His 481 fours and 182 sixes illustrated his adaptability, while his calm and composed batting style helped his teams in their quest for IPL titles.
KL Rahul has been a key figure in the IPL since 2013, playing for several franchises, including Delhi Capitals (DC), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His consistency and adaptability have made him one of the most reliable and successful batters in the tournament's history.
In his 138 IPL matches, KL Rahul has accumulated an impressive 4,949 runs, with an average of 45.82, the highest among the top IPL run-scorers. He has played 129 innings, with a remarkable strike rate of 135.70. Rahul’s highest score of 132* is a testament to his ability to play big innings and anchor the batting order for his team.
KL Rahul has scored 4 centuries and 39 half-centuries, consistently performing in crucial matches. His ability to adapt to different match situations, whether accelerating the innings or building partnerships, has been a major factor in his success.
Known for his stylish batting and superb timing, Rahul has faced 3,647 balls, hitting 422 fours and 200 sixes. With only 4 ducks, he has shown remarkable consistency, contributing significantly to his teams' success over the years. His balance of aggression and caution makes him one of the most complete batters in the IPL.