Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, with 8,661 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His consistency and ability to play big innings year after year make him a true T20 legend.
Other top run-scorers include Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and David Warner. They have all scored more than 6,000 runs in the league. These players have delivered memorable performances and often played key roles in their team’s success.
This article looks at the batters with the most runs in IPL history, highlighting their achievements and impact on the league.
Top 10 Batters With the Most Runs in IPL History
Below is a look at the top 10 batters with the most runs in IPL history so far.
| Player | Span | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 2008-2025 | 267 | 8661 |
| Rohit Sharma | 2008-2025 | 272 | 7046 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 2008-2024 | 222 | 6769 |
| David 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 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 2008-2025 | 198 | 5032 |
| Chris Gayle | 2009-2021 | 142 | 4965 |
Among the top run-scorers, several legends are still playing in the IPL. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni continue to take on important roles for their teams, increasing their impressive run totals.
Their experience and consistency make them vital players each season. Others on the list have already retired, but they have left a lasting legacy.
1. Virat Kohli
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2008-2025 |
| Matches | 267 |
| Runs | 8661 |
| Average | 39.54 |
| Strike Rate | 132.85 |
| Highest Score | 113* |
| 100s | 8 |
| 50s | 63 |
Virat Kohli stands at the top of the IPL run‑scorers list with 8,661 runs from 267 matches, supported by a strong average of 39.54, a strike rate of 132.85, and 8 centuries and 63 fifties. His consistency over nearly two decades highlights his class and endurance in T20 cricket.
In the IPL 2025 season, Kohli scored 675 runs at an average of 54.75, showcasing peak form. His highest score of 113* against the Rajasthan Royals in 2024 at Jaipur underlines his ability to play match-defining innings, cementing his place as the leading run-scorer in IPL history. He won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in a single IPL season in 2016 and 2024.
2. Rohit Sharma
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2008-2025 |
| Matches | 272 |
| Runs | 7046 |
| Average | 29.73 |
| Strike Rate | 132.09 |
| Highest Score | 109* |
| 100s | 2 |
| 50s | 47 |
Rohit Sharma has scored 7,046 runs in 272 IPL matches, with an average of 29.73, a strike rate of 132.09, 2 centuries, and 47 fifties. His consistency at the top of the order over nearly two decades has made him one of the league’s most reliable run-getters.
Known for his elegant stroke play and controlled aggression, Rohit can anchor innings or accelerate when needed. His ability to score consistently in crucial matches highlights why he remains among the IPL’s top run-scorers.
3. Shikhar Dhawan
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2008-2024 |
| Matches | 222 |
| Runs | 6769 |
| Average | 35.25 |
| Strike Rate | 127.14 |
| Highest Score | 106* |
| 100s | 2 |
| 50s | 51 |
Shikhar Dhawan has scored 6,769 runs in the IPL at an average of 35.25, making him one of the league’s most consistent top-order batters over the years. He has played for different franchises throughout his IPL career, but his runs have come consistently, making him the third-highest run-scorer in IPL history.
Known for his aggressive yet controlled stroke play, Dhawan can accelerate innings and anchor the top order. His consistency and reliability in scoring big runs have made him a key player in IPL history.
4. David Warner
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2009-2024 |
| Matches | 184 |
| Runs | 6565 |
| Average | 40.52 |
| Strike Rate | 139.77 |
| Highest Score | 126 |
| 100s | 4 |
| 50s | 62 |
David Warner has scored 6,565 runs in the IPL at an average of 40.52, making him one of the most consistent top-order batters. Playing for multiple franchises, he has delivered runs wherever he went, earning his place as the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history.
One of the best overseas players IPL has ever seen, Warner is known for his aggressive stroke play and explosive starts. He has won the Orange Cap three times—in 2015, 2017, and 2019—showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers season after season.
5. Suresh Raina
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2008-2021 |
| Matches | 205 |
| Runs | 5528 |
| Average | 32.51 |
| Strike Rate | 136.73 |
| Highest Score | 100* |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 39 |
Suresh Raina scored 5,528 runs in the IPL at an average of 32.51, making him one of the most consistent performers in league history. His ability to score in all phases of the game helped him stay among the top run‑getters over many seasons.
Fondly nicknamed “Mr IPL” for his long‑term success and dependability with the bat, Raina’s aggressive stroke play and match awareness made him a key contributor throughout his IPL career.
6. MS Dhoni
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2008-2025 |
| Matches | 278 |
| Runs | 5439 |
| Average | 38.30 |
| Strike Rate | 137.45 |
| Highest Score | 84* |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 24 |
MS Dhoni has scored 5,439 runs in the IPL, primarily batting in the middle order, making him one of the most experienced and dependable players in league history.
Known for his flexibility to bat anywhere in the lineup, Dhoni continues to play for Chennai Super Kings and is expected in the next season as well. His exceptional finishing skills, calmness under pressure, and ability to guide the team in tight situations make him a true T20 legend.
7. KL Rahul
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2013-2025 |
| Matches | 145 |
| Runs | 5222 |
| Average | 46.21 |
| Strike Rate | 136.02 |
| Highest Score | 132* |
| 100s | 5 |
| 50s | 40 |
KL Rahul has scored 5,222 runs in 145 IPL matches at an average of 46.21, making him one of the most consistent and prolific top-order batters in the league.
He won the Orange Cap in 2020 for PBKS and is currently playing for Delhi Capitals (DC). Known for elegant stroke play and explosive hitting, Rahul is expected to continue adding to his impressive run tally in upcoming seasons.
8. AB de Villiers
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2008-2021 |
| Matches | 184 |
| Runs | 5162 |
| Average | 39.70 |
| Strike Rate | 151.68 |
| Highest Score | 133* |
| 100s | 3 |
| 50s | 40 |
AB de Villiers scored 5,162 runs in 184 IPL matches at an average of 39.70, making him one of the most explosive and versatile batters in league history.
Nicknamed “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the ground, de Villiers became a fan favorite during his tenure with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His innovative stroke play, finishing skills, and ability to change games single-handedly made him a thrilling player to watch and a nightmare for bowlers.
9. Ajinkya Rahane
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2008-2025 |
| Matches | 198 |
| Runs | 5032 |
| Average | 30.49 |
| Strike Rate | 125.01 |
| Highest Score | 105* |
| 100s | 2 |
| 50s | 33 |
Ajinkya Rahane has scored 5,032 runs in 198 IPL matches at an average of 30.49. This performance makes him one of the most reliable batters in league history.
Rahane has shown his flexibility by batting in both the opening and middle order. He can anchor innings or build partnerships under pressure. His calm nature, consistency, and ability to handle different situations have made him a valuable player and a key contributor to his team’s successes.
10. Chris Gayle
IPL Career Stats:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Span | 2009-2021 |
| Matches | 142 |
| Runs | 4965 |
| Average | 39.72 |
| Strike Rate | 148.96 |
| Highest Score | 175* |
| 100s | 6 |
| 50s | 31 |
Chris Gayle, widely recognized as the “Universe Boss,” scored 4,965 runs in 142 IPL matches, averaging 39.72. This record makes him one of the most powerful batters in league history.
Known for his explosive hitting and his ability to overpower bowlers, Gayle’s highest IPL score of 175* is still a record that stands unbroken. His talent for hitting sixes and his fearless approach made him a favorite among fans worldwide and a challenge for opposing teams.
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Conclusion: Virat Kohli Tops the IPL Run-Scorers List!
Virat Kohli’s record of 8,661 runs shows his amazing consistency and dominance in the IPL over nearly two decades.
Other legends such as Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Shikhar Dhawan have also made important contributions. They have scored runs consistently and entertained fans with their batting skills.
With active players like Kohli, Rohit, and Dhoni still increasing their totals, the IPL’s leaderboard keeps changing. It promises more thrilling performances and milestones in the seasons ahead.
