Top 10 highest run scorers ever in the IPL

These are the run machines of the Indian Premier League who delivered year after year.

The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 kicked off on 31st March, featuring 10 teams playing a total of 74 matches, culminating in the grand finale on 28th May. Watching your favorite players put on an electrifying performance and lead their team to glory is a feeling that cannot be matched. The Indian Premier League is a cricketing extravaganza like no other, featuring 10 teams with some of the finest players in the game.

Expect an abundance of boundaries and lightning-fast singles in the IPL, with batsmen showcasing some of the most breathtaking displays of power and stroke-making that will leave you in awe. These players have a unique ability to step up in tough situations, pulling their team out of danger and delivering exactly what the fans crave.

These dynamic batters have brought a touch of magic to the IPL over the past 15 years with their exceptional skills and flamboyant style of play. Brace yourself for the ultimate cricketing experience as we count down the top 10 batters who have set the IPL stage alight with their exceptional batting prowess.

10. Dinesh Karthik (DD, GL, KXIP, KKR, MI, RCB): 4,376 runs

Dinesh Karthik is a wicket-keeper batter who has played for six different IPL franchises. He is known for his aggressive batting style, especially in the death overs, where he has scored many match-winning innings.

Last season, fueled by his desire to represent his country at the World Cup, Karthik struck 330 runs at a strike rate of 183.33 to successfully earn a recall to the Indian cricket team. With 4,376 runs to his name in the IPL, Karthik is a seasoned campaigner who brings a wealth of experience to any team he plays for.

9. Robin Uthappa (CSK, KKR, MI, PW, RR, RCB): 4,952 runs

Robin Uthappa is a versatile top-order batter who has played for six different IPL franchises. He is best known for his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he formed a successful opening partnership with Gautam Gambhir. 

Uthappa's ability to play both aggressively and defensively has made him a valuable asset in any team. He has scored 4,952 runs in his IPL career at a strike rate of 130.35. Although he retired from IPL cricket at the end of last season, Uthappa's contribution to the tournament will be remembered for years to come.

8. Chris Gayle (KXIP, KKR, PKBS, RCB): 4,965 runs

Chris Gayle, also known as the "Universe Boss," is arguably regarded as one of the greatest T20 batters of all time. He has played for three different IPL franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings. 

Gayle is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to hit the ball out of the park at will. He holds the record for the highest-ever individual IPL score, a remarkable 175 off just 66 balls for RCB in 2013. Gayle's contribution to the IPL has been immense, and his presence in any team makes them a formidable opponent.

7. MS Dhoni (CSK, RPS): 5,004 runs

MS Dhoni, the beloved former Indian captain, is one of the most successful captains in IPL history. He has led the Chennai Super Kings to four IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. He is also known for his finishing skills, and his ability to hit big shots in the last few overs of the game. 

Dhoni's calm demeanor on the field and his ability to read the game make him a respected leader in the cricketing world. Despite retiring from international cricket, Dhoni continues to play in the IPL and remains one of the most influential players in the tournament.

MS Dhoni has racked up 5004 runs in 208 innings in his IPL career. He also has 24 half-centuries to his name in the tournament.

6. AB de Villiers (DD, RCB): 5,162 runs

AB de Villiers, known for his explosive batting, started his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils in the early stages of his career and later moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he became an integral part of the team. He is known for his innovative stroke play, particularly his ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground. 

De Villiers has played many match-winning innings for RCB, and his quickfire knocks have won them games from hopeless situations. The former RCB batsman has scored 5126 runs in his IPL career. He has the highest strike rate (151.68) among the top ten run-scorers in IPL history, which showcases his ability to score runs quickly and effectively.

5. Suresh Raina (CSK, GL): 5,528 runs

One of the greatest in the tournament, Raina has been called Mr. IPL by his fans and served as MS Dhoni’s deputy at CSK for years. The left-hander announced his retirement from IPL in September 2022. 

Raina's contribution to CSK's success in the IPL cannot be overstated, and his ability to score runs quickly in the middle overs has been invaluable. The southpaw scored 5528 runs in his IPL career of 205 matches. He has been a part of three IPL-winning campaigns for CSK. 

4. Rohit Sharma (DC, MI): 5,880 runs

India and Mumbai Indians captain is next on the list. The most successful captain in the history of the tournament with the most IPL titles, Rohit has batted primarily as opener, but has also moved down the order at times. Rohit Sharma has scored 5880 runs in 223 innings he has batted in the IPL. Rohit is a big match player and has led MI to five IPL titles, making him the most successful captain in the tournament's history. 

His elegant strokeplay and ability to hit big sixes make him a treat to watch, and his partnership with Ishan Kishan at the top of the order could be a deadly combination if both batters fire off from the get-go. Rohit will be looking to add to his tally of runs and titles this season.

3. David Warner (DC, SRH): 5,937 runs

The gritty Australian has won the Orange Cap three times, which is most for a batsman in the history of IPL, which speaks the volume how he has gathered 5937 runs in his IPL career of 163 matches. The southpaw has also scored 4 centuries in the tournament's history and also holds the record of most fifty-plus scores - 60. He will be hoping to prove some doubters wrong as his place in the Australian team comes under some scrutiny. Warner's aggressive style of batting has made him a fan favorite in the IPL, and his ability to take on bowlers from the word go is a sight to behold. 

2. Shikhar Dhawan (DC, DC, MI, PKBS, SRH): 6,244 runs

The left-hander, one of the most solid and dependable openers, He is not only the second highest run scorer of the tournament with 6244 runs in his kitty, but also holds the record of most fours in the tournament’s history (707). Dhawan's technique and temperament at the top of the order have helped him score consistently in the IPL, and he has been an asset for every team he has played for.

He had a brilliant season for Delhi Capitals before joining the Punjab Kings last season, scoring 618 runs in 17 matches, and will be keen to replicate that form this season. Dhawan's ability to build partnerships and anchor the innings makes him a vital cog in any team's batting lineup.

1. Virat Kohli (RCB): 6,624 runs

Virat Kohli tops the list of run scorers in the IPL with 6706 runs, having represented RCB as a perennial member in every edition of the tournament. Despite a poor season last season by his high standards, the RCB talisman will be eager to bounce back.

Kohli's consistency with the bat is unmatched in the IPL, and his ability to chase down big targets has been a defining factor for RCB over the years. He has also led the team well in recent seasons, guiding them to the playoffs in 2016, 2020, and 2021. With his form improving, Kohli will be looking to take RCB all the way to their first IPL title this season.

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