Top 10 highest run scorers in IPL history

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), i.e. IPL 2026, is coming up and players from all 10 teams are preparing to give their best to help their franchises win the title.

Batsmen have always been at the centre of discussion in the history of the IPL. While many players have been surprises for a season or two, there are a few who have been consistent with the bat throughout their entire careers and have gone on to become the highest run-scorers in the history of the tournament.

Former India captain Virat Kohli tops the list of highest run-scorers with 8,661 runs, while David Warner tops the list of foreign batsmen with 6,565 runs. But who are the other names in the list of most successful batsmen in IPL history? Let's take a look.

10. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle played for Kolkata Knight Riders (2009–2010), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2011–2017) and Kings XI Punjab/Punjab Kings (2018–2021). He redefined power-hitting in T20 cricket, scoring 4,965 runs in 142 matches. Gayle's dominance at his peak was unrivaled.

His best IPL season was 2012, when he scored 733 runs, including multiple match-winning innings and the highest individual score in IPL history, the historic 175*.

9. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has played for Mumbai Indians (2008–2010), Rajasthan Royals (2011–2015, 2018–2019), Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017), Delhi Capitals (2020–2021), Kolkata Knight Riders (2022–2023) and Chennai Super Kings (2024–2025).

Adapting his traditional style to the demands of modern T20, he has scored 5,032 runs in 198 matches. His best season came in 2015, when he scored 540 runs while maintaining consistent innings for Rajasthan Royals.

8. AB de Villiers

Former South African captain AB de Villiers is considered one of the most popular and successful overseas players in the history of the tournament, having played for teams such as Delhi Daredevils (2008–2010) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2011–2021).

He scored 5,162 runs in 184 matches and often played match-winning innings with his innovative strokeplay. His best season was 2016, when he put on a brilliant partnership of 687 runs with Virat Kohli and delivered one of the most entertaining batting seasons in IPL history.

7. K.L. Rahul

KL Rahul has played for several franchises including Royal Challengers Bangalore (2013–2016), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014–2015), Delhi Capitals (2016), Punjab Kings (2018–2021) and Lucknow Super Giants (2022–2025).

He has scored 5,222 runs in 145 matches, one of the highest averages among top batsmen in the IPL. His best season for Punjab Kings was 2020, when he won the Orange Cap with 670 runs, demonstrating his consistency and skill at the top level.

6. MS Dhoni

Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni is a central figure in the history of the IPL. He played for Chennai Super Kings (2008–2015, 2018–present) and Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017) and is the sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament's history.

He has scored 5,439 runs in 278 matches, mostly as a finisher in high-pressure situations. Dhoni's calm demeanor and leadership have defined his legacy in the IPL. His best season was in 2013, when he scored 461 runs at a strong strike rate to take CSK deep into the tournament once again.

For more historic stats and milestones, check out our complete cricket records section

5. Suresh Raina

Known as "Mr. IPL", Suresh Raina represented Chennai Super Kings (2008–2015, 2018–2021) and Gujarat Lions (2016–2017). He is considered one of the most consistent middle-order batsmen in the history of the league, scoring 5,528 runs in 205 matches.

Raina was known for his attacking spirit and ability to play well under pressure. His best season was 2013, when he played a key role in CSK's strong campaign with 548 runs and further cemented his reputation as a reliable performer.

4. David Warner

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner is considered one of the most successful overseas batsmen in the tournament. He played for Delhi Daredevils/Capitals (2009–2013, 2022–2024) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014–2021).

He scored 6,565 runs in 184 matches and often led from the front as an attacking opener. Warner's best period came during his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad. His best season was in 2016, when he scored 848 runs and led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first IPL title as captain.

3. Shikhar Dhawan

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan is at the third spot on the list. He has represented multiple franchises in his IPL career, including Delhi Daredevils/Capitals (2008–2012, 2019–2021), Mumbai Indians (2009–2010), Deccan Chargers (2011–2012), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013–2018), and Punjab Kings (2022–2024).

He has scored 6,769 runs in 222 matches and has established himself as one of the most reliable openers in IPL history. His best season came in 2020 for Delhi Capitals, where he scored 618 runs, including two consecutive centuries.

2. Rohit Sharma

Former Indian and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma started his IPL journey with Deccan Chargers in 2008 and joined Mumbai Indians in 2011, where he became the main face of the franchise. He has amassed 7,046 runs in 272 matches and has played a vital role in MI's success over the years. He also captained the franchise from 2013 to 2023 and won five titles during his tenure.

His best IPL season was 2013, when he scored 538 runs to lead Mumbai Indians to their first title, ushering in a dominant era for the franchise.

1. Virat Kohli

Indian star batsman Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history and has spent his entire career with Royal Challengers Bangalore (2008-2025), making him one of the rare single-franchise players in the league.

He has scored 8,661 runs in 267 matches and has consistently performed well at the top of the order. Kohli's ability to adapt to different phases and situations has been one of the key features of his IPL journey.

His best season was in 2016, when he scored a record 973 runs, including four centuries, setting a benchmark that is still unrivaled in IPL history.

Full list of highest run scorers in IPL

Player	Span	Along with	Inns	Runs	HS	Ave	SR	100	50
V Kohli (RCB)	2008-2025	267	259	8661	113*	39.54	132.85	8	63
RG Sharma (DCH/MI)	2008-2025	272	267	7046	109*	29.73	132.09	2	47
S Dhawan (DC/DCH/MI/PBKS/SRH)	2008-2024	222	221	6769	106*	35.25	127.14	2	51
DA Warner (DC/SRH)	2009-2024	184	184	6565	126	40.52	139.77	4	62
SK Raina (CSK/GL)	2008-2021	205	200	5528	100*	32.51	136.73	1	39
MS Dhoni (CSK/RPS)	2008-2025	278	242	5439	84*	38.3	137.45	0	24
KL Rahul (DC/KXIP/LSG/PBKS/RCB/SRH)	2013-2025	145	136	5222	132*	46.21	136.02	5	40
AB de Villiers (DC/RCB)	2008-2021	184	170	5162	133*	39.7	151.68	3	40
AM Rahane (CSK/DC/KKR/MI/RPS/RR)	2008-2025	198	183	5032	105*	30.49	125.01	2	33
CH Gayle (KKR/KXIP/PBKS/RCB)	2009-2021	142	141	4965	175*	39.72	148.96	6	31
RV Uthappa (CSK/KKR/MI/PWI/RCB/RR)	2008-2022	205	197	4952	88	27.51	130.35	0	27
KD Karthik (DC/GL/KKR/KXIP/MI/RCB)	2008-2024	257	234	4842	97*	26.31	135.36	0	22
F du Plessis (CSK/DC/RCB/RPS)	2012-2025	154	147	4773	96	35.09	135.78	0	39
SV Samson (DC/RR)	2013-2025	177	172	4704	119	30.94	139.04	3	26
AT Rayudu (CSK/MI)	2010-2023	204	187	4348	100*	28.23	127.54	1	22
SA Yadav (KKR/MI)	2012-2025	166	151	4311	103*	35.04	148.65	2	29
G Gambhir (DC/KKR)	2008-2018	154	152	4217	93	31	123.88	0	36
JC Buttler (GT/MI/RR)	2016-2025	121	119	4120	124	40	149.38	7	24
MK Pandey (DC/KKR/LSG/MI/PWI/RCB/SRH)	2008-2025	174	162	3942	114*	29.41	121.51	1	22
SR Watson (CSK/RCB/RR)	2008-2020	145	141	3874	117*	30.99	137.91	4	21

FAQs

Who is the highest run scorer in IPL history?

Virat Kohli is at the top with 8,661 runs.

Who has the highest run score among foreign batsmen?

David Warner tops the list with 6,565 runs

Who is called "Mr. IPL" in IPL?

Suresh Raina

In which season did Virat Kohli score a record 973 runs?

IPL 2016 season.