The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a paradise for batters, with several players delivering record-breaking performances over the years. The tournament has witnessed some of the biggest names in cricket, like Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, Chris Gayle, and David Warner, dominate the leaderboard with their exceptional run-scoring abilities.
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in a single IPL season, scoring an incredible 973 runs in 16 matches during IPL 2016, including 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries. In IPL 2022, Jos Buttler dominated for Rajasthan Royals, scoring 863 runs, narrowly missing the record for the most runs in a season.
Since its inception, the IPL has favored batters, with unforgettable performances like Brendon McCullum’s 158 for KKR in the inaugural match*. Over the years, the Orange Cap winners have showcased remarkable consistency and power-hitting, making the tournament more exciting. As IPL 2025 unfolds, cricket fans eagerly anticipate whether Kohli’s record will finally be broken or if another batter will set a new benchmark.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a tournament dominated by batting powerhouses, where some of the world’s best cricketers have displayed their record-breaking IPL innings. Over the years, several top IPL batsmen have achieved incredible milestones, setting new benchmarks in IPL batting records.
From Virat Kohli’s historic 973-run season to Jos Buttler’s explosive batting exploits, the race for the most runs in a single IPL season has been thrilling. This article highlights the top IPL run-scorers of all time, analyzing their IPL batting consistency, achievements, and legendary performances.
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When it comes to IPL batting dominance, no player has outshined Virat Kohli’s 2016 season. The former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain set an IPL batting milestone, amassing a staggering 973 runs in 16 matches.
Key Stats – Virat Kohli’s 2016 IPL Season
Kohli’s record-breaking season still stands as the highest run tally in a single IPL edition, keeping him at the top of the IPL run-scoring charts.
Also Check: IPL 2024 Retention
In IPL 2022, Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler came close to breaking Kohli’s record but fell 110 runs short, scoring 863 runs in one of the top-scoring IPL seasons.
Key Stats – Jos Buttler’s 2022 IPL Season
His performance earned him the IPL Orange Cap, making him one of the most prolific IPL batsmen in history.
Also Check: GT vs PBKS Head to Head in IPL (Updated)
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s David Warner had an outstanding 2016 season, scoring 848 runs and leading his team to their first IPL title.
Key Stats – David Warner’s 2016 IPL Season
Warner’s ability to accumulate runs consistently places him among the top-scoring IPL players in history.
Also Check: DC vs LSG Head to Head in IPL (Updated)
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson displayed incredible batting consistency in IPL 2018, scoring 735 runs with a classic strokeplay.
Key Stats – Kane Williamson’s 2018 IPL Season
His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him one of the most consistent IPL batsmen.
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, is one of the most feared IPL batsmen of all time. His IPL 2012 season was pure dominance, where he scored 733 runs with a monstrous strike rate of 160.74.
Key Stats – Chris Gayle’s 2012 IPL Season
His season included one of the highest individual scores in IPL, reinforcing his reputation as a destructive run-scorer.
| Rank | Player | Team | Mat | Inn | Runs | Season | HS | 100s | 50s | Avg |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 16 | 16 | 973 | 2016 | 113 | 4 | 7 | 81.08 |
| 2 | Shubman Gill | GT | 17 | 17 | 890 | 2023 | 129 | 3 | 4 | 59.33 |
| 3 | Jos Buttler | RR | 17 | 17 | 863 | 2022 | 116 | 4 | 4 | 57.53 |
| 4 | David Warner | SRH | 17 | 17 | 848 | 2016 | 93* | - | 9 | 60.57 |
| 5 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 15 | 15 | 741 | 2024 | 113* | 1 | 5 | 61.75 |
| 6 | Kane Williamson | SRH | 17 | 17 | 735 | 2018 | 84 | - | 8 | 52.50 |
| 7 | Chris Gayle | RCB | 15 | 14 | 733 | 2012 | 128* | 1 | 7 | 61.08 |
| 8 | Michael Hussey | CSK | 17 | 17 | 733 | 2013 | 95 | - | 6 | 52.35 |
| 9 | Faf du Plessis | RCB | 14 | 14 | 730 | 2023 | 84 | - | 8 | 56.15 |
| 10 | Chris Gayle | RCB | 16 | 16 | 708 | 2013 | 175* | 1 | 4 | 59.00 |
| 11 | David Warner | SRH | 12 | 12 | 692 | 2019 | 100* | 1 | 8 | 69.20 |
| 12 | AB de Villiers | RCB | 16 | 16 | 687 | 2016 | 129* | 1 | 6 | 52.84 |
| 13 | Rishabh Pant | DC | 14 | 14 | 684 | 2018 | 128* | 1 | 5 | 52.61 |
| 14 | Devon Conway | CSK | 16 | 15 | 672 | 2023 | 92* | - | 6 | 51.69 |
| 15 | Lokesh Rahul | KXIP | 14 | 14 | 670 | 2020/21 | 132* | 1 | 5 | 55.83 |
| 16 | Robin Uthappa | KKR | 16 | 16 | 660 | 2014 | 83* | - | 5 | 44.00 |
| 17 | Lokesh Rahul | KXIP | 14 | 14 | 659 | 2018 | 95* | - | 6 | 54.91 |
| 18 | David Warner | SRH | 14 | 14 | 641 | 2017 | 126 | 1 | 4 | 58.27 |
| 19 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 14 | 14 | 639 | 2023 | 101* | 2 | 6 | 53.25 |
| 20 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 16 | 16 | 635 | 2021 | 101* | 1 | 4 | 45.35 |
| 21 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 16 | 16 | 634 | 2013 | 99 | - | 6 | 45.28 |
| 22 | Faf du Plessis | CSK | 16 | 16 | 633 | 2021 | 95* | - | 6 | 45.21 |
| 23 | Lokesh Rahul | PBKS | 13 | 13 | 626 | 2021 | 98* | - | 6 | 62.60 |
| 24 | YBK Jaiswal | RR | 14 | 14 | 625 | 2023 | 124 | 1 | 5 | 48.07 |
| 25 | Sachin Tendulkar | MI | 15 | 15 | 618 | 2009/10 | 89* | - | 5 | 47.53 |
| 26 | Shikhar Dhawan | DC | 17 | 17 | 618 | 2020/21 | 106* | 2 | 4 | 44.14 |
| 27 | Shaun Marsh | KXIP | 11 | 11 | 616 | 2007/08 | 115 | 1 | 5 | 68.44 |
| 28 | Lokesh Rahul | LSG | 15 | 15 | 616 | 2022 | 103* | 2 | 4 | 51.33 |
| 29 | Chris Gayle | RCB | 12 | 12 | 608 | 2011 | 107 | 2 | 3 | 67.55 |
| 30 | Suryakumar Yadav | MI | 16 | 16 | 605 | 2023 | 103* | 1 | 5 | 43.21 |
| 31 | Ambati Rayudu | CSK | 16 | 16 | 602 | 2018 | 100* | 1 | 3 | 43.00 |
| 32 | Lokesh Rahul | KXIP | 14 | 14 | 593 | 2019 | 100* | 1 | 6 | 53.90 |
| 33 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 16 | 15 | 590 | 2023 | 92 | - | 4 | 42.14 |
| 34 | Gautam Gambhir | KKR | 17 | 17 | 590 | 2012 | 93 | - | 6 | 36.87 |
| 35 | Shikhar Dhawan | DC | 16 | 16 | 587 | 2021 | 92 | - | 3 | 39.13 |
| 36 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 14 | 14 | 583 | 2024 | 108* | 1 | 4 | 53.00 |
| 37 | R Parag | RR | 16 | 14 | 573 | 2024 | 84* | - | 4 | 52.09 |
| 38 | Matthew Hayden | CSK | 12 | 12 | 572 | 2009 | 89 | - | 5 | 52.00 |
| 39 | Jacques Kallis | RCB | 16 | 16 | 572 | 2009/10 | 89* | - | 6 | 47.66 |
| 40 | Shikhar Dhawan | DCH | 15 | 15 | 569 | 2012 | 84 | - | 5 | 40.64 |
| 41 | Travis Head | SRH | 15 | 15 | 567 | 2024 | 102 | 1 | 4 | 40.50 |
| 42 | Dwayne Smith | CSK | 16 | 16 | 566 | 2014 | 79 | - | 5 | 35.37 |
| 43 | David Warner | SRH | 14 | 14 | 562 | 2015 | 91 | - | 7 | 43.23 |
| 44 | Ajinkya Rahane | RR | 16 | 16 | 560 | 2012 | 103* | 1 | 3 | 40.00 |
| 45 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 16 | 16 | 557 | 2011 | 71 | - | 4 | 46.41 |
| 46 | Shane Watson | CSK | 15 | 15 | 555 | 2018 | 117* | 2 | 2 | 39.64 |
| 47 | Sachin Tendulkar | MI | 16 | 16 | 553 | 2011 | 100* | 1 | 2 | 42.53 |
| 48 | Glenn Maxwell | KXIP | 16 | 16 | 552 | 2014 | 95 | - | 4 | 34.50 |
| 49 | Jos Buttler | RR | 13 | 13 | 548 | 2018 | 95* | - | 5 | 54.80 |
| 50 | David Warner | SRH | 16 | 16 | 548 | 2020/21 | 85* | - | 4 | 39.14 |
| 51 | Suresh Raina | CSK | 18 | 17 | 548 | 2013 | 100* | 1 | 4 | 42.15 |
| 52 | Shane Watson | RR | 16 | 16 | 543 | 2013 | 101 | 1 | 2 | 38.78 |
| 53 | Lendl Simmons | MI | 13 | 13 | 540 | 2015 | 71 | - | 6 | 45.00 |
| 54 | Ajinkya Rahane | RR | 14 | 13 | 540 | 2015 | 91* | - | 4 | 49.09 |
| 55 | Rohit Sharma | MI | 19 | 19 | 538 | 2013 | 79* | - | 4 | 38.42 |
| 56 | Gautam Gambhir | DC | 14 | 14 | 534 | 2007/08 | 86 | - | 5 | 41.07 |
| 57 | Sanju Samson | RR | 16 | 15 | 531 | 2024 | 86 | - | 5 | 48.27 |
| 58 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 14 | 14 | 530 | 2018 | 92* | - | 4 | 48.18 |
| 59 | Quinton de Kock | MI | 16 | 16 | 529 | 2019 | 81 | - | 4 | 35.26 |
| Player | Team | Season | Runs Scored | Centuries | Fifties |
| Michael Hussey | CSK | 2013 | 733 | 0 | 6 |
| AB de Villiers | RCB | 2016 | 687 | 1 | 6 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 2021 | 635 | 1 | 4 |
The IPL batting records by season highlight how consistent IPL batsmen have defined the league’s success. From Virat Kohli’s historic season to Chris Gayle’s power-hitting dominance, each player has left an unforgettable impact on IPL history.
With each season, the excitement grows as new players attempt to break these incredible IPL batting records. Will IPL 2025 witness a new top IPL run accumulator, or will Kohli’s 973-run record remain untouched? Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the answer!
As of the 2025 season, Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in IPL history, amassing a total of 8,004 runs throughout his career.
No player has reached the 1,000-run mark in a single IPL season. The closest is Virat Kohli, who scored 973 runs during the 2016 season, setting the record for the most runs in a single IPL season.
The record for the fastest team to reach 200 runs in an IPL match is held by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), achieving 200 runs in just 14.1 overs.
Similarly, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) matched this feat by scoring 200 runs in 14.1 overs against the Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 season.
Determining the "No. 1" batsman in IPL history can be subjective and based on various metrics. However, Virat Kohli is often regarded as one of the top batsmen due to his record-breaking run tally of 8,004 runs and consistent performance over the years.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hold the record for the highest team total in IPL history, scoring 287/3 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2024 season.
No individual player has scored 200 runs in a single IPL match. The highest individual score in an IPL match is 175 runs*, achieved by Chris Gayle for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against the Pune Warriors India in 2013.
These records highlight the exceptional talent and thrilling performances that have characterized the IPL over the years.