The IPL is regarded as the leading T20 cricket league globally. Since its establishment in 2008, it has seen some of cricket’s finest batsmen excel and set numerous records. Consistently scoring runs quickly in T20s is challenging, but a few batsmen have made it appear effortless. This article focuses on the top batsmen who have scored the most runs in IPL history in one season. This is a feat that requires consistency, power hitting, and skill. The list includes some of the biggest names the Indian Premier League has witnessed.
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Before diving into the list of the top batters with the most runs in IPL history in one season, let’s quickly look at their stats. This list only includes batsmen who scored 600 runs or more in a single IPL season.
Player |
Inns |
Runs |
HS |
Ave |
Season |
V Kohli (RCB) |
16 |
973 |
113 |
81.08 |
2016 |
Shubman Gill (GT) |
17 |
890 |
129 |
59.33 |
2023 |
JC Buttler (RR) |
17 |
863 |
116 |
57.53 |
2022 |
DA Warner (SRH) |
17 |
848 |
93* |
60.57 |
2016 |
KS Williamson (SRH) |
17 |
735 |
84 |
52.5 |
2018 |
CH Gayle (RCB) |
14 |
733 |
128* |
61.08 |
2012 |
MEK Hussey (CSK) |
17 |
733 |
95 |
52.35 |
2013 |
F du Plessis (RCB) |
14 |
730 |
84 |
56.15 |
2023 |
CH Gayle (RCB) |
16 |
708 |
175* |
59 |
2013 |
DA Warner (SRH) |
12 |
692 |
100* |
69.2 |
2019 |
AB de Villiers (RCB) |
16 |
687 |
129* |
52.84 |
2016 |
RR Pant (DC) |
14 |
684 |
128* |
52.61 |
2018 |
DP Conway (CSK) |
15 |
672 |
92* |
51.69 |
2023 |
KL Rahul (KXIP) |
14 |
670 |
132* |
55.83 |
2020/21 |
RV Uthappa (KKR) |
16 |
660 |
83* |
44 |
2014 |
KL Rahul (KXIP) |
14 |
659 |
95* |
54.91 |
2018 |
Virat Kohli (RCB) |
16 |
973 |
113 |
81.08 |
2016 |
DA Warner (SRH) |
14 |
641 |
126 |
58.27 |
2017 |
V Kohli (RCB) |
14 |
639 |
101* |
53.25 |
2023 |
RD Gaikwad (CSK) |
16 |
635 |
101* |
45.35 |
2021 |
V Kohli (RCB) |
16 |
634 |
99 |
45.28 |
2013 |
F du Plessis (CSK) |
16 |
633 |
95* |
45.21 |
2021 |
KL Rahul (PBKS) |
13 |
626 |
98* |
62.6 |
2021 |
YBK Jaiswal (RR) |
14 |
625 |
124 |
48.07 |
2023 |
SR Tendulkar (MI) |
15 |
618 |
89* |
47.53 |
2009/10 |
S Dhawan (DC) |
17 |
618 |
106* |
44.14 |
2020/21 |
SE Marsh (KXIP) |
11 |
616 |
115 |
68.44 |
2007/08 |
KL Rahul (LSG) |
15 |
616 |
103* |
51.33 |
2022 |
CH Gayle (RCB) |
12 |
608 |
107 |
67.55 |
2011 |
SA Yadav (MI) |
16 |
605 |
103* |
43.21 |
2023 |
AT Rayudu (CSK) |
16 |
602 |
100* |
43 |
2018 |
Top players with most runs in IPL history in one season
Over a span of more than 15 years, the IPL has produced some of the most exciting moments in cricket history. Starting off in 2008, the league has evolved tremendously, with more batsmen adapting excellently to the shorter format of the game. As we wait to find out who the highest run scorer in IPL 2024 will be, we look at the top players with most runs in IPL history in one season. India’s Virat Kohli leads the list with an astonishing record of 973 runs in 16 matches in 2016. That said, let’s look at six of the top players with most runs in IPL history in one season:
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Virat Kohli
In 2016, Virat Kohli had an amazing IPL season, scoring 973 runs in 16 matches. This is the highest ever runs scored by an individual in a single IPL season. He also scored the most centuries in a season, with 4, along with 7 fifties. Some of his best innings include 113 vs Kings XI Punjab, 109 not out vs Gujarat Lions, and 108 not out vs Rising Pune Supergiants.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill had a great year in 2023, scoring 890 runs in IPL for Gujarat Titans. He started with a 36-ball 63 against CSK and ended with 3 centuries in 4 games, including a 129 off 60 balls against Mumbai Indians. Gill finished with an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80, helping his team reach the final.
Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler scored 863 runs in IPL 2022 for Rajasthan Royals, with 4 centuries. He was in great form, hitting 116 against Delhi Capitals, 103 against KKR, and unbeaten 89 against RCB. Buttler’s clean hitting earned him the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in the tournament.
David Warner
David Warner scored 848 runs in IPL 2016 for Sunrisers Hyderabad, leading from the front with an average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 151.42. While he didn’t score any centuries, Warner’s 9 half-centuries were a record for a season.
Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson scored 735 runs in IPL 2018 as captain of SRH, with 8 fifties. His innings of 84 vs CSK and unbeaten 83 vs RCB showed his consistency and skill.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle scored 733 runs in IPL 2012 for RCB, with 1 century and 7 fifties. His unbeaten innings of 128 against Delhi Daredevils and 81 against CSK showcased his power and skill. Gayle won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in the tournament. Gayle also holds the record for the highest score in IPL, with an unbeaten 175.
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Most runs in IPL history scorers in one season
Besides players with the most runs in IPL history in one season, one might wonder who the highest run scorers in IPL history are. IPL 2024 is almost here, and it will be interesting to see who wins the crown again. Once again, Virat Kohli heads the list here. Let’s look at the top 10 players:
Player |
Current Team |
Runs |
Virat Kohli |
Royal Challengers Bangalore |
6076 |
AB de Villiers |
Royal Challengers Bangalore (inactive) |
5056 |
Chris Gayle |
Punjab Kings (inactive) |
4950 |
David Warner |
Sunrisers Hyderabad |
5447 |
MS Dhoni |
Chennai Super Kings |
4669 |
Kieron Pollard |
Mumbai Indians |
3191 |
Andre Russell |
Kolkata Knight Riders |
1680 |
Suresh Raina |
Chennai Super Kings (inactive) |
5491 |
Rohit Sharma |
Mumbai Indians |
5480 |
Shikhar Dhawan |
Delhi Capitals |
5577 |
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Individual most runs in IPL history in innings
The record for the individual highest score in IPL history is held by Chris Gayle. He scored 175 runs off 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in the 2013 season. Gayle reached his century in just 30 balls, hitting 13 fours and 17 sixes. Bangalore posted 263/5 and won by 130 runs.
Here is a list of the top 10 individual highest score in IPL history:
Player |
Runs |
Team |
Opponent |
CH Gayle |
175* |
RCB |
v Warriors |
BB McCullum |
158* |
KKR |
v RCB |
Q de Kock |
140* |
LSG |
v KKR |
AB de Villiers |
133* |
RCB |
v MI |
KL Rahul |
132* |
Kings XI |
v RCB |
AB de Villiers |
129* |
RCB |
v Guj Lions |
Shubman Gill |
129 |
GT |
v MI |
CH Gayle |
128* |
RCB |
v Daredevils |
RR Pant |
128* |
Daredevils |
v SRH |
M Vijay |
127 |
CSK |
v RR |
Most runs in IPL history conclusion
Scoring the highest runs in the IPL is very important for the batsmen and their teams. It helps players establish themselves as a top performer in the league. Also, players who consistently score a lot of runs are highly valued by their teams and fans. They become stars and are often seen as the backbone of their team’s batting lineup.
The player who scores the most runs in a single season is awarded the Orange Cap. It shows that the player has been the most successful batsman in the tournament.
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In T20 cricket, scoring runs quickly is crucial, and players who can do this consistently give their team a great advantage. They can change the course of a match with their batting performance and help their team chase down big targets or set imposing totals.
More importantly, scoring the most runs in IPL history in one season can open up opportunities for players in international cricket. Many IPL stars have gone on to represent their national teams and become key players at the international level. A strong performance in the IPL can catch the eye of selectors and help a player secure a place in their national team.
Overall, scoring the highest runs in the IPL is not just about personal achievement, but also about contributing to the the team’s success.