Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has redefined cricket, blending sport with entertainment. Besides, IPL is well known for young talents and impressive performers.
We will talk about the best batsman in IPL history and answer the main question – what it means to be such a player. Is it the number of runs, the ability to turn a game around or is it the consistency? We’ll also look at stats and moments the strongest players bring to the table.
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What Makes a Batsman the Best in IPL?
Picking the best batsman in IPL history is not so easy. Cricket, after all, is not just about numbers — it’s about impact. A flashy 40 off 20 balls can sometimes be more valuable than a slow and steady 60.
Here are the key factors that separate the good from the great:
- Total Runs Scored – The more runs, the better the batsman. But volume alone doesn’t mean anything because consistency is key.
- Batting Average and Strike Rate – It’s one thing to score runs, but how you score them matters more. A player with a 140+ strike rate who averages 40 can be called a really good player.
- Number of Centuries and Fifties – Century-makers often dominate the tournament, while a reliable 50-scorer is a captain’s dream.
- Match-winning Contributions – A great IPL batsman isn’t just about piling up runs. It’s about delivering when it really matters — in a tense chase, in the playoffs, or under the weight of a struggling batting order.
- Performance in High-Pressure Games – Of course we should take into account how a player shows himself in an IPL final, a must-win playoff, or a high-stakes run chase.
- Consistency Across Multiple Seasons – The best batsmen are those who are consistent and dominate almost every season.
Let’s dive into the record books and answer the question who is best batsman in IPL —those who’ve consistently delivered with the bat, season after season, etching their names into the tournament’s history. Who stands atop the mountain of runs? Let’s find out.
Top 10 Highest Run-Scorers in IPL History
Let’s take a look and see who is best batsman in IPL history:
| Rank | Player | Runs | Matches | Centuries | Fifties | Strike Rate |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | 8004 | 252 | 8 | 55 | 131.97 |
| 2 | Shikhar Dhawan | 6769 | 222 | 2 | 51 | 127.14 |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | 6628 | 257 | 2 | 43 | 131.14 |
| 4 | David Warner | 6565 | 184 | 4 | 62 | 139.77 |
| 5 | Suresh Raina | 5528 | 205 | 1 | 39 | 136.73 |
| 6 | MS Dhoni | 5243 | 264 | 0 | 24 | 135.84 |
| 7 | AB de Villiers | 5162 | 184 | 3 | 40 | 151.69 |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | 4965 | 142 | 6 | 31 | 148.96 |
| 9 | Robin Uthappa | 4952 | 205 | 0 | 27 | 130.50 |
| 10 | Dinesh Karthik | 4842 | 257 | 0 | 20 | 132.18 |
As you can see, Virat Kohli sits at the top miles ahead of the competition. But just looking at total runs is not enough, so let’s see who’s shaping up to be the best batsman in IPL 2024.
Best Batsmen in IPL 2024
If we pay attention to players’ form and their past performances it’s worth mentioning five IPL best 2024 best batsman:
1. Shubman Gill
Gill’s career started at the Under-19 level. In 2018 he played a key role in India’s World Cup triumph and at that time Shubman Gill was already one of India’s most promising young batting talents. His stroke play was pretty elegant and he had an ability to accumulate big scores. His early domestic performances earned him a spot in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he became their top scorer in 2020 and 2021. However, he showed his potential after he moved to Gujarat Titans in 2022. In 2023 Shubman won the Orange Cap scoring 890 runs. In 2024 he was appointed as Gujarat Titans’ captain for IPL.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t burst onto the scene overnight—his rise was built on patience, hard work, and a serious appetite for runs. Coming from Maharashtra’s fiercely competitive domestic setup, he had to prove himself the hard way, grinding through seasons where one bad campaign could end your career. But talent always finds a way, and when Chennai Super Kings spotted him, they knew they had something special—a batter with the technique of an old-school great and the composure of a seasoned pro.
When he first stepped into the IPL in 2020, he was just another young prospect waiting for a break. By 2021, he was running the show. Gaikwad’s calm, effortless stroke play saw him finish as the tournament’s top scorer, clinching the Orange Cap and leading CSK to another title. Whether threading the ball through the gaps in the Powerplay or shifting gears in the death overs, he made batting look ridiculously easy—while bowlers scrambled for answers.
But his impact wasn’t confined to the IPL. In domestic cricket, he piled on runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare trophies, proving that his batting prowess extended beyond the T20 spectacle. By 2024, CSK had seen enough—they handed him the captaincy, a move that signaled a transition from the MS Dhoni era to a new generation of leadership.
His international career in ODIs and T20Is remains a work in progress, but in List A cricket, Gaikwad has already established himself as one of India’s most dependable batters. A player who doesn’t rely on brute force but on timing, intelligence, and an uncanny ability to control the tempo of an innings—he’s not just another rising star. He’s one of India’s next big batting pillars.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav isn’t just a batter—he’s a showman. The guy plays shots that defy logic, whipping deliveries from impossible angles and sending bowlers into a meltdown. His fearless, 360-degree hitting has made him one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the world. But his journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. After a quiet spell at Kolkata Knight Riders, he returned to Mumbai Indians, and that’s where everything fell into place. Suddenly, he wasn’t just another name on the team sheet—he was a match-winner, a game-changer, a player who could turn a match on its head in the space of a few overs.
Then came 2023, the year he took things to another level—605 runs, a ridiculous strike rate of 181.14, and a season full of jaw-dropping knocks. It wasn’t just about runs; it was the way he got them. Audacious flicks, outrageous scoops, effortless lofted drives—he played with a swagger that few could match. When he made his T20I debut in 2021, it was obvious he was built for the big stage. Since then, he’s been dismantling bowling attacks, collecting Player of the Series awards like they’re going out of fashion, and proving why he’s one of the most feared batters in the game.
4. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli isn’t just a cricketer; he’s a phenomenon. From his early days as a fiery teenager leading India to the U-19 World Cup title in 2008 to becoming one of the most prolific batters of his generation, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 2009 Emerging Players Tournament in Australia was an early glimpse of his potential—398 runs, two centuries, and two fifties in just seven outings. Later that year, he played a pivotal role in India’s victory against Sri Lanka in the World Cup final, stitching together an 83-run stand with Gautam Gambhir in a high-pressure chase.
Kohli’s dominance in ODIs became evident when he topped India’s run charts for three consecutive years—2010, 2011, and 2012. His sheer consistency and hunger for runs earned him the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award in 2012. Over the years, he has built a legacy defined by aggressive batting, unmatched fitness, and an insatiable desire to win.
5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya’s rise in Indian cricket reads like a classic underdog story—gritty, unpredictable, and packed with moments of sheer audacity. A raw talent from Baroda, he wasn’t the kind of cricketer who came through the system with textbook technique and polished interviews. He was electric, brash, and, most importantly, unafraid to take risks. When Mumbai Indians spotted him in 2015, he wasn’t on anyone’s radar. Just another young all-rounder with big ambitions and an even bigger swing. But within a season, it was clear—this guy wasn’t just here to fill up the squad.
Pandya made himself indispensable, blending fearless hitting with a knack for delivering under pressure. He didn’t just clear the boundary; he sent the ball into orbit. In the field, he carried himself with a swagger that made you believe he was built for the big stage. And with the ball? He wasn’t express pace, but he had the golden ability to break partnerships and deliver clutch overs in crunch moments. Mumbai Indians, a franchise that thrives on assembling champions, knew they had a game-changer. Over the next few years, Pandya became the heartbeat of their dominance, playing a central role in four IPL title wins.
But success wasn’t a straight road. Injuries, especially the recurring back issues, threatened to derail his career just as he was peaking. The same relentless energy that made him great also put immense strain on his body. Questions swirled: Could he sustain himself as a seam-bowling all-rounder? Would his power-hitting take a backseat if his body couldn’t handle the demands of the game? For most, these concerns would have been career-defining. For Pandya, they were just another hurdle to bulldoze through.
By 2022, Pandya was at a crossroads. Mumbai let him go, and Gujarat Titans took a calculated risk by making him their captain in their debut IPL season. The gamble paid off in emphatic fashion. Not only did Pandya lead from the front, finishing as GT’s highest run-scorer, but he also guided the team to a championship in their very first season—silencing critics who had questioned his leadership credentials. He followed it up by taking GT to another final in 2023, proving that his success wasn’t a fluke.
Then came the seismic shift in 2024—his return to Mumbai Indians, but this time as captain, replacing the franchise’s legendary leader, Rohit Sharma. The move sparked debate, with fans and pundits divided. But if Pandya has proven anything, it’s that he thrives when the stakes are high. His transformation from a raw power-hitter to a tactically astute leader is a testament to his evolution as a cricketer.
Who is the Best Batsman in IPL History?
The debate over IPL ka best batsman is one that never seems to settle. Records, performances, and impact all play a role in defining a player’s legacy, and while many names are thrown into the conversation, one stands above the rest.
The Greatest Contenders:
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli isn’t just a name in IPL history—he is IPL history. The man has been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore since day one, carrying the weight of expectations, season after season. Over 8000 runs and counting, the highest ever in the league. And that 2016 campaign? Unreal. He piled up 973 runs in a single season—something no one’s even come close to touching.
But what truly sets Kohli apart isn’t just the records—it’s the loyalty. In a league where players hop franchises for better deals or fresh starts, he’s stayed put. RCB’s ups and downs? He’s lived through all of them. The only player to feature for the same team in every single IPL season since 2008. No titles yet, but if there’s one player who deserves to lift that trophy in RCB colors, it’s him.
David Warner
Warner has most runs by an overseas player in IPL history and is the only cricketer to win the Orange Cap three times (2015, 2017, 2019).
Moreover, he has the highest number of IPL fifties (62) – a record that shows his consistency. He also led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden IPL title in 2016, playing a captain’s knock in the final.
Suresh Raina
Since the league’s inception in 2008, he consistently delivered with the bat and from 2008 to 2019 he never had a season where he scored fewer than 350 runs. He played crucial roles in CSK’s title wins in 2010, 2011, and 2018, proving time and again that he was built for high-pressure moments. In the 2014 qualifier against Kings XI Punjab he got 87 off 25 balls.
Besides, Raina was one of the first players to cross 5000 IPL runs.
After years of ruling the IPL, Raina didn’t play in 2020 because of personal reasons.He returned in 2021 but wasn’t quite the same.
Rohit Sharma
When Rohit first arrived on the IPL scene, he was a part of the Deccan Chargers squad that lifted the trophy in 2009. Back then, he was just a talented middle-order batter, still finding his feet in professional cricket.
From 2013 to 2020, MI became the most dominant team in IPL history, winning five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), all under Rohit’s astute leadership.
But Rohit Sharma isn’t just about trophies. He has 6628 runs — one of the highest in IPL history and also is a consistent performer with 43 fifties and two centuries.
Moreover, Rohit delivered in almost every IPL final he played:
- 2013 IPL Final – Rohit led from the front, scoring a crucial 33 off 30 balls as MI got their first-ever IPL trophy.
- 2015 IPL Final – Sharma smashed 50 off 26 balls, was named Player of the Final, and also ensured MI’s second championship win.
- 2020 IPL Final – When MI needed a captain’s knock, Rohit produced a 68 off 51 balls, sealing their fifth title.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle has the highest individual score in IPL history – 175 off 66 balls (2013). He also got six centuries – the most by a foreign player in the tournament.
His numbers in the IPL show his dominance: 142 matches played, 4,965 runs, 357 sixes and a record-breaking 17 sixes in a single innings.
The Verdict – Who is the Best?
It’s close, but Virat Kohli takes the crown. His unmatched consistency, record-breaking seasons, and ability to lead from the front make him the greatest IPL batsman of all time. Warner, Raina, and Rohit have also left an unforgettable mark on IPL history.
Most Iconic Batting Performances in IPL History
Here are the top 5 most unforgettable knocks in IPL history.
1. Chris Gayle – 175 off 66 balls (2013)
If destruction had a name, it would be Chris Gayle at Chinnaswamy Stadium. He smashed 17 sixes, obliterating Pune Warriors India. This remains the highest individual score in IPL history.
2. Brendon McCullum – 158 off 73 balls (2008)
The innings that started it all. The first-ever IPL match, and McCullum played a knock for the ages. Kolkata Knight Riders’ New Zealand maestro gave the IPL a dream beginning.
3. Virat Kohli – 113 off 50 balls (2016)
The season of Virat Kohli’s life—this knock against Punjab Kings was the highlight. With stitches on his hand, he played one of the greatest innings in IPL history.
4. David Warner – 126 off 59 balls (2017)
When Warner gets in the mood, bowlers suffer. This knock against KKR showed why he is one of IPL’s best.
5. AB de Villiers – 129 off 52 balls (2015)
The Superman of Cricket at his peak. Against Gujarat Lions, he played one of the finest T20 innings ever, hitting the ball to parts of the ground that only AB could imagine.
Each of these knocks was a masterpiece, a reminder of why the IPL is cricket’s biggest blockbuster.
Virat Kohli said that T20 cricket is all about adaptability. In his opinion, the best batsman isn’t just the one who scores the most runs, he needs to deliver when it matters the most.
And this is true because in the IPL it’s not about how you start but how you finish.
The key factors that mean here are total runs scored, strike rate and batting average, numbers of fifties and centuries. We also should look at how players perform in high-pressure games, how the contribute to wins and of course their consistency during multiple seasons.
Virat Kohli can be called the best IPL batsman of all time with his 8000 IPL runs and counting, 252 matches played, 55 fifties and eight centuries. But such players as David Warner, Suresh Raina, and Rohit Sharma have also left their mark.
IPL FAQ: The Biggest Talking Points
1. Who has scored the most runs in IPL history?
Virat Kohli sits at the top, no questions asked. With over 8000 runs, he’s been the most consistent run machine for RCB since the very first season in 2008.
2. What makes a batsman the best in IPL?
It’s not just about runs—it’s how you score them. Strike rate, average, match-winning knocks, performances in crunch moments, and year-after-year consistency separate the greats from the rest.
3. Who holds the record for the most IPL centuries?
Chris Gayle leads the way with six IPL tons, but Virat Kohli isn’t far behind with eight.
4. Which player has won the most Orange Caps?
David Warner is the king here—three Orange Caps (2015, 2017, 2019), proving his dominance across multiple seasons.
5. Who is the best IPL batsman of all time?
Tough debate, but most would point to Kohli. His insane consistency, record-breaking performances, and ability to deliver under pressure give him the edge. Other legends like Warner, Rohit Sharma, and Suresh Raina also deserve a shout.
6. What’s the highest individual score in IPL history?
Chris Gayle’s ridiculous 175* off 66 balls for RCB in 2013. It was absolute carnage.
7. Who has hit the most IPL fifties?
David Warner leads this chart with 62 half-centuries, showing why he’s been a nightmare for bowlers season after season.
8. Who are the top batsmen in IPL 2024?
Based on form and impact, these five have been standout performers:
- Shubman Gill – 2023 Orange Cap winner, now leading Gujarat Titans.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – The backbone of CSK’s batting lineup.
- Suryakumar Yadav – The most explosive T20 batter in the world.
- Virat Kohli – Still the gold standard, leading the IPL’s all-time run charts.
- Hardik Pandya – A powerhouse, now leading Mumbai Indians.
9. How many IPL trophies has Rohit Sharma won?
Six. One with Deccan Chargers (2009), five with Mumbai Indians (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). The most successful IPL captain ever.
10. Who has played in every IPL season?
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have been ever-present since 2008. True legends of the league.
11. Who was the fastest to 5000 IPL runs?
David Warner smashed the record, reaching the milestone in just 135 innings.
12. Can anyone break Kohli’s IPL records?
Never say never. Kohli’s 8000+ runs and 2016’s 973-run season seem untouchable, but young guns like Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad have the potential to challenge those numbers in the future.
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