5 Highest Run Scorers In IPL History

Virat Kohli (L) and Rohit Sharma (R) in IPL (Source: AFP)

The IPL has emerged as the most expensive and premium cricketing league in the world since its inception 18 years ago in 2008. A total of 18 editions have been played in the tournament’s journey so far, up to the last season in 2025. It has given a platform for the players to prove themselves in the fast-paced modern-day T20 cricket. 

Meanwhile, fans have also witnessed the batting veterans who graced the IPL with their sensational performances across different seasons over the years. Hence, here’s a look at the five highest run-scorers in IPL history. 

5 Highest run scorers in IPL History 

Virat Kohli (2008-Present) - 8,661 runs 

The former RCB skipper and modern-day batting great, Virat Kohli, has been one of the most consistent performers with the bat in the IPL. He also holds the record for the most runs scored by a batter in a single IPL season, set in the 2016 edition, when he scored 973 runs. 

Besides that, Kohli is the highest run-scorer of all time in tournament history. He has scored 8,661 runs in 251 innings of his 267 games at an average of 39.54, hitting eight centuries and 63 half-centuries. 

In the upcoming IPL 2026, Kohli also has a chance to become the first-ever batter in IPL history to smash 10 centuries. Notably, Kohli has been in action only for RCB since his IPL debut in the inaugural season in 2008. He is one of the few players who have played for only one team in their entire IPL career so far. 

Rohit Sharma (2008-Present) - 7,046 runs 

Mumbai Indians’ five-time IPL champion skipper and the batting stalwart, Rohit Sharma, is also one of the most successful batters in the history of IPL. He made his IPL debut for the Deccan Chargers Hyderabad in 2008 and played for them until 2010 before joining MI in IPL 2011. 

Just two years after his IPL debut for MI, Rohit captained the team in the 2013 season to lift the team's first-ever IPL title in the then-sixth edition. Apart from his leadership prowess, Rohit has also left everyone impressed with his batting masterclass throughout his IPL career. 

Rohit has scored 7,046 runs in 267 innings of the 272 games he has played in IPL. The 38-year-old has scored these runs at an average of 29.85 and a commendable strike rate of 149.28, hitting two centuries and 47 half-centuries. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer of all time in IPL history. 

Shikhar Dhawan (2008-2024) - 6,769 runs 

The former India opener, Shikhar Dhawan, played for five different franchises across different editions of the tournament. In his 16-year-long IPL career from 2008 to 2024, Dhawan played 222 games and batted in 221 innings. 

In these appearances, he has scored 6,769 runs at an average of 35.25, including two centuries and 51 half-centuries. He has also been one of the most consistent batters in the tournament’s history. Shikhar Dhawan ranks third in the list of the highest run-scorers in IPL history. 

David Warner (2009-2024) - 6,565 runs 

The former IPL-winning skipper, David Warner, played for two franchises, DC and SRH, over his 15-year IPL career from 2009 to 2024. He is second in the list of batters with the most half-centuries in the tournament’s history, with 62 fifties, following Virat Kohli’s 63. 

Warner scored 6,565 runs in 184 games at an amazing average of 40.52, including four centuries and 62 half-centuries. The former southpaw is placed at the fourth spot among the highest run scorers in the tournament’s 18-year-long journey. 

Suresh Raina (2009-2021) - 5,528 runs 

The multi-time IPL-winning all-rounder, Suresh Raina, was one of the vital cogs in the wheel for Chennai Super Kings in their couple of IPL title wins. He also earned the title of Mr IPL for his iconic performances and consistency throughout his entire 13-year-long IPL career from 2008 to 2021. 

Raina played a total of 205 games combined for the Gujarat Lions and CSK. In these games, he scored 5,528 runs in 200 innings at an average of 32.51, smashing a century and 39 half-centuries. Suresh Raina is still the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, even after more than five years of his retirement.