Top 10 best batsmen in IPL of all time (Updated as of 2025)

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the ultimate stage for batters to showcase their skill, consistency, and flair. With high-pressure situations, small margins for error, and some of the best bowlers in the world to counter, only a handful of players have managed to dominate this tournament year after year. These batters have not only entertained fans but also carried their teams in crucial moments.

When evaluating the best batters in IPL history, several factors can be considered, strike rate, match-winning ability, or impact in playoffs. But for a fair and objective ranking, the total career runs scored has been used here as the primary factor. This ensures consistency and longevity are rewarded, while still highlighting those who produced iconic innings along the way.

Top 10 batsmen in IPL of all time

10. Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa, with 4,952 runs, completes the list of top 10 batters in IPL history. Known for his reliable starts and clean hitting, Uthappa was a crucial member of both KKR and CSK’s winning campaigns.

His ability to adapt as an opener or a middle-order stabilizer made him a versatile player. Uthappa’s consistency across multiple franchises showcased his value and ensured his place among IPL’s elite batters.

9. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, the “Universe Boss,” finished his IPL career with 4,965 runs and an unmatched reputation for destruction. His six IPL centuries include the iconic 175 off 66 balls*, the highest individual score in league history.

With a strike rate of 148.9, Gayle redefined power hitting and made the IPL synonymous with his towering sixes. His fearless approach changed the dynamics of opening batting in T20 cricket.

8. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, fondly called “Mr. 360,” scored 5,162 runs in 184 matches. His strike rate of 151.7 reflects his fearless batting and ability to hit the ball to all corners of the ground. De Villiers was RCB’s X-factor, turning games around with his innovative shot-making.

He entertained fans with unforgettable innings, often single-handedly pulling off chases. His contribution goes beyond numbers, he revolutionized the way T20 batting was perceived in the IPL.

7. KL Rahul

KL Rahul has already crossed 5,222 runs in his IPL career, with 5 centuries and one of the best batting averages in the competition. Known for his stylish stroke play, Rahul has been one of the most consistent batters over the last few seasons.

His adaptability allows him to switch between anchoring the innings and playing explosively, depending on his team’s needs. This flexibility makes him a highly valued player in any IPL franchise.

6. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has accumulated 5,439 runs in 278 matches, playing the role of a finisher better than anyone else in IPL. With a strike rate above 135, Dhoni has turned numerous matches around with his calmness and explosive hitting in the death overs.

As captain, he transformed Chennai Super Kings into a dynasty, leading them to five titles. His presence, leadership, and finishing ability ensure his name is etched permanently in the tournament’s folklore.

5. Suresh Raina

Nicknamed “Mr. IPL,” Suresh Raina has 5,528 runs to his name. As one of the most dependable middle-order batters, he was a cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings’ success in the early years. Raina’s ability to stabilize innings while accelerating when needed earned him immense respect.

Apart from his batting, Raina was also a livewire on the field, saving countless runs and affecting game-changing dismissals. Though retired now, his impact on CSK’s legacy and IPL’s history remains unmatched.

4. David Warner

David Warner is the most successful overseas batter in IPL history, with 6,565 runs in 184 matches. He has scored 4 centuries and 61 half-centuries, making him one of the most consistent performers across formats. Warner also holds the record for winning the Orange Cap three times, a rare feat in IPL.

His dominance at the top of the order has been the backbone for Sunrisers Hyderabad, whom he led to their maiden title in 2016. Warner’s aggressive starts often set the tone for his team, and his consistency across a decade makes him one of the greatest foreign players in the league.

3. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan’s tally of 6,769 runs places him among the top three IPL batters of all time. Known for his consistency as an opener, Dhawan has racked up 2 hundreds and 51 fifties. His ability to provide quick yet stable starts has been crucial for every franchise he has represented.

Unlike many aggressive openers, Dhawan blends controlled stroke play with smart pacing of his innings. This balance has made him one of the most reliable run-getters in the history of the tournament, consistently crossing the 400-run mark season after season.

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, with 7,046 runs, sits comfortably at second place on the list. Known as a clean striker of the ball, Rohit has 2 centuries and 47 half-centuries, often delivering big knocks at the top of the order. Beyond stats, his calmness under pressure and knack for shifting gears make him one of the league’s most reliable performers.

As captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit has led from the front and guided his team to five IPL titles. His legacy is not only built on the runs he has scored but also on the leadership qualities that elevated MI into one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli leads the charts with 8,661 runs, making him the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history. He has 8 centuries and 63 fifties to his name, with his record-breaking 973-run season in 2016 still standing tall. Kohli’s ability to dominate attacks while maintaining impeccable consistency makes him the benchmark for batting excellence in the league.

Over the years, Kohli has been the backbone of Royal Challengers Bangalore, carrying the batting order with his hunger and unmatched fitness levels. His blend of classical technique and aggression has allowed him to stay ahead of his peers in a tournament known for its unpredictability.