The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some of the most explosive batting performances in cricket history. Over the years, many players have scored mountains of runs in a single season, captivating fans with their consistency.
From Virat Kohli’s incredible 2016 campaign to Shubman Gill’s recent brilliance, these performances have become legendary in IPL folklore.
In this article, we’ll explore the players who have scored the most runs in a single IPL season, breaking records and entertaining millions along the way. By the end, you’ll know who made the biggest impact and why these performances are unforgettable.
Top 10 Most Runs In An IPL Season
Here’s a look at the players who scored the most runs in an IPL season. From Kohli’s dominance to Buttler’s firepower, these stars have lit up the tournament.
| Player | Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (RCB) | 2016 | 16 | 973 | 81.08 | 152.03 |
| Shubman Gill (GT) | 2023 | 17 | 890 | 59.33 | 157.80 |
| Jos Buttler (RR) | 2022 | 17 | 863 | 57.53 | 149.05 |
| David Warner (SRH) | 2016 | 17 | 848 | 60.57 | 151.42 |
| Virat Kohli (RCB) | 2024 | 15 | 741 | 61.75 | 154.69 |
| Kane Williamson (SRH) | 2018 | 17 | 735 | 52.50 | 142.44 |
| Chris Gayle (RCB) | 2012 | 15 | 733 | 61.08 | 160.74 |
| Michael Hussey (CSK) | 2013 | 17 | 733 | 52.35 | 129.50 |
| Faf du Plessis (RCB) | 2023 | 14 | 730 | 56.15 | 153.68 |
| Chris Gayle (RCB) | 2013 | 16 | 708 | 59.00 | 156.29 |
Let’s get into the details of these unforgettable performances and the players who delivered them.
1. Virat Kohli (RCB) – 973 Runs (2016)
| Matches | 16 |
| Innings | 16 |
| Runs in the season | 973 |
| Average | 81.08 |
| Strike Rate | 152.03 |
| 100s | 4 |
| 50s | 7 |
| Highest Score | 113 |
Virat Kohli’s 2016 IPL season was nothing short of phenomenal. Leading Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli rewrote the record books by scoring 973 runs in just 16 matches.
His consistency and hunger for runs were evident as he smashed four centuries and seven half-centuries. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate made him impossible to stop. His highest score of 113 showed his class and determination.
2. Shubman Gill (GT) – 890 Runs (2023)
| Matches | 17 |
| Innings | 17 |
| Runs | 890 |
| Average | 59.33 |
| Strike Rate | 157.80 |
| 100s | 3 |
| 50s | 4 |
| Highest Score | 129 |
Representing Gujarat Titans, Gill showed his maturity and flair, scoring 890 runs in 17 matches. He was instrumental in taking his team to the playoffs, proving his mettle as a reliable opener.
His highest score of 129, one of his three centuries in the season, was a masterclass in timing and placement. Gill’s strike rate of 157.80 was a testament to his ability to combine elegance with power.
3. Jos Buttler (RR) – 863 Runs (2022)
| Matches | 17 |
| Innings | 17 |
| Runs | 863 |
| Average | 57.53 |
| Strike Rate | 149.05 |
| 100s | 4 |
| 50s | 4 |
| Highest Score | 116 |
Jos Buttler dominated the 2022 IPL season with his aggressive batting and match-winning performances for Rajasthan Royals. Buttler scored 863 runs in 17 matches to emerge as the leading run-scorer of the season.
Known for his ability to accelerate, he maintained a strike rate of 149.05, dismantling bowling attacks with ease. His 116-run knock was a blend of raw power and smart shot selection, demonstrating his capability to single-handedly win games.
4. David Warner (SRH) – 848 Runs (2016)
| Matches | 17 |
| Innings | 17 |
| Runs | 848 |
| Average | 60.57 |
| Strike Rate | 151.42 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 9 |
| Highest Score | 93* |
David Warner was a force to reckon with in the 2016 IPL season, scoring 848 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His nine half-centuries were the backbone of Hyderabad’s batting lineup and played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign.
Warner’s average of 60.57 showed his ability to perform under pressure. While he didn’t score a century that season, his highest score of 93 not out was a masterclass. His ability to lead as captain was one of the key reasons behind the team’s success.
5. Virat Kohli (RCB) – 741 Runs (2024)
| Matches | 15 |
| Innings | 15 |
| Runs | 741 |
| Average | 61.75 |
| Strike Rate | 154.69 |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 5 |
| Highest Score | 113* |
Virat Kohli continued to shine in the IPL with another remarkable season in 2024. Scoring 741 runs in 15 matches, he proved why he’s considered one of the tournament’s greats.
His lone century and five half-centuries were pivotal in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s journey that year. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate towards the end has always been his strength, and 2024 was no different.
6. Kane Williamson (SRH) – 735 Runs (2018)
| Matches | 17 |
| Innings | 17 |
| Runs | 735 |
| Average | 52.50 |
| Strike Rate | 142.44 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 8 |
| Highest Score | 84 |
Kane Williamson led Sunrisers Hyderabad from the front in the 2018 season, scoring 735 runs in 17 matches. Known for his calm demeanor, Williamson’s performance was a lesson in classical batting in the shortest format.
His 8 half-centuries highlighted his consistency, while his strike rate of 142.44 underscored his capability to accelerate without compromising his technique. As captain and batsman, Williamson was the glue that held the team together.
7. Chris Gayle (RCB) – 733 Runs (2012)
| Matches | 15 |
| Innings | 14 |
| Runs | 733 |
| Average | 61.08 |
| Strike Rate | 160.74 |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 7 |
| Highest Score | 128* |
Chris Gayle lit up the 2012 IPL season with his explosive batting, amassing 733 runs in just 15 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Known as the “Universe Boss,” Gayle scored these runs at an extraordinary strike rate of 160.74.
His highest score of 128 not out was a brutal assault on the bowlers, filled with sixes and fours that left fans in awe. Despite playing fewer matches than some of the other players on this list, his 59 sixes that season remain a standout statistic. he is also the player with most sixes in IPL history.
8. Michael Hussey (CSK) – 733 Runs (2013)
| Matches | 17 |
| Innings | 17 |
| Runs | 733 |
| Average | 52.35 |
| Strike Rate | 129.50 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 6 |
| Highest Score | 95 |
Michael Hussey, affectionately called “Mr. Cricket,” had a stellar IPL 2013 season, scoring 733 runs for Chennai Super Kings. His consistency was unmatched as he registered six half-centuries in 17 matches, providing a solid foundation for CSK.
His ability to find gaps and rotate the strike set him apart, making him a dependable opener for the team. Hussey’s calmness under pressure and his knack for playing match-winning knocks earned him the Orange Cap that year.
9. Faf du Plessis (RCB) – 730 Runs (2023)
| Matches | 14 |
| Innings | 14 |
| Runs | 730 |
| Average | 56.15 |
| Strike Rate | 153.68 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 8 |
| Highest Score | 84 |
Faf du Plessis had a remarkable IPL 2023 season, scoring 730 runs in just 14 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His consistency as an opener provided RCB with strong starts, and his strike rate highlighted his ability to be aggressive.
His eight half-centuries showed his knack for converting starts into big scores. Du Plessis’s highest score of 84 was a testament to his ability to adapt to challenging situations. A natural leader on the field, this was vital in keeping RCB competitive.
10. Chris Gayle (RCB) – 708 Runs (2013)
| Matches | 16 |
| Innings | 16 |
| Runs | 708 |
| Average | 59.00 |
| Strike Rate | 156.29 |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 0 |
| Highest Score | 175* |
Chris Gayle returned to the top-run charts in the 2013 IPL season, smashing 708 runs in 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His highest score of 175 not out remains the highest individual score in IPL history.
Gayle’s explosive hitting at the top of the order gave RCB an edge in nearly every game. Even with his aggressive approach, Gayle maintained an impressive average of 59.00 and a strike rate of 156.29.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli Has The Most Runs In IPL Season
The IPL has produced brilliant performances, with players setting new standards every year. From Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 973 runs in 2016 to Chris Gayle’s stunning 175 not out, these seasons have become milestones in T20 cricket history.
Each player in this list brought their unique style and flair to the tournament, captivating fans worldwide. Their ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning knocks underscores their greatness.
These legends have left an indelible mark on the IPL, inspiring future generations to aim for similar heights.
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