1. VIRAT KOHLI
Kohli is widely regarded as the greatest all-format batsman in the history of cricket. His performances in the IPL are nothing short of extraordinary. Being one of the few players to have participated in every season since its inception in 2008, Kohli enters IPL 2024 as the tournament’s leading run-scorer of all time. Across 229 innings, he has amassed a staggering 7263 runs, clinching the Orange Cap in 2016.
He boasts several records including the most centuries (7), joint-most centuries in a single season (4 in 2016, tied with Jos Buttler), most runs in a single season (973 in 2016), and most 50+ scores in a single season (11 in 2016). Kohli maintains an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02, with his highest score being 113.
2. SHIKHAR DHAWAN
Dhawan has established himself as one of the most successful openers in the IPL, scoring a total of 6617 runs. Throughout his IPL journey, he has represented five different franchises – Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. With 50 fifties and two centuries from 216 innings, Dhawan maintains an average of 35.38 while scoring at a strike rate of 127.17.
Notably, in IPL 2020, he achieved a milestone by becoming the first batter ever to score consecutive centuries in the tournament. In the IPL 2024 season, Dhawan will take charge as the captain of the Punjab Kings.
3. DAVID WARNER
Warner stands alone as the sole player to win the Orange Cap on three occasions, a testament to his batting prowess. Additionally, he boasts the record for the most half-centuries in IPL history, tallying an impressive 61 fifties. The dynamic Australian opener ranks as the third-highest run-scorer in the league’s history, scoring 6397 runs in just 176 innings.
Notably, Warner maintains a remarkable average of 41.53, making him the only player among the top 13 run-scorers in IPL history to surpass a 40-average mark. His strike rate of 139.91 underscores his aggressive approach, particularly during the powerplay overs. Warner’s repertoire includes four centuries, with a highest score of 126, further solidifying his status as a formidable force in IPL cricket.
4. ROHIT SHARMA
After his initial stint with the Deccan Chargers spanning three seasons, Rohit Sharma made the transition to the Mumbai Indians in 2011, where he has since been an integral part of the team. Although he may not be captaining MI in IPL 2024, a role he held for a decade from 2013 to 2023, he enters the tournament with a focus on the T20 World Cup.
Despite not achieving his peak run-scoring form in recent seasons, he remains one of only four players to surpass the 6000-run mark in IPL history. Across 238 innings, Rohit has amassed 42 half-centuries and registered just one century.
5. SURESH RAINA
Dubbed as ‘Mr. IPL’, Raina stands as one of the best players in the tournament’s illustrious history. His remarkable consistency in run-scoring season after season cemented his status as a formidable presence on the field.
Raina predominantly represented the Chennai Super Kings throughout his IPL career, endearing himself to the CSK faithful who affectionately referred to him as ‘Chinna Thala’. Across 200 innings, Raina accumulated a total of 5528 runs, participating in every IPL season up until 2021. With an average of 32.51 and a striking rate of 136.73, Raina’s contributions were crucial to his team’s success.
6. AB DEVILLIERS
De Villiers is destined to be remembered as one of the greatest middle-order batsmen in the history of cricket, renowned for his innovative 360-degree approach on the field.
The former South African wicketkeeper-batsman commenced his IPL journey with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the first three seasons before joining Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011, where he flourished. Across 170 innings, ABD amassed 5162 runs, maintaining an average just shy of 40. His runs were scored at an impressive strike rate of 151.68, embellished with 40 half-centuries and three centuries.
7. MS DHONI
MS Dhoni stands as the only wicketkeeper in the IPL to surpass the 5000-run milestone, further solidifying his status as a cricketing legend. Additionally, he holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament, having played 250 games.
Across 218 innings, Dhoni has accumulated 5082 runs, featuring 24 half-centuries. Maintaining an impressive average of 38.79. Dhoni’s aggressive batting style is evident with a strike rate of 135.91. Renowned as one of the greatest finishers in the sport, Dhoni is poised to continue captivating fans with his impactful performances in IPL 2024, potentially marking his swansong season.
8. CHRIS GAYLE
Undoubtedly the most formidable opener in the realm of T20 cricket, Gayle left an indelible mark on the IPL with his sheer dominance. Although his initial seasons with the Kolkata Knight Riders didn’t showcase his best, Gayle unleashed his full potential upon joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), forming a lethal trio alongside Kohli and ABD.
Across 141 innings, the former West Indian cricketer amassed a staggering 4965 runs at an average hovering around 40 and a blistering strike rate nearing 150, elevating batting to unprecedented heights. Gayle’s crowning moment came in 2013 when he smashed an unbeaten 175 against the now-defunct Pune Warriors India, setting an IPL record that remains unchallenged. With two Orange Caps to his name, Gayle also reigns supreme in the record books with the highest number of sixes in IPL history, tallying a whopping 357, a feat unmatched by any other player by a significant margin.
9. ROBIN UTHAPPA
Uthappa commenced his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in 2008 before being traded to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a swap deal involving Zaheer Khan. However, at RCB, he struggled to maintain consistency, resulting in his release from the franchise. Subsequently, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired his services, where he evolved into one of the best openers in the league.
Notably, in 2014, Uthappa played a pivotal role in KKR’s title triumph, emerging as perhaps their standout performer and clinching the Orange Cap with 660 runs to his name. Over the span of 15 seasons (2008-2022), Uthappa featured in 197 innings, amassing 4952 runs at an average of 27.51. While he registered 27 half-centuries, Uthappa never reached the century milestone, with his highest score standing at 88.