Highest Run Scorer in IPL in One Season: In the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL), bowlers didn’t have much opportunity to shine. The league’s reputation was primarily built on the incredible batting performances. Leading the list of highest run-scorers in IPL history is King Kohli, who shares this distinction with Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Rohit Sharma. These top-order batsmen from the Indian team have played together for many years and have made significant contributions in the T20 format.
While batsmen have enjoyed a lot of success and prestige in T20 cricket, there have been very few bowlers who have managed to establish themselves amidst the dominance of batsmen. The IPL has been fortunate to witness the brilliance of many batsmen who have left a lasting impact on this tournament, captivating audiences around the world. Let’s delve into the complete details on Top Run Scorer in IPL in One Season. Also read Most Runs Against MI in IPL History.
Highest Runs in IPL in One Season
Virat Kohli, the former captain of India and Royal Challengers Bangalore, holds the record for scoring the most runs in a single IPL season. He achieved this feat by amassing 973 runs in 16 matches during IPL 2016.
In IPL 2022, Jos Buttler had an outstanding season while playing for the Rajasthan Royals. This dynamic English batsman, who opened the innings for the team, was in top form, and opposing bowling units struggled against him.
Buttler managed to score an impressive 863 runs in a single IPL season, including four centuries. It seemed like he might break the record for the most runs in a single IPL season, but he fell just short.
It’s no surprise that some of the biggest names in world cricket appear on the list of players with the highest number of runs in a single IPL season. The IPL’s success and popularity as a brand have been largely driven by incredible batting performances.
Batsmen like Chris Gayle, David Warner, and Virat Kohli have elevated the league to new heights with their consistent dominance with the bat, leaving an indelible mark in IPL history. Many of these players have also proudly worn the IPL orange cap on multiple occasions.
Virat Kohli Runs in IPL 2016 – 973 Runs
Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, holds the record for scoring the most runs in a single IPL season. He showcased his exceptional batting skills in the 2016 IPL season, earning him the nickname ‘King Kohli.’ During that season, he amassed an astounding 973 runs in 16 matches, a record that still stands today.
Kohli’s achievement is considered one of the most challenging records to break in IPL cricket. He notched up an incredible four centuries that season, a feat later matched by Jos Buttler in 2022.
Kohli maintained an astonishing average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03 while scoring those runs. He also registered seven half-centuries throughout the season, with some of his centuries from 2016 ranking among the greatest innings in IPL history.
Despite Kohli’s exceptional individual performance, it was a disappointment for him that his team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, couldn’t secure the IPL trophy that season.
Jos Buttler Runs in IPL 2022 – 863 Runs
Jos Buttler became a sensation with his spectacular performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 IPL season. He now ranks among the top scorers in a single season, having accumulated 863 runs in 17 matches.
Buttler displayed breathtaking form throughout the tournament, much like Virat Kohli, and also equaled Kohli’s record for scoring four centuries in a single season. The similarities between their performances are striking.
Despite playing a pivotal role throughout IPL 2022 and maintaining an impressive average of 57.53 and a strike rate of 149.05, Buttler experienced disappointment as his team lost the final match against the Gujarat Titans, falling short of lifting the trophy.
David Warner Runs in IPL 2016 – 848 Runs
Former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain and current Delhi Capitals player, David Warner, is widely regarded as the greatest overseas batsman in the Indian Premier League. He has been one of the most successful and consistent performers in the league and has claimed the prestigious Orange Cap, awarded to the leading run-scorer, on a record three occasions.
David Warner’s most remarkable season in the IPL came in 2016. If it weren’t for Virat Kohli’s exceptional season, Warner would have topped the run-scoring charts and earned yet another Orange Cap that year.
During that season, he smashed a record nine half-centuries, which remains the highest in a single season in the league’s history, and he accumulated a total of 848 runs. Unlike Kohli and Buttler, Warner didn’t score a century that season, but he maintained an astonishing average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 151.42.
In contrast to Kohli and Buttler, Warner’s exceptional performance culminated in winning the IPL title that season when he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory over Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final.
Kane Williamson Runs in IPL 2018 – 735 Runs
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson delivered an awe-inspiring performance throughout the IPL 2018 season. He took up the captaincy role following the Sandpaper incident, which led to David Warner’s suspension from international cricket. The Kiwi captain took the responsibility of leading the team and guided them to the final.
During that season, Williamson accumulated 735 runs in 17 matches, with his highest score being 84. He achieved an incredible feat by scoring eight half-centuries, earning him the coveted Orange Cap as the top run-scorer for that season.
Despite his reputation as an anchor batsman, Williamson also maintained a remarkable strike rate of over 142 during that memorable season.
Chris Gayle Runs in IPL 2012 – 733 Runs
Chris Gayle, one of the most destructive batsmen in the history of the Indian Premier League, rightfully earns his place on this list. Gayle holds numerous IPL batting records, including the highest individual score in the tournament’s history and the most centuries.
In this list of players with the highest runs in a single IPL season, Gayle secures the fifth position after scoring 733 runs in IPL 2012. During that remarkable season, Gayle maintained an impressive average of 61.08 and a formidable strike rate of 160.74. He showcased his prowess by delivering a fantastic unbeaten knock of 128* against the Delhi Capitals (formerly known as Delhi Daredevils) and hammered a total of seven centuries throughout the season.
Interestingly, Mike Hussey of the Chennai Super Kings achieved the same feat by also scoring 733 runs in the very next year, IPL 2013. Hussey had an average of 52.35 and a strike rate of 129.50 in that season, although CSK lost the final to the Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens.
Batters with the most runs in a single season of IPL
Here is the List of Most Runs in a Single IPL Season:
| Player | Year | Mat | Inn | Runs | AVG | SR | Best | 50s | 100s |
| V Kohli (RCB) | 2016 | 16 | 16 | 973 | 81.08 | 152.03 | 113 | 07 | 04 |
| S Gill (GT) | 2023 | 17 | 17 | 890 | 59.33 | 157.80 | 129 | 04 | 03 |
| J Buttler (RR) | 2022 | 17 | 17 | 863 | 57.53 | 149.05 | 116 | 04 | 04 |
| D Warner | 2016 | 17 | 17 | 848 | 60.57 | 151.42 | 93* | 09 | – |
| K Williamson (SRH) | 2018 | 17 | 17 | 735 | 52.50 | 142.44 | 84 | 08 | – |
| C Gayle (RCB) | 2012 | 15 | 14 | 733 | 61.08 | 160.74 | 128* | 07 | 01 |
| M Hussey (CSK) | 2013 | 17 | 17 | 733 | 52.35 | 129.50 | 95 | 06 | – |
| Faf Du Plessis (RCB) | 2023 | 14 | 14 | 730 | 56.15 | 153.68 | 84 | 08 | – |
| C Gayle (RCB) | 2013 | 16 | 16 | 708 | 59.00 | 156.29 | 175* | 04 | 01 |
| D Warner (SRH) | 2019 | 12 | 12 | 692 | 69.20 | 143.86 | 100* | 08 | 01 |
| AB DE Villiers (RCB) | 2016 | 16 | 16 | 687 | 52.84 | 168.79 | 129* | 06 | 01 |
| R Pant (DC) | 2018 | 14 | 14 | 684 | 52.61 | 173.60 | 128* | 05 | 01 |
FAQ’s
Who is the most successful player in IPL?
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has established himself as one of the most successful players in IPL history. He has led his team to victory in the Indian Premier League on six different occasions. Additionally, Rohit has showcased his batting prowess by accumulating 5879 runs in the tournament, earning him the title of the king of the Wankhede Stadium.
Who scored the most runs in IPL 2023?
The Indian Premier League 2023 has concluded, and CSK emerged as the champions for the fifth time. Shubhman Gill, who displayed exceptional batting skills by scoring three centuries and accumulating 890 runs in 17 innings, was awarded the Orange Cap for being the top run-scorer. Additionally, he was named the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2023, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tournament.
Who won the Orange Cap in IPL 2023?
In IPL 2023, Shubman Gill of the Gujarat Titans was honored with the Orange Cap for scoring 890 runs in 17 innings, making him the top run-scorer of the tournament.
