Top 16 Most Runs in a Single IPL Season 2008-2025: Who Holds the Records?

The IPL is the most popular and financially rewarding cricket tournament in India, drawing millions of fans from around the globe.

Known for its exciting matches, celebrity players, and intense rivalries, the league has created numerous unforgettable moments.

Among these, the competition for the highest runs in a single season is regarded as one of the most esteemed personal accomplishments.

Each year, the top run-scorer becomes the driving force of their team and frequently represents the essence of the season.

Who Scored the Most Runs in a Single IPL Season

The record for the highest number of runs in a single IPL season is still owned by Virat Kohli. In 2016, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli amassed an incredible 973 runs in merely 16 matches. It was a season of extraordinary performance, where he nearly single-handedly propelled RCB to the finals. Although his remarkable effort did not secure the title for RCB, Kohli's 973 runs season is regarded as the benchmark in T20 cricket, an accomplishment that many believe is unattainable.

Following closely behind him on the leaderboard is Shubman Gill, who in 2023 scored 890 runs for Gujarat Titans over 17 matches. Gill's poise, technique, and capacity to dominate bowling attacks at just 23 years of age have elevated him to the status of a world-class batter.

Not far behind is Jos Buttler, who dazzled in the 2022 season with 863 runs in 17 matches for Rajasthan Royals. His explosive starts and reliability characterized the season and reinforced his standing as one of the most formidable white-ball openers in contemporary cricket.

Top 16 Most Runs in a Single IPL Season

Below are some of the most unforgettable batting seasons in IPL history. Each of these performances not only shaped their teams' fortunes but also etched the players' names into T20 folklore.

Virat Kohli (2016) – 973 runs

Kohli's 2016 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. Match after match, he produced commanding knocks, including multiple centuries, and almost carried RCB to their first-ever IPL title. His record 973 runs remain the ultimate benchmark in IPL and T20 cricket, a season often hailed as the greatest individual batting display in franchise history.

Shubman Gill (2023) – 890 runs

At just 23, Gill stepped into the spotlight as the next big thing in Indian cricket. His 890 runs showcased maturity far beyond his years. Technically sound yet aggressive when needed, Gill strung together big scores with remarkable calmness, transforming his promise into world-class stature.

Jos Buttler (2022) – 863 runs

Buttler's 2022 season was pure dominance. He repeatedly took games away from opponents with explosive starts, striking centuries with ease. Beyond the numbers, Buttler dictated the tempo of entire matches, underlining why he is often called the most dangerous white-ball opener of his generation.

David Warner (2016) – 848 runs

Overshadowed by Kohli's record-breaking run, Warner's 2016 was equally unforgettable. His 848 runs, marked by consistency and aggression, propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden IPL title. Warner's ability to blend quick singles with boundary-hitting made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers.

Sai Sudharsan (2025) – 759 runs

Sudharsan's rise in 2025 was one of the season's biggest stories. With 759 runs, including a century and six fifties, he delivered under pressure and played with fearless intent. His ability to rotate strike combined with clean hitting at a strike rate of 156.17 proved he's more than just a prospect, he's already a match-winner.

Virat Kohli (2024) – 741 runs

Eight years after his iconic 2016 season, Kohli returned to form in spectacular fashion. Scoring 741 runs, he silenced critics who questioned his longevity. What stood out was not just the volume of runs, but the composure and dominance he displayed in crunch situations, reaffirming his status as T20 cricket's evergreen giant.

Kane Williamson (2018) – 735 runs

Known for his elegance and classical stroke play, Williamson's 735 runs proved that power-hitting isn't the only way to succeed in T20 cricket. As captain of SRH, he anchored the batting lineup with grace and guided his team all the way to the final, becoming the heartbeat of the squad.

Chris Gayle (2012) – 733 runs

The 2012 season belonged to Gayle's fireworks. With a staggering 59 sixes, he turned matches into "Gayle shows." His ability to change the game in just a few overs made RCB one of the most feared teams that year. Gayle combined brute power with entertainment, redefining T20 batting for fans worldwide.

Michael Hussey (2013) – 733 runs

In stark contrast to Gayle's power, Hussey epitomized patience and precision. His 733 runs came through steady, risk-free batting that provided Chennai Super Kings with solidity at the top. Hussey's approach was textbook-perfect and earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable performers of the season.

Faf du Plessis (2023) – 730 runs

Leading RCB with poise, du Plessis compiled 730 runs with classical technique and sharp cricketing acumen. Unlike others, his innings were built on timing and placement rather than raw power. His consistency not only anchored the batting order but also made him a fan favorite for his fighting spirit.

Chris Gayle (2013) – 708 runs

Following up his monstrous 2012 season, Gayle once again dominated bowlers with 708 runs in 2013. Even when not at his peak, his presence alone instilled fear in opponents. On his day, he remained unstoppable, capable of ending contests in just a few overs.

David Warner (2019) – 692 runs

In 2019, Warner played only 12 matches but still managed 692 runs, an extraordinary strike rate of efficiency. His clean hitting and fearless approach made him the standout performer of the season, proving that even a shortened campaign couldn't contain his dominance.

AB de Villiers (2016) – 687 runs

De Villiers redefined creativity in T20 batting. His ability to hit unorthodox shots and innovate on the spot thrilled crowds and baffled bowlers. With 687 runs in 2016, he wasn't just piling on numbers; he was creating unforgettable moments that elevated the entertainment factor of the IPL.

Rishabh Pant (2018) – 684 runs

Pant, then a young wicketkeeper-batter, showed the world his fearless style in 2018. His 684 runs were built on aggression and instinct, making him one of the most exciting youngsters in the league. Though his team couldn't capitalize, Pant's season cemented his status as India's future star.

Devon Conway (2023) – 672 runs

In his first full IPL season, Conway seamlessly adapted to CSK's setup, scoring 672 runs. Calm under pressure, he consistently played the anchor's role while accelerating when required. His composure and adaptability made him one of the breakout stars of the season.

KL Rahul (2020/21) – 670 runs

Rahul's back-to-back seasons of consistency showcased his dual qualities, aggression up front and composure in the middle overs. His 670 runs underlined his importance to Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS), where he acted not only as a prolific scorer but also as the architect of the team's batting rhythm.

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FAQs

Who scored the most runs in a single IPL season? Virat Kohli set the record with 973 runs in 2016, a feat that remains unmatched.

Who is the highest run-scorer in IPL history? As of August 2025, Virat Kohli continues to be the all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL, amassing over 8,600 career runs.

Did Kohli really score 973 runs in one season? Yes. In 2016, Kohli accumulated 973 runs over 16 matches for RCB, establishing the standard for the most outstanding batting season in IPL history.

Who has scored 5,000 runs in the IPL? Numerous players have achieved the 5,000 runs milestone, including Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Suresh Raina, among others.