16 seasons since the beginning of IPL in the year 2008 after India’s huge victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Since its inception, IPL has been a great platform for youngsters, especially Indians, to showcase their abilities in their departments. Over the years, IPL has produced numerous batters, and many international players have shown their magic in the league. Today we will have a look at the Top Ten Indian batters to play in the league.
1. Rishabh Pant
The star left-handed batsman has been among the highlights in the league in recent years, playing for Delhi Capitals (earlier Delhi Daredevils) Rishabh has been nothing short of an exceptional batsman. Since his debut in 2016, the 25-year-old has scored 2838 runs with a healthy average of 34.60 and a brilliant strike rate of 147.96 with the highest score of 128* against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018.
2. Ambati Rayudu
Part of the league since its inception the Andhra Batsman has played for only 2 teams Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings winning 3 trophies each for them. He’s often criminally underrated with all other stars batters playing around him. Since his debut, he has scored 4348 runs in 187 innings at an average of 28.23 and strike rate of 127.54 with the highest score of 100* against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 season. He recently retired from IPL winning the 2023 IPL Final.
3. Robin Uthappa
The 2014 Orange cap winner enters the list at the 8th spot. Featuring in as many as 6 IPL Franchises he has amassed 4952 runs averaging 27.51 at a strike rate of 130.35 with the highest score of 88. Playing most of his IPL at the KKR team he won 2 titles with them and won the 2021 IPL with CSK. Although an IPL star we unfortunately couldn’t see more of him in Indian colours due to the limited opportunities he got.
4. Sanju Samson
The Rajasthan Royals skipper is among the most talented batters of the current generation. Making his debut in 2013, playing for Rajasthan and Delhi, Sanju has scored 3888 runs with an average of 29.23 and a strike rate of 137.19 with the highest score of 119 against Punjab Kings. Although scoring heaps of runs Sanju Samson is still trying to find a breakthrough season scoring 500+ runs and breaking into the Indian Team.
5. Kl Rahul
Making his debut in 2013, KL was struggling in IPL due to inconsistent chances but it was the 2016 Season that proved to be the turning point of his career. Playing for four teams (SRH, RCB, KXIP/PBKS, LSG) the Lucknow skipper has scored 4163 runs at an average of 46.77 and a strike rate of 134.42 with the highest score of 132* against RCB in 2020. He has scored as many as 4 centuries in the league, the second most for an Indian batsman.
6. Ms Dhoni
Among the greatest finishers to ever embrace the game, Ms Dhoni takes the 5th spot on the list. Although he played in the middle and lower middle order throughout his career MS has often done miracles with the batting both while batting first and chasing. Playing for RPS and CSK, he has scored 5082 runs at an average of 38.87 and a strike rate of 135.91 with the highest score of 84*
7. Suresh Raina
Often called Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina has been phenomenal. He played for two franchises CSK and Gujarat Lions (2016-17), scoring runs consistently for them. The first batsman to breach the 5000 runs mark, Raina has scored 5528 runs at an average of 32.41 and a strike of 136.73 with the highest score of 100*.
8. Rohit Sharma
The Indian skipper has been among the highest run scorers in the league apart from winning 6 IPL trophies (5 as a captain), Rohit has been part of two franchises Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians. He has scored 6211 runs at an average of 29.57 and a strike rate of 130.04 with the highest score of 109*.
9. Shikhar Dhawan
Second highest run scorer of the tournament, Shikhar Dhawan takes up the 2nd spot. Since his debut in 2008, Shikhar has played for as many as four teams (MI, SRH, DC/DD, PBKS) scoring runs for each. The first batter to score consecutive IPL centuries, Dhawan has scored 6617 runs at an average of 35.38 and a strike rate of 127.17 with the highest score of 106*. He has 50 half-centuries and 2 centuries in the tournament.
10. Virat Kohli
No guesses for this one, the all-time highest run-getter in the history of IPL, Virat Kohli grabs the 1st position on the list. He has been part of the tournament since 2008 and has played only for the Royal Challengers Bangalore scoring 7263 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02 with the highest score of 113. He has as many as 50 half-centuries and 7 centuries (joint most) in the league. He also holds the record for scoring the most runs and centuries in a single IPL season (973 runs with 4 centuries in the 2016 IPL).
