Jos Buttler finally enters the equation among 5 greatest overseas batters in IPL history
Former England skipper Jos Buttler is having a sensational season with the Gujarat Titans, and he was amongst the runs again on Friday night as the men from Ahmedabad returned to the top of the table following a 38-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Buttler, who scored 64 on Friday night, has amassed a total of 470 runs thus far this season and is averaging 78.33. It was during his knock against SRH that he registered a significant milestone—he brought up his 4000th IPL run.
It is a fantastic achievement, and he joins an elite list of overseas batsmen who have passed the mark in franchise cricket’s premium tournament. Let’s take a look to see who else is on the list.
5. Jos Buttler (GT, RR, MI) – 4,052 IPL runs from 116 innings at an average of 40.52
Buttler’s IPL career began quietly with Mumbai Indians, but it exploded into life when he joined the Rajasthan Royals. Since then, he has grown into one of the most consistent and destructive top-order batters in the tournament.
Now wearing Gujarat Titans colours, the Englishman has continued that rich vein of form. His 4052 runs have come at a strike rate over 140, and he has registered five centuries in the league – only behind Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli in the all-time list.
Buttler’s adaptability and brutal hitting power make him one of the most feared overseas players in the IPL.
4. Faf du Plessis (DC, RCB, CSK, RPS) – 4,736 IPL runs from 143 innings at an average of 35.88
The South African stalwart has long been a reliable force in the IPL; quietly accumulating runs season after season. Faf du Plessis’ best work came during his time with Chennai Super Kings, where he was a key cog in the top order during their title-winning campaigns.
After joining RCB, du Plessis took over the captaincy and continued to thrive both as a leader and as an opener. Known for his silky timing, strong off-side play, and cool temperament, du Plessis is among the most respected overseas players in the tournament’s history.
He is at Delhi Capitals this season where he has had limited opportunity due to injury, but he is fit again and scored 62 in his most recent knock against the KKR.
3. Chris Gayle (PBKS, RCB, KKR) – 4,965 IPL runs from 141 innings at an average of 39.72
When it comes to power-hitting, Chris Gayle set the standard in the IPL. The self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” was a nightmare for bowlers and a dream for fans, entertaining crowds with his outrageous stroke play.
His innings of 175* for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in 2013 remains the highest individual score in T20 history. Gayle’s six-hitting ability was legendary — he cleared the ropes 357 times in the IPL, the most by any player in IPL history.
Despite his aggressive approach, his average of nearly 40 shows that he wasn’t just a slogger, he was an elite T20 batsman.
2. AB de Villiers (RCB, DC) – 5,162 IPL runs from 170 innings at an average of 39.70
AB de Villiers, affectionately known as “Mr. 360,” was perhaps the most versatile batsman the IPL has ever seen. He could sweep fast bowlers over fine leg, scoop spinners over short third, and launch sixes over long-on with casual ease.
His ability to score from virtually any position and against any attack made him a fan favourite. Most of his Indian Premier League success came while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he often carried the middle order and built memorable partnerships with Virat Kohli.
His 5162 runs came at a strike rate of 151.68 — a testament to his aggressive yet consistent brand of cricket.
1. David Warner (DC, SRH) – 6,565 IPL runs from 184 innings at an average of 40.52
At the very top of the list is legendary Australian David Warner, the most prolific overseas batsman in IPL history. Warner has done it all in the league — he’s won the Orange Cap three times, captained Sunrisers Hyderabad to a title in 2016, and consistently delivered at the top of the order season-after-season.
His aggressive starts and ability to dominate both pace and spin set the tone for whichever team he was playing for.
He is one of only a few players to average above 40 in the IPL while also maintaining a strike rate above 140. As of now, Warner’s 6565 runs are the most by a non-Indian in the tournament.
