West Indian Sunil Narine on the brink of passing South African Jacques Kallis’ KKR runs record

Jonhenry Wilson 16 Mar 2025

Andre Russell is among KKR's top run-scorers in the history of the IPL.

One of the original eight sides that played the first Indian Premier League back in 2008, the Kolkata Knight Riders head into the 2025 season as defending champions.

In 2024, KKR beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, with KKR players Sunil Narine named Player of the Tournament and Mitchell Starc named Player of the Match.

As we head rapidly through the new season of franchise cricket’s premier competition, let’s take a moment to look at the top all-time run scorers for KKR.

7. Sunil Narine – 1,579 runs from 187 IPL matches for KKR

Sunil Narine can be recorded as one of the best all-rounders to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He has performed consistently well with bat and ball for the KKR franchise across several seasons.

Deployed up or down the order, the talented Narine has hit seven half-centuries and one ton in the IPL – and currently exactly 100 sixes too all parts of various venues.

6. Jacques Kallis – 1,603 runs from 70 IPL matches for KKR

Narine should soon pass Kallis’ KKR run tally. The former South African all-rounder hit 10 half-centuries, but also collected six ducks, for Kolkata from 2011 to 2014.

After playing, he coach the Kolkata Knight Riders, mentoring many of their local bowlers and batters. KKR, in some ways, can thank Kallis for his influence on their three IPL titles.

5. Yusuf Pathan – 2,061 runs from 122 IPL matches for KKR

A hard-hitting middle-order batsman, Yusuf Pathan played a crucial role for KKR during his tenure with the team. Renowned for his power-hitting and ability to turn matches on their head, Pathan provided the perfect finishing touch in numerous games.

His strike rate was always impressive, and he had a knack for taking down spinners with brutal efficiency. His contribution in KKR’s title-winning campaigns, especially in 2012 and 2014, cemented his legacy as one of the team’s greatest match-winners.

4. Nitish Rana – 2,199 runs from 90 IPL matches for KKR

A stylish left-handed batsman, Nitish Rana was a consistent performer for KKR since joining the side in 2018. Often batting in the middle order, Rana was capable of playing both anchoring and aggressive roles depending on the match situation.

His ability to take on pace and spin alike made him an invaluable asset, and he regularly delivered in pressure situations going past the 300-run mark in every season since 2017. While not the most explosive batsman on this list, his steady contributions across seasons ensured he remained one of KKR’s all-time top scorers. Rana won’t be back for KKR in 2025, he is now on the books of the Rajasthan Royals.

Also read: Listing every Indian Premier League century since 2017 – record number of tons in 2024

3. Andre Russell – 2,491 runs from 126 IPL matches for KKR

An absolute powerhouse in T20 cricket, Andre Russell has been one of KKR’s most valuable players since joining the team in 2014. While primarily known for his all-round abilities, his batting alone places him among the top scorers in KKR’s history.

West Indies star Russell’s ability to clear the ropes with ease and his penchant for finishing games in dramatic fashion have made him a fan favourite. His strike rate of 175.91 is among the best in IPL history, and his ability to change the course of a match in just a few overs has won KKR numerous games over the years. In terms of strike rate, his is far higher than any of the other batters on this list – Rana at 136.32 is the second highest.

2. Robin Uthappa – 2,649 runs from 91 IPL matches for KKR

One of KKR’s most dependable batsmen, Robin Uthappa was instrumental in the franchise’s success during his time with the team. His highest contribution came in 2014 when he won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in the tournament, leading KKR to their second IPL title.

Uthappa’s ability to score quickly in the powerplay and rotate strike effectively made him a pillar of KKR’s batting lineup. His consistency and adaptability ensured that he remained a key figure in the side for many years.

1. Gautam Gambhir – 3,345 runs from 122 IPL matches for KKR

No player has had a greater impact on KKR’s success than Gautam Gambhir. Not only is he KKR’s all-time leading run scorer, but he was also the captain who led the franchise to two IPL titles (2012 and 2014).

His aggressive yet calculated approach at the top of the order set the tone for KKR’s batting lineup. Gambhir’s leadership and ability to anchor an innings were crucial to KKR’s dominant performances in the early 2010s. His legacy as the most successful batsman in the team’s history is well deserved, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in IPL history in India.