Where does Virat Kohli’s prolific 2024 tournament rank among the most runs scored in a single IPL season?

Jonhenry Wilson 13 Mar 2025

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Kane Williamson was the top run-scorer in the 2018 IPL.

The Indian Premier League is just around the corner with the tournament set to start on 22 March.

As usual, it is highly anticipated and is set to draw a huge viewing audience.

As we move towards the first fixture, between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, let’s take a moment to go back in time and see which batsmen have scored the most runs in a single IPL season.

7. Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 733 runs in 2012 IPL

Chris Gayle is one of the most destructive batsmen to have played in the IPL, and his 2012 season was a testament to his explosive power. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Jamaican powerhouse scored 733 runs at an average of 61.08, including one century and seven fifties.

His strike rate of 160.74 showcased his ability to decimate any bowling attack, making him a fan favourite and a nightmare for bowlers.

6. Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 735 runs in 2018 IPL

Kane Williamson, known for his classical stroke play and elegant timing, had an outstanding season as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. With 735 runs at an average of 52.50 and a strike rate of 142.44, he led from the front and guided his team to the final.

The New Zealand star’s season included eight fifties, proving that conventional batting techniques can still thrive in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.

5. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 741 runs in 2024 IPL

Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s struggles in recent seasons, Virat Kohli continued to shine with the bat in 2024. He amassed 741 runs at an average of 61.75, reminding everyone why he is one of the greatest batsmen in T20 cricket.

His consistency and ability to anchor the innings made him a crucial part of RCB’s campaign, even if the team fell short of ultimate success.

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

4. David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 848 runs in 2016 IPL

David Warner’s 2016 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad was nothing short of spectacular. He piled up 848 runs at an average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 151.42, leading his team to their maiden IPL title.

The Australia left-hander’s aggressive batting at the top of the order set the tone for Sunrisers throughout the season, and his ability to dominate both pace and spin made him one of the most feared batsmen of that year.

3. Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals) – 863 runs in 2022 IPL

Jos Buttler had an unforgettable 2022 season, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 863 runs at an average of 57.53 and a blistering strike rate of 149.05.

The England star smashed four centuries and four half-centuries, playing a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ journey to the final. His ability to accelerate and play match-winning innings made him one of the standout performers of the season.

2. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans) – 890 runs in 2023 IPL

Shubman Gill came into his own in the 2023 season, scoring a staggering 890 runs at an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80. His three centuries and four fifties showcased his growing maturity and ability to play big innings under pressure.

Gill’s heroics helped Gujarat Titans reach the final, making him a player to watch for many seasons to come.

1. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 973 runs in 2016 IPL

Topping the list is Virat Kohli’s historic 2016 season, where he amassed a record-breaking 973 runs at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. Kohli hit four centuries and seven fifties, carrying Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the final almost single-handedly.

His ability to consistently score across all conditions and against every bowling attack cemented his legacy as one of the IPL’s all-time greats.