Most Runs while Batting First in IPL

Most Runs while Batting First in IPL: In T20 cricket today, teams don’t often choose to bat first after winning the toss. Instead, they usually prefer chasing, especially in night games, to take advantage of the dew, which makes batting easier. So, batting second has become more common.

However, some IPL teams have found great success by choosing to bat first and putting up high scores. Having runs on the board gives their bowlers the confidence to go on the attack without feeling too much pressure.

Let’s look at the top 10 IPL batters with the most runs scored while batting first.

Players with Most Runs while Batting First in IPL

PLAYER	RUNS WHILE BATTING FIRST	INNINGS	HIGH SCORE	AVERAGE	STRIKE RATE	100S/50S
Shikhar Dhawan	3770	122	106*	34.27	127.32	1/28
Virat Kohli	3724	113	113	36.15	128.81	4/29
Rohit Sharma	3465	121	109*	31.21	135.51	1/24
Suresh Raina	3194	109	100*	32.26	135.62	1/26
AB de Villiers	3163	88	133*	45.84	161.95	3/25
David Warner	3151	83	126	42.58	137.35	3/27
MS Dhoni	2952	124	75*	39.89	138.20	0/14
Chris Gayle	2873	76	175*	40.46	153.39	5/18
Dinesh Karthik	2521	109	97*	28.32	135.24	0/12
Ajinkya Rahane	2204	76	105*	31.48	127.25	2/15

#1. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan holds the record of most runs while batting first in the IPL with 3770 runs .Shikhar Dhawan is known for his stylish batting and has a strong strike rate of 127.32 when he bats first in IPL matches.

Playing an important role at the top of the order for the Delhi Capitals, he has built strong partnerships with players like David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, and Rishabh Pant. These partnerships have often helped Delhi Capitals reach big scores season after season.

#2. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is second in list of of IPL with 3,724 runs in 113 innings when batting first. With an average of 36.15 and a strike rate of 128.81, his consistency and skill shine through in the world of IPL and cricket.

Interestingly, 4 of Kohli’s 5 IPL centuries happened when he was batting first, showing how good he is at making the most of good conditions without the pressure of chasing a target. His best score when starting the game was an unbeaten 113 against Kings XI Punjab.

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#3. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, has scored 3,465 runs when batting first. He is known for his strong batting at the top, showing lots of power early in the game. His smart decision to bat first when he wins the toss has helped the Mumbai Indians win five IPL titles.

By scoring high runs at the start, Rohit takes pressure off his bowlers, showing his importance as both a batter and a leader.

#4. Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina is fourth on the list of IPL players with the most runs when batting first, scoring 3,194 runs. His mix of aggressive hitting and smart shots makes him a key player for any team trying to set a big score.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a good place for Raina when he bats first. One memorable moment was his fantastic century against Kings XI Punjab in 2013, showing his skill when starting the innings.

#5. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, the star player from South Africa, leads with an impressive average of 45.84 when batting first, showing how he can make a big impact right from the start.

Known for changing the game quickly, ABD’s powerful style stands out with a strike rate of 161.95. His skill to take control against any bowler made him a game-changer, always putting the other team under heavy pressure.

#6. David Warner

David Warner has scored 3,151 runs when batting first, showing how strong his performances have been throughout the IPL seasons. Known for his aggressive style, Warner uses the powerplay—when there are fewer fielders outside the circle—to build a solid start.

With three Orange Caps (given to the highest run-scorer each season), Warner has shown his skill and consistency at the top, giving teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) the perfect start and setting up big scores.

#7. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has scored 2,952 runs when batting first, showing his amazing consistency and smart game sense. Known for pacing his innings carefully, Dhoni saves his powerful shots for the final overs, giving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) the important finishes they need.

A great example of his finishing skill was his unbeaten 75 runs against Kings XI Punjab in the 2018 Qualifier 1.

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#8. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, the powerful West Indian batsman, is often considered the greatest player in T20 cricket. With his aggressive style, Gayle could take apart any bowling lineup on his best days.

He holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history, an amazing 175* while playing for RCB against Pune Warriors in 2013. This incredible innings included 13 sixes and 17 fours, showing Gayle’s unmatched power and skill in hitting big shots.