Most Runs As Captain In IPL

Poulomi Chakraborty

Virat Kohli-MS Dhoni's Brilliance In IPL (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)Virat Kohli-MS Dhoni's Brilliance In IPL (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)

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The Indian fans are experiencing some sky-high excitement as IPL 2025 is going on. With unreal T20 thrills, evenings are more entertaining. As some cricketers are showcasing fireworks on the big stage, some of them have already set the example of being the best.

As King Kohli’s excellence is known to everyone, the former Indian captain showcased his greatness even on the big stage of the IPL. Even after leaving the captaincy of the RCB, he is leading the chart of scoring the most runs as the captain. But he’s not alone at the top. Let’s dive into the list of legendary leaders who have dominated the IPL with their batting prowess.

5. David Warner (3356 Runs In 83 Matches)

In the cricket world, David Warner is known for his cricket brilliance. Apart from international cricket, the Aussie star left his mark even in the IPL arena. After taking the helm as the skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2015, Warner led them to their maiden IPL trophy in 2016.

Along with leading the side from the front, he ended up the season being the second highest run scorer. As the captain, he left an unmatched legacy as he scored 3346 runs ion 83 matches as a captain. With that, he is standing in fifth position on the list.

4. Gautam Gambhir (3518 Runs in 129 Matches)

Apart from his cricket brilliance on the international stage, Gambhir set an example of captaincy brilliance in the IPL arena. The aggressive batter served Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011 to 2017 and gifted them two IPL trophies in 2012 and 2017.

In 2018, he went back to the Delhi Daredevils and led the team. Though he stepped down in the mid-season, the legendary Indian batter set the example of being the best. Leading by example, he played 129 matches, amassing 3,518 runs, securing his place as the fourth-highest run-scorer as a captain in IPL history.

3. Rohit Sharma (3986 Runs In 158 Matches)

Captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t need any introduction. From leading the national side to leading Mumbai Indians, the Hitman spreads his glory wherever he goes. Under his leadership, the Mumbai Indians witnessed a rapid rise in their graphs and touched new heights.

As he took charge of the franchise in 2013, MI won five IPL trophies under him. Before the IPL 2024, the franchise replaced him. In his 10-year-long IPL captaincy career, he showcased his unreal heroics as he scored 3986 runs in 158 matches. With that, he is standing in third position on the table.

2. MS Dhoni (4660 Runs In 226 Matches)

MS Dhoni’s captaincy is legendary, earning him the title of one of cricket’s greatest leaders. IPL was no exception for the Captain Cool. With his mighty cricket brain, he created an unmatched legacy in his captaincy career. Being with the Chennai Super Kings since 2008, Dhoni stepped down from captaincy in 2023.

In his leadership, CSK played 10 IPL finals in their first 14 IPL seasons and secured 5 IPL trophies. Even with the bat, he turned heads. In 226 IPL matches, he scored 4660 runs and became the second captain to achieve this milestone.

1. Virat Kohli (4994 Runs In 143 Matches)

The cricket world knows about Virat Kohli’s prowess, whether it is with the bat or while leading the side. Coming as a youngster in RCB, he took the captaincy baton in 201q3. After that, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru witnessed a rapid rise. Though their maiden IPL trophy is still a dream but the legacy is unmatched.

After serving the team for eight years, he stepped down as a captain. While leading the side, he brought out the best in himself. In 143 matches, he scored 4994 runs.  In 2016, he ended up being the highest run scorer of the tournament with a record breaking 973 runs. This remarkable feat still stands as the highest run tally by any IPL captain to date.