Top 13 Best Batsman In IPL of All Time (2025 List)

IPL 2025 has wrapped up, and it’s the perfect time to revisit the legends of the league.

In this blog, we dive into the top 13 best batsmen in IPL history across various scenarios. The Strike Rate (SR) remains the primary metric, with Batting Average (Avg) as a supporting factor, crucial in a fast-paced T20 format. 

From consistency to match-winning impact, these players have stood out season after season. Let’s break down the all-time greats of the IPL.

Top 13 Batsmen in IPL

These are the top Batsmen in IPL based on Overall Performance, but this sequence is changed according to various scenarios.

No.	Name	Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Highest Score
1	Virat Kohli	267	8661	8	113*
2	Shikhar Dhawan	222	6769	2	106*
3	Rohit Sharma	272	7046	2	109*
4	David Warner	184	6565	4	126
5	Suresh Raina	205	5528	1	100*
6	MS Dhoni	278	5439	0	84*
7	AB de Villiers	184	5162	3	133*
8	Chris Gayle	142	4965	6	175*
9	Robin Uthappa	205	4952	0	88
10	Dinesh Karthik	257	4842	0	97*
11	KL Rahul	145	5222	5	132*
12	Ajinkya Rahane	198	5032	2	105*
13	Rishabh Pant	125	3553	2	128*

1. Overall Performance

Virat Kohli leads the pack with 8661 runs and 8 hundreds, showcasing consistent excellence throughout his IPL career. Shikhar Dhawan (6769 runs), Rohit Sharma (7046 runs), and David Warner (6565 runs) are strong contenders, each with a solid mix of runs and hundreds. AB de Villiers, though not as consistent in total runs, has one of the highest strike rates (151.68) among the top batsmen, making him a game-changer.

2. Performance in Powerplays

Warner reigns supreme in powerplays among the top three batsmen, with superior averages and strike rates. Few teams have had a dream opener like him. Suresh Raina and Gayle have performed well but not as consistently and briskly as Warner. Though MS Dhoni’s strike rate is below that of a run-a-ball in powerplays, a closer look at his batting position reveals more nuances. With 5439 runs now, his role as a finisher continues to influence his early-innings numbers.

3. Performance at Death

In this scenario, the average is of the most minor importance, making the monumental averages of Shikhar Dhawan and Dhoni less relevant. ABD’s significant lead makes it almost futile to discuss others, except for Caribbean powerhouses like Andre Russell and Gayle, who come close to his explosive finishing ability. Notably, Gambhir had struggled to score swiftly at the death. Returning to ABD, his career strike rate and finishing prowess still stand out despite his retirement, with only a few matching his impact in the final overs.

4. Performance Batting First

This graph mirrors the overall performance, with ABD and Gayle leading the pack. The critical difference is that stand-out players strike better (+10 SR) while setting targets. ABD has been a linchpin for his team, with the highest SR (163) and a 40+ average. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was fortunate to have Gayle and ABD in their lineup.

5. Performance in Chases

Warner and Gayle are marginally ahead in chases with averages similar to Virat Kohli and Dhoni but with better SR. Rohit Sharma has the lowest performance among the top 13, with an SR below 125 and an average of 30.

6. Performance Against Top 25 Economical Bowlers

In this scenario, SR takes precedence. ABD and Warner top this elite category against the toughest bowlers. Despite incredible averages, Kohli (58) and Dhoni (51) are not highlighted due to the strict scenario focus. The bowlers, known for their accuracy, include legends like Rashid Khan, Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralitharan, and others.

List of Top 25 Economical Bowlers:

1. Rashid Khan
2. Anil Kumble
3. Muttiah Muralitharan
4. Sunil Narine
5. Dale Steyn
6. Daniel Vettori
7. Ravichandran Ashwin
8. Johan Botha
9. Rahul Sharma
10. Harbhajan Singh
11. Lasith Malinga
12. Mitchell Starc
13. Krunal Pandya
14. Doug Bollinger
15. Iqbal Abdulla
16. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
17. Murali Kartik
18. Shane Warne
19. Dirk Nannes
20. Amit Mishra
21. Wayne Parnell

7. Performance Against Top 30 Bowlers (by Avg)

The average holds more weight here than SR, as these top-notch bowlers consistently pick wickets. Warner and Dhoni excel in this scenario, with Warner having a clear edge in SR, averaging 47. While ABD is highlighted for his exceptional SR, Robin Uthappa has also performed well, boasting a 40+ average. The list includes bowlers who have bowled ~100 overs.

List of Top 30 Bowlers (by Avg):

1. Doug Bollinger
2. Shreyas Gopal
3. Lasith Malinga
4. Nathan Coulter-Nile
5. Mitchell Starc
6. Imran Tahir
7. Andrew Tye
8. Rashid Khan
9. Kevon Cooper
10. Munaf Patel
11. Sreenath Aravind
12. Yuzvendra Chahal
13. Ryan Harris
14. Sunil Narine
15. Anil Kumble
16. Ashish Nehra
17. Jofra Archer
18. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
19. Sandeep Sharma
20. Azhar Mahmood
21. Amit Mishra

After analyzing these scenarios, it’s clear that ABD stands out as the best batsman in IPL history, based on numbers. His magical shots are just the icing on the cake!

More Topics Like This:

• Fastest Bowlers In The World
• Best Bowler in IPL History

Conclusion – Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and AB de Villiers Lead the IPL Rankings

Based on all scenarios, Virat Kohli remains the most consistent and impactful batsman in IPL history. Shikhar Dhawan and AB de Villiers also stand out, excelling in various categories like powerplays, death overs, and batting first. Their exceptional skills make them indispensable to their teams, and they continue to captivate fans with their remarkable performances in the IPL.