Often hailed as the launch-pad for emerging cricketing talent, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has undoubtedly served as one of the most premium and sought-after cricketing platforms for young uncapped players to display their hard-hitting skills and dominance on the field, even under high-pressure situations.
Over the years, it has undoubtedly been more of a dream of the debutant as well as seasoned IPL players to become the flag bearers of their respective teams and smash towering totals throughout the season. Scoring the highest runs at the end of the IPL season is often hailed as one of the most decorated feats for IPL players, as it undoubtedly showcases their consistency in performing at the highest level of their potential against all the odds, including top-class competition and diverse pitches at various locations throughout the tournament.
In this article we will take a look at the top four IPL players who have smashed the highest towering totals in a single IPL season so far.
IPL: Top 4 Players With Highest Runs in One Season
| Rank | Player | Team | Mat | Inn | Runs | Season | 100s | 50s | Avg |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 16 | 16 | 973 | 2016 | 4 | 7 | 81.08 |
| 2 | Shubman Gill | GT | 17 | 17 | 890 | 2023 | 3 | 4 | 59.33 |
| 3 | Jos Buttler | RR | 17 | 17 | 863 | 2022 | 4 | 4 | 57.53 |
| 4 | David Warner | SRH | 17 | 17 | 848 | 2016 | – | – | – |
Virat Kohli, IPL 2016 – 973 Runs
Often hailed as one of the most reliable flag bearers of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, Virat Kohli is at the first spot in our list of the top four IPL players who have smashed the highest towering totals in a single IPL season so far. The skipper of the RCB squad in the IPL 2016 season, Virat Kohli, led the squad to the finals and delivered numerous match-winning and downright sensational performances throughout the season.
Virat Kohli played a total of 16 matches throughout the season and scored the highest-ever total of 973 runs in a single season at an average of 81.08 and a phenomenal strike rate of 152.03. Throughout the season, Kohli smashed a total of four centuries despite being injured and having stitches in his hand, speaking volumes about his dominance on the field despite the odds. Although RCB lost the finals against the SRH squad, Kohli’s record-breaking innings undoubtedly won a million hearts from all over the world.
Shubhman Gill, IPL 2023 – 890 Runs
At the second spot in our list of the top four players who have scored the highest runs in a single season of the IPL, we have Shubham Gill, who has been a mainstay for the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise since the IPL 2022 season. Gill was retained by the GT franchise for a whopping INR 8 crore ahead of the IPL 2023 edition, and he undoubtedly justified his massive price tag with his match-winning knocks throughout the season.
Shubhman Gill’s performance throughout the IPL 2023 season was nothing short of a nightmare for the opponent teams. Gill played a total of 17 matches throughout the tournament and smashed the second-highest total of 890 runs in a single season with an impressive average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80. Additionally, Shubhman Gill smashed a total of three tons and four half-centuries throughout the IPL 2023 edition, entering the elite club of orange cap award holders at the end of the season.
Jos Buttler, IPL 2022 – 863 Runs
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four players who have scored the highest runs in a single season of the IPL, we have Jos Buttler, who represented the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise in the IPL 2022 season and proved to be one of the most worthy picks of the franchise in the entire tournament.
The top-order batsman of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise played a total of 17 matches throughout the IPL 2022 season and scored the third-highest total of 863 runs in a single season so far at an average of 57.33 and a strike rate of 149.05. Jos Buttler’s highest score of the tournament, i.e. 116 runs off 65 deliveries, came against the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Mumbai.
David Warner, IPL 2016 – 848 Runs
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four players who have scored the highest runs in a single season of the IPL, we have Australian former international cricketer, David Warner, who represented the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise, as the skipper of the team.
David Warner played a total of 17 matches in the IPL 2016 season and scored the fourth-highest total of 848 runs at an average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 151.42. Warner played a crucial role in leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise to a thrilling victory against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2016 finals by a considerable margin of eight runs.
