The 18th season of the IPL will begin from March 22 and once again a fierce battle between bat and ball will be witnessed in this league. Everyone's eyes will be on who hits the most sixes this season, but let us tell you about which batsman has hit the most sixes in the last 17 seasons of IPL so far.

There have been many great batsmen in the IPL who have hit a lot of sixes so far. There are some batsmen who are no longer a part of this league and some are playing in it and they can go higher in this list.

Also Read: Most runs in IPL since 2018

Let's talk about the top 10 batsmen who have hit the most sixes in IPL so far, which also includes many Indians.

Most Sixes in IPL | Top 10 List

10. Suresh Raina | 203

Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina grabs the tenth position in this elite list. The southpaw has 203 sixes in 200 IPL innings. He takes around 19.91 deliveries for every six.

He is only among ten batters to hit 200+ maximums in the league. Raina has accumulated 5528 runs at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73. He also has 39 fifties and a century in the league.

9. Sanju Samson | 206

The captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sanju Samson is the ninth batter to find a spot in this list. He has 206 six in 163 IPL innings. On average, he hits a six every 15.43 balls in the league.

Overall, Samson has 4419 runs at an average of 30.68 and a strike rate of 138.96. He also has 25 fifties and three centuries. Samson will also step up to this list and add more to his tally in the upcoming edition.

8. Andre Russell | 209

Among the most fearsome batters in the history of the league, Andre Russell’s name is no surprise. Russell’s association with six-hitting is well known. He has amassed 209 maximums at an unbelievable 6.79 balls-per-maximum ratio.

The Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder has 2484 runs at an average of 29.22 and a strike rate of 174.92 in 105 IPL innings. He also has 11 fifties to his name.

Russell had even hit 11 sixes during 2018 in an innings against Chennai Super Kings.

7. Kieron Pollard | 223

Kieron Pollard, a powerhouse in the middle order for Mumbai Indians, comes seventh in this list with 223 sixes. The former West Indies all-rounder played several memorable knocks for the Mumbai Indians in the 189 matches that he played for them.

Pollard was known for depositing the ball back into the stands and did so quite frequently in the league. His ability to change the course of a game in a few overs has made him one of the most dangerous finishers in IPL history.

He has 3412 runs at an average of 28.67 and a strike rate of 147.32. Further, Pollard has also hit 16 fifties in the league. 

6. David Warner | 236

David Warner has hit 236 sixes in his IPL career. The former Australia batter has played a total of 184 matches in IPL, featuring for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals.

Warner has a terrific record in the league and was known for hitting big shots throughout his successful career in the league. His aggressive start at the top often sets the tone for his team's innings.

Warner has scored 6565 runs at an average of 40.52 and a strike rate of 139.77 in 184 innings. He also has 62 boundaries and four maximums. 

However, Warner went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

5. AB de Villiers | 251

AB de Villiers finished his IPL career with 251 sixes and he is the fifth highest six-hitter in the T20 league. de Villiers retired from the T20 league after IPL 2021. He had a long stint with RCB.

AB started his IPL career with Delhi Capitals (then known as Delhi Daredevils). He joined RCB in the IPL 2011 mega-auction and was retained by them in 2014 and 2018. de Villiers never captained RCB.

Overall, the Proteas batter has 5162 runs at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68. Further, he also has 40 fifties and three centuries.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Which player has lost the most games in IPL history?

4. MS Dhoni | 252

MS Dhoni sits at the fourth spot in the list of batsmen with most sixes in IPL. The former Indian skipper has 252 sixes of 264 matches in this cash rich league.

Dhoni started his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings. He also played for Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2016 and 2017.

Overall, Dhoni has 5243 runs at an average of 39.12 and a 137.53 strike rate. Further, he also has 24 fifties in the league.

Dhoni will make his on-field return in IPL 2025. CSK retained Dhoni in the uncapped category for Rs 4 crore. He will continue to play under Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Dhoni captained CSK to five IPL title wins before stepping down.

3. Virat Kohli | 272

Rohit Sharma is followed by Virat Kohli. The IPL legend sits at the third spot with 272 sixes in 252 matches. One of Virat and Rohit can become the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in IPL.

Virat also holds the record for playing for the same franchise, RCB, in every IPL season and while doing so, he has scored more than 8000 runs at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97. Further, he also has 55 boundaries and eight maximums. He is also the leading run-scorer in the league

Kohli started his career as a rookie and is now the biggest star in the T20 league. He will play under Rajat Patidar's captaincy in RCB for IPL 2025.

2. Rohit Sharma | 280

Indian team captain Rohit Sharma sits at the second spot in this list. The right-handed batsman has cleared the ropes 280 times in 257 matches. Rohit has been a regular in IPL since the league's inception.

Rohit started his IPL career with Deccan Chargers. He joined Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2011 mega-auction and has been with them since then.

Rohit captained MI to 5 IPL title wins. He now plays under Hardik Pandya's captaincy.

Rohit has also been a prolific run-scorer, with 6628 runs at an average of 29.72 and a strike rate of 131.14, including 43 half-centuries and two centuries. 

1. Chris Gayle | 357

Chris Gayle tops the list of batsmen with most sixes in IPL history. The left-handed batsman finished his IPL career with 357 big hits at a sixes-per-match ratio of 2.53 in the league. No other batsman has managed to hit more than 300 sixes in this T20 league.

Gayle started his IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders. After going unsold in the IPL 2011 mega-auction, Gayle joined RCB as a replacement player and had a memorable stint with them. He also played for Punjab Kings from IPL 2018 to 2021.

Overall, Gayle has scored 4965 runs at an average of 39.72 and a strike rate of 148.96, including 31 fifties and six centuries in IPL. 

Team India batter Virat Kohli added another golden page to his illustrious one-day record books during India’s emphatic nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, becoming the second-highest run-getter in ODI history and moving past Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 14,234 runs. This milestone further cements Kohli’s legacy as one of the format’s greatest batters, trailing only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record with 18,426 runs in 463 matches.

In this article, we will take a look at the batters with most ODI runs in cricket history.

Also Read: Most 100+ partnerships in ODIs

Most ODI runs in cricket history

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 18426 Runs

Known as the "God of Cricket," Sachin Tendulkar scored the most ODI runs in cricket history. Over his 23-year career (1989–2012), he represented India in 463 ODI matches. He scored 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83. His record also includes 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. His highest score was an unbeaten 200.

In his 24-year international career, the Master Blaster also played in six ODI World Cups. He was part of the 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 ODI World Cups. In 2003, the Indian team narrowly missed winning the World Cup, losing to Australia in the final. In that World Cup, Sachin scored the highest number of runs (673) and won the Golden Bat award.

2. Virat Kohli | 14255* Runs

Indian batting stalwart, Virat Kohli, is now the second-highest run-getter in the format, going past Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli reached the landmark while guiding India to victory during batting against Australia in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He overall scored 14,255 runs in 305 ODI matches with a highest score of 183. His tally also includes 51 centuries and 75 half-centuries.

Kohli also broke the record for most 50-plus scores in the second innings of ODIs, going past Tendulkar’s previous best of 69. He already holds the record for most centuries in ODI chases with 28 tons.

3. Kumar Sangakkara | 14234 Runs

Kumar Sangakkara, a maestro with the bat, scored 14,234 runs in 404 ODIs during his career from 2000 to 2015 with 25 centuries and 93 half-centuries. He is the only player to score 4 consecutive centuries, which came during the 2015 World Cup, in which he was the highest run-scorer.

His dominant stroke play and versatile approach helped him succeed as an opener as well as in the top order. Sangakkara's highest score of 169 came against a South African attack comprising the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in Colombo in 2013.

4. Ricky Ponting | 13704 Runs

Ricky Ponting, one of cricket's greatest captains, amassed 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03, while striking at 80.39 in 375 ODIs between 1995 and 2012. He also has 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries to his name in the format with a highest score of 164. A dynamic batter, Ponting also hit 1,231 fours and 162 sixes. 

Apart from his batting ability, Ponting led Australia to two World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.

Also Read: All the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket

5. Sanath Jayasuriya | 13430 Runs

At number five on this list is Sri Lanka's left-handed opening batter, Sanath Jayasuriya, who debuted in 1989 and played until 2011, where he scored 13,430 runs in 445 matches, at an average of 32.6, with a strike rate of 91.20.

Jayasuriya, along with those stats, had 68 half-centuries and 28 centuries to his name, as he was one of the finest players ever to come out of Sri Lanka. Not just that, the left-arm Sri Lankan legend also had a whooping 323 wickets to his name in as many games, as he helped the Island nation, on many occasions with his all-round abilities.

In a dead-rubber clash that felt anything but, the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned the third ODI against Australia into a personal batting masterclass, guiding India to a commanding 9-wicket victory. Their unbroken 168-run partnership was a stark reminder of their class, effortlessly chasing down 237 and ensuring India avoided a series whitewash on Australian soil. Let's take a look at the most 100+ partnerships in ODIs.

Also Read: All the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket

Most 100+ partnerships in ODIs

1. Sourav Ganguly-Sachin Tendulkar | 26

Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar have scored the most 100+ partnerships in ODIs. The Indian pair stitched 26 century stands from 176 innings. In fact, Ganguly and Tendulkar have also registered the most century partnerships (21) among the opening pairs in ODI cricket. Apart from their 21 opening hundred stands, they added three century partnerships for the second wicket and two for the third.

The Indian pair has also racked up the most opening partnership runs in ODIs. Ganguly and Tendulkar scored 6609 opening runs while batting together.

2. Tillakaratne Dilshan-Kumar Sangakkara | 20

Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka have shared 20 100-plus stands among themselves in ODI cricket. Dilshan was a brutal hitter in his prime and accompanied by one of the best wicketkeeper-batsman Sangakarra haunted many bowling lineups. They have a batting average of 53.67 and have scored 5475 runs in 108 innings.

Their highest stand as a pair came in the 2015 World Cup against Bangladesh. They beat Bangladesh by 92 runs because of solid performances from Dilshan (161* off 146 balls) and Sangakkara (105 off 76 balls).

3. Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma | 19*

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli combined for an unbroken 169-run stand to see India to a comfortable nine-wicket win in the 3rd ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With this, they have now 19 hundred plus partnership record in ODI cricket. Rohit ended with 121*(125) with 13 fours and three maximums while Kohli ended with 74*(81) with seven boundaries to his name.

This was also the 12th 150-plus partnership between Kohli and Rohit in ODIs, equalling Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for the most 150-plus partnerships in the format.

Also Read: Batters to score ODI century on their birthdays

4. Shikhar Dhawan-Rohit Sharma | 18

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world from 2011 to 2022. They formed a formidable batting pair at the top of the order for India, especially in ODIs. Whether it’s against fierce rivals Pakistan or quality teams like Australia, their consistency and understanding have made them one of the most successful opening pairs in international cricket. 

In 117 innings, they scored an impressive 5193 runs with an average of 45.15. Their partnership included 18 centuries and 15 fifties.

After the Champions Trophy 2025 ended, Virat Kohli returned to international cricket during the three-match ODI series against Australia- registering an 8 and a 4-ball duck in both the matches so far. This has put his career under scrutiny, and with the 2027 World Cup lined not so far, the veteran batter might not have lot of chances to prove himself as an important player for Men in Blue.

Virat Kohli marked a comeback to international cricket after a gap of over 7 months. Having retired from T20I and Test format, Kohli last represented India in ODIs during the Champions Trophy 2025 held earlier this year. However, his return to action did not go as planned. At this stage of his career, especially with such high pressure to perform, it will be tough for Virat Kohli to overcome this weakness. 

Virat Kohli is active in the ODI format as he wishes to play in the 2027 World Cup. So, let's have a look at all the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches

Virat Kohli in ODI cricket

Virat Kohli a right-handed sensational cricketer, made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008. He has redefined Indian cricket with his exceptional consistency and record-breaking performances.

Kohli has scored 27,000+ runs in the international cricket which comprises 14181 runs in the ODIs in 304 matches at an outstanding average of 57.88, including a record 51 centuries. He has the most centuries in ODI cricket which is one of the biggest achievements for any player.

Also Read: Batters to score ODI century on their birthdays

All the records of Virat Kohli in ODI cricket

• 51 ODI centuries – most hundreds by any player in ODI history
• 14,181 runs – third-highest in ODI history
• Career average of 57.88 – third-highest in ODI history (minimum 5,000 runs)
• Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 ODI runs
• Most centuries against a single team – 10 vs Sri Lanka
• Outstanding chaser – career average 64.50 in ODI run chases (89.50 when India won)
• 87.5% ODI wins after scoring a century – 42 of his first 50 ODI tons led to India winning
• Most Player of the Series awards in an ODI bilateral series

In the high-stakes world of international cricket, the pressure of ICC knockout matches can make or break careers. Every player steps in with the mindset of taking their nation ahead in the game, leaving no room for regrets. However, only a few can actually stay consistent under such highly competitive environment.

No matter how a player performed throughout the tournament, the ultimate test always awaits in the knockouts. ICC knockouts' history have seen extremely talented players scoring for their teams and keeping the flow going.

The question is, out of all the consistent scorers round the globe, who scored the most runs? We have the answer to it. Check out the list of top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.

10. Mahela Jayawardene (499 runs) | Sri Lanka 

Mahela Jayawardene, a true master of elegant batting, consistently delivered for Sri Lanka in crucial matches throughout his international career. He holds the 10th position with 499 runs in 18 innings played in ICC knockout matches.

One of his iconic knock among all is undoubtedly his century in the 2011 World Cup Final against India (103* off 88 balls). Though the match result was not in their favour, Mahela's contribution was the sole reason SL could reach a defendable target after the early collapse of the batting line-up.

Jayawardene stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

9. Sourav Ganguly (514 runs) | India

The former captain and aggressive left-handed opener, Sourav Ganguly, led India with passion in high-stakes games. He often contributed with the bat which laid the foundation of a huge total for the team.

Ganguly scored 514 runs in only 8 innings played in ICC knockouts! His unbeaten 141 against South Africa in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final is the highest among all his other knockout performances.

Ganguly stats in ICC knockout matches:

8. Jacques Kallis (539) | South Africa

Jacques Kallis, the greatest all-rounder of his generation, was a pillar of the South African team. His contributions in the knockout matches for SA were not always marked by centuries, but they had solid consistency.

He scored 539 runs in only 11 matches, which says a lot about his dedication and hard work for winning. His highest among all was a notable 113* against Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the inaugural season (1998) of the ICC Champions Trophy, which led to a big victory.

Kallis stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

7. Kumar Sangakkara (595) | Sri Lanka

Another Sri Lankan legend makes it to the top 10 for most runs in ICC knockout matches with his quality batting. It is none other than Kumar Sangakkara, who was the cornerstone of SL in white-ball cricket for over a decade.

He was a part of several Sri Lankan teams that reached major ICC Finals, like the 2011 WC final, and the victorious 2014 T20 World Cup. Sangakkara scored 595 runs in 19 matches, at an average of 39.66.

His contributions were one of the key aspects of the team's success in reaching these finals.

Sangakkara stats in ICC knockout matches:

6. Sachin Tendulkar (657) | India

The 'Little Master,' Sachin Tendulkar, played in an era where India reached multiple ICC knockout stages. He scored 657 runs in 14 innings, including a century. In knockouts, his vital half-centuries saved the team from choking in several matches.

One of his most remembered fifties is the 85 runs against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. Tendulkar's only century in a knockout game came against Australia in the 1998 quarter-final match of the Champions Trophy, where he scored 141 off 128 balls.

Tendulkar stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

5. Kane Williamson (659 runs) | New Zealand

Kane Williamson is the only cricketer from New Zealand to feature in this list, and that too in the top 5. He scored 659 runs in 15 matches and has always been a great support to the team's batting lineup.

His century in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa played a significant role in setting a good total, which led to a victory. Williamson played many such match-winning knocks for NZ in knockouts.

Williamson stats in ICC knockout matches:

4. Steve Smith (663 runs) | Australia

The Australian star player, Steve Smith, always showed a knack for performing on the big stage for his team. He stands 4th with 663 runs scored in 13 matches. One of his most memorable centuries in knockouts came in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against India.

Smith has consistently performed in every format, each time Australia reached the highly competitive stage of the game of cricket.

Smith stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

3. Ricky Ponting (731 runs) | Australia

The legendary Australian batter, Ricky Ponting, led his side to unmatched dominance in ICC tournaments. He scored 731 runs in 18 matches, with 3 centuries and 1 half-century. 

His most iconic ICC knockout moment is the 2003 World Cup Final, where he scored a phenomenal 140* runs against India. Australia winning the title that year made Ponting's knock more memorable.

Ponting stats in ICC knockout matches:

2. Rohit Sharma (884 runs) | India

The 3rd Indian batter to dominate the list, the 'Hitman' of cricket, Rohit Sharma, stands tall with 884 runs in 21 matches. He has a long experience of playing in high-pressure ICC knockout matches and acing them.

While he has multiple centuries in the World Cup, his highest in an ICC knockout is 137 runs, scored against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final. From giving a solid start to carrying the momentum and building partnerships, Rohit has done it all to fetch those magnificent knockout victories.

Sharma's stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

1. Virat Kohli (1024 runs) | India

Virat Kohli, the chase master and modern-day legend, sits atop this list with 1024 runs in ICC knockout matches. He is the only player ever to score over a thousand runs in knockouts, having 1 century and 9 half centuries.

Kohli's hunger for runs and victory makes him the most reliable player in vital matches. He reached his 50th ODI century by scoring 117 runs against New Zealand in the 2023 WC semi-final. He has often guided India through tricky chases or helped set up formidable totals.

Kohli's stats in ICC knockout matches:

Not every player gets to score a hundred on their birthday, some don't even play a game on their birthday while some fail to do so. But those who had scored a ton on their birthday must reminisce for a long time. Only a few batsmen in the history of international cricket have scored a century on their birthday. 

In this article, we will take a look at the batters to score ODI century on their birthdays.

Also Read: IND vs AUS: Highest Individual ODI Scores by Indians vs Australia

Batters to score ODI century on their birthdays

1. Vinod Kambli vs England (18 Jan, 1993)

Vinod Kambli became the first-ever player to score an ODI century on his birthday (21st) when he scored 100* against England in the second match in Jaipur on January 18, 1993. He hit an undefeated century, making 100 runs off 149 balls, including nine boundaries and one six. Despite his heroics, India lost by four wickets versus England.

2. Sachin Tendulkar vs Australia (24 Apr, 1998)

Sachin Tendulkar, one of cricket’s all-time greats, celebrated his 25th birthday in spectacular style. He demonstrated his exceptional talent in a match against Australia in Sharjah in 1998, hitting 134 runs off 131 balls, including 12 boundaries and three sixes. India secured a dramatic victory, winning by six wickets. 

He single-handedly took down the likes of Damien Fleming, Michael Kasprowicz, Shane Warne, and Tom Moody and helped India hunt down 273 runs inside 49 overs.

3. Sanath Jayasuriya vs Bangladesh (30 Jun, 2008)

Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka showed his enduring talent in a memorable encounter in a group-stage match of Asia Cup 2008 against Bangladesh on his 39th birthday. With 16 fours and six sixes, Jayasuriya batted well, scoring 130 runs off 88 deliveries. 

The birthday boy had an able partner in the name of Kumar Sangakkara. The two champion lefties went on to put a mammoth 200-run stand for the opening wicket. Sri Lanka posted 332 runs on the board and won the game by a massive 158-run margin, with Muttiah Muralitharan taking a fifer.

4. Ross Taylor vs Pakistan (8 Mar, 2011)

Ross Taylor of New Zealand had a spectacular performance against Pakistan in Match 24 of the 2011 ODI World Cup in Pallekele on his 27th birthday. Taylor struck an undefeated 131 runs off 124 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes. He scored 68 runs off his first 105 balls before he went berserk in the last five overs. The batter hammered as many as 63 runs off his last 19 balls, including clobbering 28 runs off a Shoaib Akhtar over.

In that encounter, New Zealand won convincingly, winning by a large margin of 110 runs. On the course, Ross Taylor became the first batsman in ODI World Cup history to score a century on his birthday.

5. Tom Latham vs Netherlands (2 Apr, 2022)

In a stunning encounter against the Netherlands in Hamilton in 2022, New Zealand’s Tom Latham marked his name into cricketing history on his 30th birthday. He hit an undefeated 140 runs off 123 balls, a magnificent performance that contained 10 fours and 5 sixes. Latham also holds the record for scoring the highest individual ODI score on a birthday.

New Zealand were in all sorts of trouble at 89/6 when Latham came up with his career-best individual score. Latham played a true captain's knock and guided his team to 264/9. The Dutch could only muster 146 in reply, thus losing the game by 118 runs.

6. Mitchell Marsh vs Pakistan (20 Oct, 2023)

Mitchell Marsh, an Australian all-rounder, delivered a fantastic performance against Pakistan in Bengaluru during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on his 32nd birthday. He scored 121 runs off 108 balls, with 10 fours and nine sixes. He became the second batsman in ODI World Cup history to get a century on his birthday.

Marsh was involved in a 259-run stand for the opening wicket with David Warner. Both batters hammered the Pakistani bowlers left, right, and center. Warner was in his beast mode as well, scoring 163 off only 124 balls. Australia won the game by 62 runs.

Also Read:  Most Runs for India Against Australia in ODIs

7. Virat Kohli vs South Africa (5 Nov, 2023)

Virat Kohli gave all his a moment to remember for a lifetime when he showed a phenomenal show at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In a table-toppers clash against South Africa, he played a mature knock and scored his much-anticipated 49th ODI hundred (101*), equalling his idol Sachin Tendulkar's record.

Kohli's knock helped his side score an above-par total of 326/5. He stood rock-solid at one end and frustrated the Proteas bowlers for the entire innings.