Top 10 batters with most runs in IPL playoffs

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for displaying top-notch cricketing talent, and when it comes out to the playoff stages, the pressure is at its peak. The toughest part of the IPL tournament is the playoff stage. The top four best teams make the playoffs every season, and one of them goes on to win the title. But a successful team always needs players who can do well in pressure situations. Let's take a closer look at the top 10 batters with most runs in IPL playoffs.

Also Read: Highest Target Chased in IPL History

Notably, only one batter has scored over 700 runs in IPL playoff history.

Most Runs in IPL Playoffs

1. Suresh Raina | 714 Runs

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Suresh Raina has the most runs in IPL playoffs with 714 runs in his bag. He remains the only player to have scored over 700 runs in the IPL playoffs. Mr. IPL was the reason for CSK's success between 2008 and 2019. They won three titles in this period and reached the playoffs in every season. The left-handed batter made that milestone from 24 playoff games, maintaining an impressive average of 37.57 and a strike rate of 155.21. 

2. MS Dhoni | 523 Runs

Former CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has the second most runs in IPL playoffs and the only other player with over 500 runs in the IPL playoffs. Dhoni slammed 523 runs from 28 matches at an average of 34.86. He returned unbeaten eight times and his highest score remains an unbeaten 63. The tally includes 32 fours and 28 sixes. Thala Dhoni led the Super Kings to five IPL titles between 2008 and 2023.

3. Shubman Gill | 474 Runs

Shubman Gill, who currently captains Gujarat Titans, occupies the third spot on this most runs in IPL playoffs list. Gill has racked up 474 runs in just 10 playoff games. His average of 52.66 is the highest by a batter in IPL playoff history. Gill, who also played for Kolkata Knight Riders, remains one of the few batters with a ton in this regard. He has a highest score of 129 and a fifty-plus score in the knockout stages.

4. Shane Watson | 389 Runs

Shane Watson represented Rajasthan Royals, CSK, and RCB in the IPL playoffs. The Australian all-rounder played the finals for each of these sides. He smashed 117*(57) against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 final, the highest score in an IPL summit clash. Overall, Watson slammed 389 runs from 12 IPL playoff encounters at an average of 35.36. The tally also includes a strike rate of 151.36.

Also Read: Most Wickets in 1st Over of IPL

5. Michael Hussey | 388 Runs

Michael Hussey, also known as Mr. Cricket, may have retired from international cricket, but his impact in the IPL knockouts is still remembered. Playing for the Chennai Super Kings. Hussey has scored 388 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 124.35. He also has four half-centuries with a highest score of 86 not out. 

6. Faf du Plessis | 373 Runs

RCB skipper Faf du Plessis was a key player for the Chennai Super Kings for years. He played for CSK from 2011 to 2021 and won four titles for the team. He is still the third-highest scorer for the Yellow Army in the tournament. Du Plessis played 14 matches in his career during the playoff stages and scored 373 runs at an average of 28.69 and a strike rate of 130.87 with a high score of 86. He also had three half-centuries to his name.

7. Murali Vijay | 364 Runs

Former Indian opener Murali Vijay played in the IPL between 2009 and 2020. He represented CSK, DC, and PBKS in his IPL stint. But his successful moments came with the CSK. Murali played ten playoff games for them and scored 364 runs at 36.40 and a strike rate of 147.36 with one hundred and one fifty.

8. Dwayne Smith | 351 Runs

Dwayne Smith played nine seasons of the IPL between 2008 and 2017. He was part of Deccan Chargers, MI, CSK, and GL, respectively. And he played playoff games for all four franchises. Overall, Smith played 11 knockout matches and scored 351 runs at a strike rate of 148.10 with four half-centuries.

9. Kieron Pollard | 341 Runs

Kieron Pollard made his IPL debut in 2010 and retired in 2022, playing for Mumbai Indians throughout. He was a core player for MI and was one of the reasons for them winning five titles. Pollard played 17 knockout innings and scored 341 runs at an incredible strike rate of 169.65 and an average of 26.23 with a best of 60 not out.

Also Read: List of IPL Playoffs Teams since 2008

10. Ambati Rayudu | 335 runs

The former CSK all-rounder Ambati Rayudu was a super utility player for any team. He can be the steady rock holding things together or the run machine when the team needs a boost. With 335 runs in 22 innings, he was called Mr. Consistent who rocked under pressure.