Top 10 Batsmen With Most Runs in T20 Cricket

Most Runs in T20 Cricket

The most recent format in cricket is also the one that is possibly most loved by fans worldwide. T20 cricket has redefined the way cricket is played. It is fast-paced, high in intensity and drama. While the format is considered quite tricky for batsmen with its high-risk nature, some players have mastered the format. Even in the T20 format, batsmen have gone on to make quite a massive name for themselves. But which batsman has the record for most runs in T20 cricket?

Chris Gayle is the batsman to have scored the most runs in T20 cricket history. The Jamaican legend has ripped apart bowling lineups and is still going on at the age of 41. Gayle has amassed 14,289 runs in 449 T20 matches at an average of 36.73 and a phenomenal strike rate of 145.7. Gayle has several T20 records to his name, including the highest T20 score, most sixes, most centuries and half-centuries.

Here, we will look at 10 batsmen who hold the record for most runs in T20 cricket.

1) Chris Gayle – 14,289 runs

The West Indies southpaw has been sensational in the shortest format of the game. Gayle has played 449 T20 games, including matches for West Indies, Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, to name a few. The highest run scorer in the T20 format, Gayle also holds the record for the highest individual score in the format – 175* against Pune Warriors India back in IPL 2013. The self-proclaimed Universe Boss has recorded more than 14000 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 36.73. The fascinating bit is that he has amassed 87 half-centuries and 22 centuries in T20 cricket, which is by far the most for any player. He is the only batsman to have more than 10 centuries in T20 cricket. The next best is 8!

2) Kieron Pollard – 11,242 runs

The current West Indies captain at the T20 World Cup, Trinbago Knight Riders skipper and Mumbai Indians stalwart Kieron Pollard, is second on the list for most runs in T20 cricket history. The lanky all-rounder has been one of the best batsmen the shortest format of the game has ever seen. A thorough team player, Pollard has scored over 11000 runs in T20 cricket, despite batting lower down the order. Pollard has played 569 T20 matches across the globe in which he has 11,242 runs which include 56 half-centuries and one century. His strike rate of 152.4 is still one of the best in the business.

3) Shoaib Malik – 11,033 runs

The T20 globe-trotter Shoaib Malik is third on the list for most runs in T20 cricket. The former Pakistan captain has played for a number of teams during his vast T20 career and is the third-highest run scorer in T20 cricket history. Malik has played 443 T20 matches in which he has scored 11,033 runs at an average of 36.53, which includes 67 half-centuries. He has been a pioneer for Pakistan cricket in the shortest format of the game, and his longevity is proof of that.

4) Virat Kohli – 10,193 runs

T20 cricket is the format Virat Kohli prefers the least. Yet, the talismanic batsman finds himself in the top 5 list for most runs in T20 cricket. Kohli has been an absolute superstar for both Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and India. In 320 T20 matches, Kohli has scored 10,193 runs averaging 41.27. He has hit 75 fifties in T20 cricket and five centuries, four of which came in IPL 2016. Kohli might not have a tremendous T20 career strike rate, but his incredible match awareness and ability to switch gears makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in T20 cricket.

5) David Warner – 10,033 runs

The only player with three IPL Orange caps to his name, David Warner is truly a T20 all-time great. His ability to score off both pacers and spinners and dispatch even the good balls over the fence makes him one of the best openers in T20 cricket. Warner was instrumental in leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first and only IPL title, and even for Australia, the southpaw has been terrific. Warner has scored 10,033 runs in 307 T20 matches and is fifth on the list for most runs in T20 cricket. He has also smashed 82 half-centuries and 8 tons in his T20 career.

Also Read: Who is the Most Dangerous Batsman in IPL?

6) Brendon McCullum – 9922 runs

Brendon McCullum retired from the game of cricket as a T20 phenom who scored runs everywhere he went. He lit up the IPL, scoring 158 in the opening match against RCB before reaching greater heights playing for different franchises. McCullum played 370 matches in his career with 9922 runs at an average of 29.28 and a batting strike rate of 136.5.

7 ) Aaron Finch – 9845 runs

The Australian captain has been the team’s cornerstone as far as the T20 format of the game is concerned. He has played a number of T20 tournaments all over, including the IPL, Big Bash and T20 Blast, to name a few. The opener has amassed 9845 runs in 325 T20 matches averaging 34.3 with 64 half-centuries and eight tons.

8) Rohit Sharma – 9446 runs

Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful captains in the IPL and has led Mumbai Indians to a record five trophies. Apart from his leadership, Rohit is also a terrific batsman in the T20 format. In 357 matches, he has scored 9446 runs with 65 half-centuries and six centuries. Rohit is currently in the eighth position in terms of most runs in T20 cricket and is fast climbing up the ladder.

9) AB de Villiers – 9424 runs

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers is easily one of the most influential figures in the sport. His 360-degree strokeplay has garnered attention from leagues worldwide, and he has been a significant entity in the IPL. De Villiers has scored 9424 runs in T20 cricket with a career strike rate of 150.1. De Villiers has retired from international cricket but is still pretty active in franchise cricket.

10) Shane Watson – 8821 runs

One of the finest all-rounders in world cricket, Shane Watson, had been a star performer for years before announcing his retirement. He played 343 T20 matches in which he scored 8821 runs at an average of 29.31 and strike rate of 138.3. Watson was instrumental in Chennai Super Kings winning the 2018 edition of IPL.

Most Runs in T20 International Cricket

If we talk about T20 International cricket, Virat Kohli tops the list for most runs. In 85 T20I innings, Kohli has smoked 3216 runs averaging 52.72. Second on the list is Martin Guptill, followed by Rohit Sharma, Paul Stirling and Aaron Finch in the top five. Here is the complete list.

Also Read: T20 World Cup Winners List Over the Years – From India to West Indies