IPL is one of the high intensity game in any cricket league in the world but the real intensity lies in their players’ performance.
One of the most popular cricket league in the world is back. Everyone waited for this cricket carnival for a whole year and in 2 months the whole nation becomes a battleground. Fans are ready to support their team by wearing jersey and taking flags. There are so many times when IPL peaked and it is because of the dangerous batsmen that are spitting fire on the ground. One such incident that we all have observed in the first match of IPL in 2008. When Brendon McCullum scored 150 runs for KKR, he really set the bar so high that it automatically intensify the game. There are so many batsmen in the list of dangerous batsmen like Gayle, Kohli, Maxwell, Pollard, McCullum, and many more. We will look at the Top 10 dangerous batsmen in the IPL history and also analyze their performance and its impact on the match.
Some of these batsmen have created history in the IPL by making unbreakable records in the IPL that are still standing strong. They have the ability to create a long-lasting impact on the match. The ability to score runs quickly is what makes them most feared and dangerous for the bowlers.
Most Dangerous batsmen of IPL:
1. AB de Villiers
For the start how can we forget our Mr. 360, none other than AB de Villiers. He earned his name because of his 360 performance in the ground. He hit shots in every direction which makes him a dangerous batsman as the bowlers don’t bluff him because he is good at reading the length and hitting the ball wherever he wants to.
De Villiers’ mastery in 360-degree batting allowed him to score runs at a fast pace and within a over he can change the course of the match. His hand-eye coordination mixed with his ability to read the game and play shots in unconventional areas is one of the best thing we have seen in the cricket. This thing makes him a true game-changer in the IPL. With over 5000 runs to his name and a strike rate of over 150, de Villiers’ impact on the tournament cannot be understated. His ability to score quick runs and hit boundaries at will has made him a dangerous force in the history IPL.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2004-2018) | 114 | 18 | 8765 | 54.51 | 1024 | 64 |
ODI (2005-2018) | 228 | 39 | 9577 | 101.09 | 840 | 204 |
T20 (2006-2017) | 78 | 11 | 1672 | 135.16 | 140 | 60 |
IPL (2008-2021) | 184 | 40 | 5162 | 151.69 | 413 | 251 |
2. Chris Gayle
Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome Mr. Universal Boss, one and only Chris Gayle. Standing at 1.88 meter like a mountain where nothing works and this is why he is in our list of most dangerous batsmen in not just IPL but in the International formats. Gayle ability to send the ball in the stands that too easily makes his a magician in the ground. He still holds the record of most sixes in the IPL and consistently dominated the bowlers with his aggressive batting style.
Gayle’s ability to clear the boundary with ease and score quick runs has made him a unbeatable force in the league. His mammoth innings of 175 (not out) runs off just 66 balls, which included 17 sixes, remains one of the most memorable performances in IPL history that is still intact. Chris has the ability to single-handedly change the outcome of a match which makes him a true game-changer and one of the most dangerous batsmen in IPL history.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2000-2014) | 103 | 11 | 7214 | 60.26 | 1046 | 98 |
ODI (1999-2019) | 301 | 17 | 10480 | 87.19 | 1128 | 331 |
T20 (2006-2021) | 79 | 7 | 1899 | 137.50 | 158 | 124 |
IPL (2009-2021) | 142 | 16 | 4965 | 148.96 | 404 | 357 |
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of best batsman in the world to have the best record in run-chasing situation. He is the ICC Player of the year (2017,2018 & 2022). Even in IPL 2024, he is leading the orange cap race. Since his debut in IPL he never changes his franchise and played for RCB till now. He still the record of maximum runs, 7693 in the IPL in 246 matches. Since his debut in the IPL, he hit 683 fours and 251 sixes. He is famous for his exceptionally carved “Cover Drive” which is a signature move from Kohli.
The records made by Kohli shows his ruthlessness over the bowlers and his versatility to play in any pitch and any bowlers. Watching Kohli batting is a pure art his flick of the wrist and the ball is going for a six shows how much strength he has in his hand. The number 1 reason he is the most dangerous batsman is because he rise from the ashes many times. He also said this in his interview that, “I might fall down, but I am always the one to get up from it and fight.”
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2011-) | 113 | 11 | 8848 | 55.56 | 991 | 26 |
ODI (2008-) | 292 | 44 | 13848 | 93.58 | 1294 | 151 |
T20 (2010-) | 117 | 31 | 4037 | 138.15 | 361 | 117 |
IPL (2008-) | 246 | 36 | 7693 | 130.90 | 683 | 251 |
4. MS Dhoni
Captain Cool is not so cool when it comes to finish the game. He has been finishing the since his inception. One of the most aggressive batsman in the Cricket Fraternity that even the experienced bowlers respects. Dhoni has the ability to stay calm and strategize till the end of the game. He holds the record of the most successful captain in the Indian Cricket Team. Dhoni is famous for his helicopter shot.
He scored 5173 runs in 258 matches with a strike rate of 137.76. in which he scored a century and 39 half-century. He plays in the middle order which gives a good boost to his team. His presence in the ground makes the opponent frightened which makes him a truly dangerous batsman.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2005-2014) | 90 | 16 | 4876 | 59.11 | 544 | 78 |
ODI (2004-2019) | 350 | 84 | 10773 | 87.56 | 826 | 229 |
T20 (2006-2019) | 98 | 42 | 1618 | 126.13 | 116 | 52 |
IPL (2008-) | 257 | 93 | 5169 | 137.00 | 357 | 247 |
5. David Warner
David Warner is one of the most consistent performer in the IPL throughout in his career. After Virat Kohli, Warner holds the record for the most fours in IPL history and has consistently delivered for his team in every match. Warner’s average of 40.77 stands as the highest among players who have participated in around 150 matches. His ability to deliver a wide array of shots makes him unbeatable in the ground and a danger to bowlers. He effortlessly dispatches the ball out of the ground.
Additionally, he ranks as the third-highest run-scorer in IPL history, after Kohli and Dhawan Since his debut in 2009. In his IPL career he was a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. Warner’s unparalleled consistency is highlighted by his remarkable tally of 61 half-centuries in the IPL, the most by any player in the league’s history. His ability to consistently score runs and provide stability to the batting lineup makes him a dangerous batsman in the IPL.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2011-) | 112 | 8 | 8786 | 70.19 | 1036 | 69 |
ODI (2009-) | 161 | 6 | 6932 | 97.26 | 733 | 130 |
T20 (2009-) | 103 | 11 | 3099 | 142.67 | 320 | 113 |
IPL (2009-) | 183 | 22 | 6564 | 139.81 | 663 | 236 |
Also Read Most Sixes in IPL
6. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, also known as the Hitman, has emerged as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL. The Indian skipper has played a pivotal role in the success of the Mumbai Indians, leading them to 5 IPL titles. Rohit Sharma has scored 6211 runs in 243 matches, with a strike rate of 130.04. His ability to score big runs and provide explosive batting at the top of the order has made him as one of the most important player for the Mumbai Indians.
Sharma’s leadership qualities and calm demeanor on the field have also been instrumental in guiding his team to success. His ability to lead from the front and play match-winning innings make him a dangerous batsman in the IPL. His ability to read the game in between and strategize accordingly helped the team to have a better outcome.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2013-) | 59 | 10 | 4137 | 57.0 | 452 | 84 |
ODI (2007-) | 262 | 36 | 10709 | 92.0 | 994 | 323 |
T20 (2007-) | 151 | 18 | 3974 | 140.0 | 359 | 190 |
IPL (2008-) | 251 | 29 | 6514 | 131.3 | 585 | 275 |
7. Andre Russell
Andre Russell, has that Caribbean Flare in his power-hitting shots. One of the best all-rounder who established himself as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL. Russell’s ability to clear the boundary with ease and score quick runs has made him a formidable force in the league. He played his match winning innings many a times giving Kolkata a good win. With a strike rate of 174.00, he holds the record for the highest strike rate in IPL history.
Russell has played some of the finest innings especially in the death overs for the Kolkata Knight Riders, consistently proving to be a valuable asset for his team. His ability to single-handedly change the game with his big-hitting ability and match-winning performances make him a truly dangerous batsman in the IPL.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2010) | 1 | 0 | 2 | 22.2 | 0 | 0 |
ODI (2011-2019) | 56 | 9 | 1034 | 130.2 | 94 | 57 |
T20 (2011-) | 75 | 21 | 955 | 163.5 | 55 | 81 |
IPL (2012-) | 120 | 20 | 2441 | 174.8 | 167 | 205 |
8. Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard, known as Mumbai’s big-hitting West Indian, has been one of the most valuable players for the Mumbai Indians. Pollard has helped Mumbai win crucial matches in difficult situations with his big-hitting ability. He has scored 3412 runs in 189 matches at a strike rate of 147.32. Pollard is known for his wittiness during the match makes him an unforgettable player in the Cricket world.
Pollard is one of those IPL players who have hit more sixes than fours in their career, showcasing his power-hitting skills. He has a number of records to his name, including being the most valuable player in 2013 and having the best catch in 2014 and 2019. Pollard’s ability to single-handedly take care of Mumbai’s batting unit and his match-winning performances make him a dangerous batsman in the IPL
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
ODI (2007-2022) | 123 | 9 | 1569 | 94.41 | 171 | 135 |
T20I (2008-2022) | 101 | 21 | 2706 | 135.14 | 94 | 99 |
IPL (2010-2022) | 189 | 52 | 3412 | 147.32 | 218 | 223 |
9. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, known as SKY, has risen in the IPL with his consistent performances for the Mumbai Indians. Yadav has scored 3389 runs in 144 matches at a strike rate of 144.22, which is one of the highest by players who have played 130 or more matches. SKY’s inclusion in the Mumbai Indians gave him a chance to show his caliber to the outside world.
He has single-handedly won matches for the Mumbai Indians and has scored four hundreds for India in T20 internationals. He is just behind Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell to equal the record for the most hundreds in T20 Internationals. Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive batting and ability to score runs in every direction of the pitch make him a dangerous batsman in the IPL.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2023) | 1 | 0 | 8 | 40.00 | 1 | 0 |
ODI (2021-) | 37 | 5 | 773 | 105.02 | 80 | 19 |
T20 (2021-) | 60 | 10 | 2141 | 171.55 | 192 | 123 |
IPL (2012-) | 144 | 22 | 3389 | 144.22 | 363 | 119 |
10. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell, known as the Big Show, is a power-hitting all-rounder who has made a significant impact in the IPL. He has been a part of teams like Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Maxwell has scored over 1500 IPL runs at a strike rate of 150.9. His aggressive approach and effectiveness against spin make him a significant threat.
Maxwell’s capacity to alter the course of a game is well-acknowledged in the IPL. His ability to single-handedly win matches for his team with his powerful hitting and impactful performances make him a dangerous batsman in the IPL.
Format | Matches | Not Out | Runs | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
TEST (2013-2017) | 7 | 1 | 339 | 59.47 | 33 | 7 |
ODI (2012-) | 128 | 17 | 3895 | 26.91 | 373 | 150 |
T20 (2012-) | 106 | 16 | 2468 | 155.51 | 205 | 127 |
IPL (2012-) | 130 | 17 | 2751 | 156.40 | 229 | 159 |
What makes them so dangerous?
Their ability to analyze the game in between the match and turn around the whole fate of the match single-handedly is what makes them the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL. Their explosive batting figures makes the opponent frightened which itself leads to morale down of the opposition. They are good at make runs even in the most pressurizing situations and finish matches at any point of time. This dominance is the years of hard work and dedication and also a comprehensive understanding of the game.
For more such comprehensive information, Stay tuned to cricoworld.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru has the highest number of dangerous batsmen of the IPL. This is why MI vs RCB matches have one of the highest viewership in IPL.
The presence of a dangerous batsman definitely affects the opponent’s strategy. In the powerplay the strategy is different from the maiden to the death overs. The bowlers need to strategize effectively bluffing the batsman to take his wicket.
It is possible that a single player can impact the game alone. Marcus Stoinis playing for LSG against CSK alone take the team from losing end to winning end with his powerful innings of 124 runs.
The number one in the list of most dangerous batsman in IPL history is AB de Villiers, because of his ability to hit big shots anywhere in the ground and this is why he is called Mr. 360.