5 highest run scorers in IPL history

IPL is the most prominent T20 league in the world, attracting quality players from all around the globe. Since the game has tilted towards the batsmen, it is fitting to look at the five batsmen who have made a significant mark in the league.

With the 2018 IPL mega-auction just around the corner, it is fitting to look at these power players who might be up for the auction in January. Although these might not be the most flamboyant of players, they have performed consistently and have won plenty of games for their respective teams.

Here is a look at the top 5 run scorers in the IPL:

#5 David Warner

David Warner is obviously on this list. He has batted at the top of the order for a long time for the Delhi Daredevils and, now, for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. With a whopping strike-rate of 142.13, he has scored 4014 runs since his arrival in the IPL.

He won the Orange Cap in IPL 2017 and will be looking to extend his wonderful run of form into the 2018 season as well. With three centuries and a top score of 126, he truly has adapted well to Indian pitches. He is also the captain of the SRH side and tends to lead by example with the bat and on the field with his electric fielding.

He famously led SRH to victory against RCB in the IPL 2016 final to clinch the cup for the first time. His average of 40.54 demonstrates his consistency and attacking mindset. He truly has been a revelation in this format of the game.

#4 Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir has been a mainstay in KKR's batting lineup

Gambhir has been around international cricket since 2004 and has vast experience at the domestic level. In the first couple of seasons in the IPL, Gambhir featured for the Delhi Daredevils where he was not at his best. Ever since he joined the KKR set up, he has blossomed as a leader and as a batsman too.

Having scored 4132 runs at an average of 31.78, Gambhir has played several game-changing knocks for his team. His attacking batsmanship was on full display when he scored 93, his top score, against RCB at a mind-blowing strike rate of 182. He has not scored an IPL hundred yet but has played several critical knocks for his side. A century will be on his bucket list when he goes into IPL 2018.

#3 Rohit Sharma

Sharma has blossomed over the years as a solid middle-order batsman for MI

Sharma was with the Deccan Chargers for a few seasons before shifting to Mumbai Indians. Having scored 4207 runs at an average of 32.61, he has become a mainstay in Mumbai Indians' batting line up. He scored a big hundred against KKR back in 2012 and will be looking to score a few more in the upcoming seasons.

He has won three IPL championships for Mumbai Indians and will be looking to lift yet another trophy this time around.

#2 Virat Kohli

Kohli has been one of the most successful players in the IPL

There are not too many words that can be used to describe Virat Kohli. With four centuries in IPL 2016, 4418 runs in total and a mind-blowing strike-rate of 130, he has emerged as one the premier batsmen in the country.

With an average of 37.44, his consistency is unreal. However, he is yet to lift the coveted trophy and would be looking to turn around his side's fortunes this time around.

#1 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina has made the most of his opportunities in the IPL

The IPL's leading run-scorer, Suresh Raina has been brilliant with the bat, effective with the ball and electric on the field for Chennai. Although initially a middle-order batsman, Dhoni promoted him to the No. 3 slot which turned his fortunes around.

With CSK banned for two years, he joined Gujarat Lions where he did not enjoy as much success. However, with CSK back in the fold for IPL 2018, he will be looking to do well on the big stage.

The upcoming IPL will also be an indication of just how much Raina has left in his tank, having been constantly ignored on the international stage. With 4540 runs at a healthy average of 34.13 and an astounding strike-rate of 139.1, Raina is by far one of the greatest players the IPL has ever seen.