Cricket in Numbers: Find Out the Players with Most Runs in the IPL Playoffs

This is where players, especially batters, need to rise to the occasion and deliver match-winning performances. The ones who shine in the playoffs are often remembered as clutch performers and legends of the league. In this article, we look at the players who have scored the most runs in IPL Playoffs, standing tall in pressure moments and guiding their teams toward IPL glory.

Most Runs in the IPL Playoffs

With 18 seasons of the IPL completed, it’s time to look back at the batters who have ruled the knockout stages. These players have delivered under pressure and scored the most runs in IPL Playoffs, playing key roles in their teams’ success.

Player	Teams	Runs	Innings	Average	Strike Rate
Suresh Raina	Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions	714	24	37.57	155.21
M.S. Dhoni	Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants	523	23	34.86	132.07
Shubman Gill	Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans	474	10	52.66	145.39
Faf du Plessis	Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru	390	15	27.85	130.43
Shane Watson	Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru	389	12	35.36	151.36
Michael Hussey	Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians	388	11	38.80	124.35
Murali Vijay	Chennai Super Kings	364	10	36.40	147.36
Dwayne Smith	Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions	351	17	26.23	169.65
Virat Kohli	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	341	15	26.23	121.78
Kieron Pollard	Mumbai Indians	341	17	26.23	169.65

Suresh Raina — 714 Runs in 24 Innings

Suresh Raina, or “Mr. IPL” as every fan knows him, is the guy you bet on in playoff games. He smashed 714 runs in 24 innings for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Lions, averaging 37.57 with a strike rate of 155.21. Raina was CSK’s heart and soul, the one who’d walk out when the chips were down and turn the game around. His quick hands and chill vibe made bowlers sweat.

Back in the 2014 Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings, Raina went absolutely bonkers, blasting 87 off 25 balls — 12 fours, 6 sixes, and a strike rate of 348. It was like he was playing a video game on easy mode, setting CSK up for a massive score. In the 2012 final against Kolkata Knight Riders, he fought hard with 73 off 38 balls, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes, but CSK just couldn’t get over the line. Raina’s ability to deliver in these make-or-break games made him a CSK legend and the king of playoff runs.

MS Dhoni — 523 Runs in 23 Innings

Then there’s MS Dhoni, the man with nerves of steel who captained Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles. He scored 523 runs in 23 playoff innings for CSK and Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG), averaging 34.86 and striking at 132.07. Dhoni was the guy you wanted at the crease when the game was on the line, whether he was guiding a chase or smashing it to finish.

Dhoni’s brain and bat were why CSK won those five trophies. In 2017, he pulled off something special with RPSG, steering them to the final with his street-smart captaincy and clutch runs. He could sit back and build or go hammer-and-tongs, always one step ahead of the bowlers. His cool head rubbed off on his team, and opponents hated facing him.

Shubman Gill — 474 Runs in 10 Innings

Shubman Gill, the young gun fans call the Prince of Cricket, has been lighting up playoffs for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT). With 474 runs in just 10 innings, he’s averaging a ridiculous 52.66 and striking at 145.39. Gill’s got this mix of old-school class and new-school aggression that makes him a joy to watch in big games.

His big moment came in the 2023 Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. Gill smashed 129 off 60 balls, with 7 fours and 10 sixes, tearing MI apart and setting a monster total for GT. That knock was a statement — he’s here to dominate. He was a key piece in GT’s 2022 title win, and his cool-headed batting for KKR in the playoffs showed his potential early. Gill’s still young, but his playoff record screams future superstar.

Faf du Plessis — 390 Runs in 15 Innings

Faf du Plessis is the guy you want in a scrap, batting for Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He’s got 390 runs in 15 playoff innings, averaging 27.85 with a strike rate of 130.43. Faf’s got this knack for staying calm but hitting hard when it counts, making him a rock for both teams in crunch games.

He played big roles in CSK’s title wins, giving them solid starts, and he’s been RCB’s anchor in their chase for that first IPL trophy. In the 2018 Qualifier 1 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Faf’s 67 off 42 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes, got CSK over the line in a tricky chase. He knows when to dig in or go big, and that’s why he’s been a playoff hero for years.

Shane Watson — 389 Runs in 12 Innings

Shane Watson, the Aussie big-hitter, played for Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winning titles with two of them. He scored 389 runs in 12 playoff innings, averaging 35.36 with a strike rate of 151.36. Watson was the guy who could clear the boundary with a flick of his wrists, perfect for high-pressure games.

His golden moment was the 2018 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Watson smashed an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls, with 11 fours and 8 sixes, dragging CSK to the title. That knock, with the game on the line, is one of the IPL’s best ever. He helped Rajasthan win in 2008 with his big hitting, and even with RCB, he brought fire. Watson’s playoff record is pure gold.

Michael Hussey — 388 Runs in 11 Innings

Michael Hussey, the Aussie they called Mr. Cricket, was a star for Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. He scored 388 runs in 11 playoff innings, averaging a cracking 38.80 with a strike rate of 124.35. Hussey’s cool head and smart batting made him a massive part of CSK’s title runs.

In the 2011 final against RCB, Hussey’s 63 off 45 balls, with 3 fours and 3 sixes, steadied CSK’s chase for their second title. He knew exactly when to play safe or go for it. His time with MI was shorter, but he still chipped in. Hussey’s playoff knocks were all about brains and heart, making him a CSK favourite.

Murali Vijay — 364 Runs in 10 Innings

Murali Vijay was Michael Hussey’s wingman for Chennai Super Kings, sparking their title-winning campaigns. He scored 364 runs in 10 playoff innings, averaging 36.40 with a strike rate of 147.36. Vijay’s job was to get CSK off to a flyer, and he nailed it in big games.

In the 2011 final against RCB, Vijay smashed 95 off 52 balls, with 4 fours and 6 sixes, teaming up with Hussey to clinch CSK’s second title. In the 2010 final against the Mumbai Indians, his quick 26 off 19 balls set the tone for CSK’s first championship. Vijay’s bold, attacking style made him a playoff standout.

Dwayne Smith — 351 Runs in 17 Innings

Dwayne Smith, the explosive opener, lit up IPL playoffs for Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Lions, smashing 351 runs in 17 innings. With a solid average of 26.23 and a blistering strike rate of 169.65, Smith’s aggressive starts rattled bowlers from the get-go.

In the 2016 Qualifier 1 against RCB, his 73 off 41 balls — packed with 5 fours and 6 sixes — gave Gujarat Lions a real shot. His fearless style was key to MI and CSK’s title wins, and he brought that same spark to Gujarat Lions. Smith’s playoff performances were pure entertainment, delivering fireworks when the stakes were highest, leaving fans buzzing with every boundary he blasted.

Virat Kohli — 341 Runs in 15 Innings

Virat Kohli, cricket’s king, is the soul of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He’s racked up 341 runs in 15 playoff innings, averaging 26.23 with a strike rate of 121.78. RCB hasn’t snagged that IPL trophy yet, but Kohli’s fire in big games keeps fans believing. In the 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he smashed 54 off 35 balls — 5 fours, 2 sixes — giving RCB a real shot, though they fell short.

He’s led RCB to three finals (2009, 2011, 2016), pouring his heart into every shot. His playoff knocks are all about passion, even without the silverware. Kohli carries Bengaluru’s hopes with every boundary, and his never-say-die spirit keeps the dream alive for that elusive IPL crown.

Kieron Pollard — 341 Runs in 17 Innings

Kieron Pollard was a beast for the Mumbai Indians, scoring 341 runs in 17 playoff innings with an average of 26.23 and a strike rate of 169.65. His massive hitting helped MI win five titles. In the 2013 final against CSK, Pollard’s unbeaten 60 off 32 balls, with 7 fours and 3 sixes, sealed MI’s first title. In the 2019 final, his 41 not out off 25 balls won a thriller by one run. Pollard was MI’s playoff superhero, always showing up when it counted.