How Many Runs in IPL Virat Kohli?

Introduction

Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen of modern-day cricket, has left an indelible mark on the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. Known for his aggressive batting style, consistency, and unmatched passion for the game, Kohli’s journey in the IPL is a tale of loyalty, milestones, and records. This article explores how many runs Virat Kohli has scored in IPL history and dives deep into the different phases of his career, including his top performances, key records, and impact on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Total IPL Runs: As of IPL 2025

As of April 2025, Virat Kohli has scored 7,672 runs in the Indian Premier League, making him the highest run-scorer in IPL history.

Here is a quick snapshot of his IPL career statistics as of the 2025 season:

Matches: 243
Innings: 235
Runs: 7,672
Average: 38.35
Strike Rate: 130.65
100s: 7
50s: 52
Highest Score: 113*
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (2008–Present)

Journey Through the Seasons

2008–2010: The Beginning

Kohli made his IPL debut in 2008 as a young, promising batsman fresh off winning the U-19 World Cup. In his initial years, he was still finding his feet:

2008: 165 runs in 12 matches – average season
2009: Improved performance with 246 runs in 16 matches
2010: Started to show his class with 307 runs

Though not extraordinary, these years helped shape his future as RCB began to see Kohli as a potential long-term player.

2011–2015: Rise to Stardom

Kohli’s breakthrough came in the 2011 season, where he scored 557 runs and took over vice-captain duties. He then continued his rise as RCB’s batting mainstay.

2011: 557 runs – 4th highest in the season
2013: 634 runs – became RCB captain after Daniel Vettori
2015: 505 runs – consistent and aggressive

By this time, Kohli had become the face of the RCB franchise and one of the top batsmen in IPL.

2016: The Record-Breaking Season

The 2016 IPL season was the most iconic in Kohli’s career and IPL history.

Runs: 973
Innings: 16
Centuries: 4
Fifties: 7
Strike Rate: 152.03
Average: 81.08

He smashed 973 runs, which remains the highest number of runs scored in a single IPL season. Kohli’s form was unreal, leading RCB to the final, although they fell short against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

2017–2019: The Mixed Years

Kohli continued to be RCB’s backbone, but the team struggled to reach playoffs.

2017: 308 runs (injury affected)
2018: 530 runs
2019: 464 runs

Though Kohli’s form was stable, RCB often faltered as a team, leading to criticism over his captaincy.

2020–2021: In the Bubble Era

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the IPL into bio-bubbles, with matches played in UAE and restricted environments.

2020: 466 runs – helped RCB reach playoffs
2021: 405 runs – stepped down as RCB captain after the season

Despite solid performances, Kohli chose to relinquish RCB’s captaincy, citing workload management and a need to focus on his batting.

2022–2023: Lean Phase and Comeback

Kohli went through a lean patch in 2022, struggling with form and confidence.

2022: 341 runs, average 22.73 – his lowest since debut
2023: Bounced back with 639 runs, including 2 centuries

Kohli proved doubters wrong in 2023 by returning to top form and showing glimpses of his 2016 version.

2024–2025: Back to His Best

2024: 694 runs – 3rd highest run-scorer of the season
2025 (till April): 376 runs in 9 matches – back in orange cap contention

Kohli’s 2024 performance reignited RCB’s campaign. With some legendary innings, including a 113* knock against RR, he solidified his legacy.

More…How many CSK won the IPL in 2025?

Batting Records and Milestones

1. Highest Run-Scorer in IPL

7,672 runs – ahead of Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner
First to cross 7,000 IPL runs

2. Most Centuries by an Indian in IPL

7 IPL centuries
Only behind Chris Gayle (6) until 2023, but surpassed him in 2024

3. Most Runs in a Single Season

973 in 2016 – unbeaten record

4. Most Runs for a Single Franchise

Entire career with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Only player to play every season with one team

5. Most Boundaries

Over 700 fours and 250 sixes
Known for classic strokeplay mixed with aggression

Impact on RCB and the IPL

❤️ Franchise Loyalty

Virat Kohli’s loyalty to RCB has been unparalleled. While many players have changed franchises over the years, Kohli has stayed with RCB for 17+ seasons, becoming their heart and soul.

🏏 Leadership Journey

RCB Captain (2013–2021)
Took the team to the final in 2016
Though often criticized for lack of trophies, his leadership inspired many young talents like Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj.

🌟 Brand Value

Kohli’s presence has always elevated the IPL. His rivalry with other legends like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and AB de Villiers (his RCB partner for years) made IPL even more exciting.

Iconic IPL Innings

113 vs Kings XI Punjab (2016)

Part of a 147-run opening partnership with Gayle
Came with a bleeding hand – displayed his never-give-up spirit

100* vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2019)

Solo effort in a losing cause
Classy innings showcasing his wide range of shots

82* vs Delhi Capitals (2023)

Vintage chase masterclass

113* vs Rajasthan Royals (2024)

His 7th century – took RCB to a massive total

Fitness and Longevity

Kohli’s commitment to fitness has been central to his longevity and consistency. Even in his mid-30s, he remains one of the fastest runners between wickets and sharpest fielders.

His disciplined lifestyle has inspired a generation of cricketers to focus on fitness, making it a core part of IPL culture.

Criticism and Comebacks

Kohli’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He has faced:

Criticism for his IPL captaincy (no title despite a strong squad)
Periods of poor form (notably 2020–2022)
High-pressure expectations from fans

Yet every time he was written off, he made a thunderous comeback—highlighting his mental toughness and work ethic.

Kohli and the Orange Cap

Although he hasn’t won the Orange Cap since 2016, Kohli has consistently been among the top 10 run-scorers in most seasons. With his current form in 2025, he’s once again in the running.

Legacy and What Lies Ahead

As Virat Kohli nears the twilight years of his IPL career, fans are wondering:

Will he ever win the IPL trophy?
How many more runs can he add to his tally?
Will he retire with 9,000+ IPL runs?

One thing is clear – regardless of whether he lifts the trophy, Kohli’s legacy as a run-machine, a leader, and a true icon of IPL is secure.

Conclusion

To answer the original question – How many runs in IPL for Virat Kohli? – as of the 2025 season, he has scored 7,672 runs in 243 matches, making him the all-time highest run-scorer in IPL history.

But Kohli’s IPL story is much more than numbers. It’s about loyalty, grit, passion, and inspiration. He’s been a true ambassador of the game and of the league. As the 2025 season unfolds, fans continue to rally behind “King Kohli”, hoping to see more fireworks and maybe, just maybe, that elusive IPL title.