Most Successful Openers In IPL History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has had a long-lasting impact on Indian Cricket, especially on the batters. The openers have ruled the roost in the long 18-year history of the tournament, providing explosive starts to their respective teams, and playing crucial knocks in the knockout stages of the comp. Today, we'll find out some of those openers who've been successful in the league.

Most Successful Openers In IPL

1. Shikhar Dhawan- 6362

Shikhar Dhawan, the talismanic opener has been a vital cog in the lineups he has represented in his IPL career (2008-2024). In his illustrious IPL career, Shikhar Dhawan has represented Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings & Now defunct Deccan Chargers.

Dhawan played 222 matches, scoring 6768 runs at an average of 35.07, while the Strike Rate was 127.13. Out of those 6768 runs, 6362 runs came as openers, determining how lethal he was as an opener in his playing days. Dhawan also holds the record for scoring two consecutive tons in two successive matches in the IPL (2020).

2. David Warner- 5910 Runs

The former Australian batter David Warner has been one of the most successful overseas batters in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Warner has participated in 184 games in the IPL scoring 6565 runs out of those 5910 runs he has accumulated as an opener displaying an explosive style of batting scoring runs at a fast clip. Warner played for Delhi Capitals & Sunrisers Hyderabad.

3. Chris Gayle- 4480 Runs

Chris Gayle aka 'The Universe Boss' is one of the most destructive batters in the world of cricket. Many cricket fans fondly remember his epic knock of 175 against the Pune Warriors in 2013. Gayle as an opener was a nightmare for the opposition. Gayle played 142 runs in the IPL scoring close to 5000 runs (4965 Runs). Out of those 4480 runs have come as an opener.

4. Virat Kohli- 4352 Runs

Star Indian & RCB batter Virat Kohli comes 4th on the list in terms of most runs as an opener in IPL history. Kohli is also the highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament with 8004 runs in 252 games at an average of 38.67 & a Strike Rate of 131.98. Kohli now retired from the T20I format will be a player to watchout for RCB in IPL 2025.

5. KL Rahul- 4183 Runs

KL Rahul has been a decent opener in providing good starts to his team, the batter from Karnataka made his IPL debut in 2014 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 132 matches at the IPL Rahul has amassed 4683 runs at an average of 45.47 & a strike rate of 134.61. Rahul has gone on to represent his home franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings & Lucknow Super Giants. In IPL 2025 he is set to don the jersey of Delhi Capitals.

With the other three batters not being a part of the IPL anymore it is a fight between Virat Kohli & KL Rahul to become the most successful opener in the history of the IPL this season.