Top 3 Players with the most runs in the IPL playoffs
IPL playoffs are always exciting and thrilling. The tournament stands as one of the most popular T20 tournaments worldwide, witnessing intense competition among numerous teams vying for the prestigious title. However, only a few have managed to clinch this popular trophy. The Mumbai Indians hold an unrivaled record, emerging victorious a remarkable five times, while the Chennai Super Kings have triumphed four times.
Notably, these two teams have also shown exceptional consistency in qualifying for the IPL playoffs. The Chennai Super Kings have secured a remarkable 11 playoff berths in the 13 seasons they have participated, whereas the Mumbai Indians have achieved the feat nine times in their 15 seasons. Their extensive participation in matches has afforded them more opportunities to accumulate runs, and it comes as no surprise that the top three run-scorers in IPL playoffs all hail from the Chennai Super Kings or have represented them. Below, you will find a compilation of the leading run-scorers in the IPL playoffs.
3. Shane Watson (RR, RCB, CSK)
Shane Watson stands as one of the most versatile all-rounders to grace the IPL, making significant contributions with both bat and ball. Regardless of his batting position, whether opening the innings for the Chennai Super Kings or batting in the middle order for the Rajasthan Royals, Watson has consistently proved to be a valuable asset.
He played a pivotal role in the Rajasthan Royals’ victory in the inaugural 2008 IPL season, where he was crowned the player of the tournament after scoring 472 runs and taking 17 wickets. In 2016, he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore, guiding them to the final, only to fall short against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Watson’s all-round skills were evident that season as he also claimed 20 wickets. Subsequently, he was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings in 2018, where his remarkable 117 off 57 balls earned him the player of the final accolade, helping the team secure their third IPL title. In the 2019 final, Watson’s gritty 80 off 59 deliveries couldn’t prevent a narrow one-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians. In total, Watson has played 12 games in the IPL playoffs, accumulating 389 runs at an average of 35.36 and a strike rate of 151.36.
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2. MS Dhoni (CSK, RPS)
As the long-standing captain of the Chennai Super Kings since 2008, MS Dhoni has witnessed unprecedented success in qualifying for the IPL playoffs. Holding the record for the most playoff appearances by a player (26 games), Dhoni has amassed 522 runs in the Indian Premier League playoffs, securing the second spot among the highest run-scorers.
With an average of 40.13 and a strike rate of 132.82, Dhoni’s contributions as a finisher have been integral to the franchise’s success over the years. Notably, he has registered two half-centuries, with his highest score of 63* off 45 balls coming in the 2013 final, albeit in a losing cause against the Mumbai Indians. Dhoni also holds the record for the captain with the most wins (15) and losses (9) in the IPL playoffs.
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1. Suresh Raina (CSK, GL)
Suresh Raina, an indispensable figure for the Chennai Super Kings since their inception in 2008, has consistently been a force to reckon with. Renowned as Mr. IPL, Raina has etched his name at the summit of the highest run-scorers in the IPL playoffs. Throughout his tenure from 2008 to 2019, he consistently amassed over 300 runs in each season. With the Chennai Super Kings being a regular presence in the playoffs, Raina’s contributions have been instrumental as he leads the charts with an impressive tally of 714 runs in 24 innings during the IPL playoffs.
One of Raina’s most memorable innings was his scintillating 87 off just 25 deliveries against the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2014 Qualifier 2. His average of 37.57 and a strike rate of 155.21 further exemplify his prowess in IPL playoffs. Raina also holds several records in the IPL playoffs, including the most number of sixes (40) and fours (51), the fastest fifty (16 balls), joint-most Man of the Match awards (3, alongside Kieron Pollard), and the most fifties (7).
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