Leading from the front is one of the most used phrases in cricket, and when it's about leading a team in the world's biggest T20 carnival, the term becomes even more significant. A captain's role is much more prominent in leading from the front especially in a high-pressure environment such as an IPL. Over the years, the league has seen some of the best batsmen leading their IPL teams in the last 13 years. Some of the captains have allowed their bat to do the talking and have displayed leadership in their performances that have bailed the team out of trouble on several instances.
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Most Runs as a Captain in IPL 2021:
| Name | Teams | Runs | Matches |
| KL Rahul | PBKS | 161 | 4 |
| Sanju Samson | RR | 145 | 4 |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 143 | 4 |
| Rohit Sharma | MI | 138 | 4 |
| David Warner | SRH | 130 | 4 |
(Stats Updated post RCB vs RR match)
Most Runs as Captain in IPL History | Most IPL Runs
| Name | Teams | Runs | Matches |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 4810 | 133 |
| MS Dhoni | CSK, RPS | 4475 | 196 |
| Gautam Gambhir | KKR, DD | 3518 | 129 |
| Rohit Sharma | MI, DCH | 3251 | 123 |
| David Warner | DC, SRH | 2931 | 71 |
(Stats Updated till IPL 2020)
Here, we take a look at five batsmen who have scored the most runs as a Captain in IPL history:
5. David Warner (2931 runs)
The Australian batsman, David Warner, has always been a buzzword in the shortest format of the game. Warner has had the potential to be ruthless against most bowling attacks on his day. In IPL 2014, Sunrisers Hyderabad's bid to opt for the batting dynamo at the auction table proved to be a decisive move in IPL history. In 2015, he was handed over the captaincy duties for his leadership qualities and his attacking approach that reflected in his team's performances over the next few years.
Warner has often shouldered the responsibility of doing the bulk of scoring as Captain for his IPL team. In a way, the southpaw has led Hyderabad with runs at the top of the order. In 71 matches as captain for SRH in the IPL till 2020, Warner has scored 2931 runs. In the process, he has also managed to claim the Orange Cap award thrice in IPL for most runs in a season. In this list, Warner claims the fifth spot among players with the most runs as a captain in IPL history.
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4. Rohit Sharma (3251 runs)
The Indian batting heavyweight has walked the talk on several occasions in his cricketing career. Rohit Sharma entered into the IPL in 2008 after the Hyderabad-based franchise picked him up at an ordinary auction price. The then youngster left an indelible mark in the cricketing arena as he empowered his team with some nerve-wracking innings. Later, in IPL 2011, Mumbai Indians decided to invest faith in Sharma which eventually paid them rich dividends.
Under Rohit's leadership, the team won five editions of the IPL in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. He has been a prolific run-getter for MI. In 123 matches as MI captain, Rohit has scored 3251 runs in the IPL. Coupled with his leadership skills in handling such a huge franchise, the 33-year old has never been short on runs as a batsman. On momentous occasions in big matches, Rohit has stepped up to the mark and has delivered with the bat when needed the most.
3. Gautam Gambhir (3518 runs)
Gautam Gambhir retired from International cricket in December 2018. The Delhi-born cricketer witnessed a successful IPL career, both as a batsman and as captain for Kolkata Knight Riders. After being bought by KKR in IPL 2011, it didn't take him long as Kolkata were crowned champions in 2012 courtesy of Gambhir's purposeful captaincy skills. Gautam's aggressive approach proved to be a vital cog in KKR's successful campaigns, both in 2012 and 2014.
In 2012, Gambhir scored the most runs by any captain in that IPL season and ended with the most runs (590) after Chris Gayle. In his entire IPL career as a captain, the southpaw registered 3518 runs to secure the third spot in the list of most runs as a captain in IPL history.
2. MS Dhoni (4475 runs)
MS Dhoni has certainly changed the cricketing landscape of India. Arguably the world's best finisher, Dhoni has plied his trade for the Chennai Super Kings from the inception of IPL in 2008 before turning out to play for Rising Pune SuperGiant for a couple of seasons. In the 196 matches as a captain in the IPL, Dhoni has scored 4475 runs.
Not just this, he is one of the most successful captains in IPL. The experienced steward has helped CSK win the title thrice, in 2010, 2011, and 2018. His positive character and the ability to allow players to prosper in trying circumstances have been some of his trademarks all while being at the helm of CSK.
1. Virat Kohli (4810 runs)
Virat Kohli has been one of the most valuable players in IPL history. Along with the most runs in IPL history, Kohli has also scored the most runs as a captain in the IPL. His tally of 4810 runs from 133 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore is the most for any captain in the IPL. Ever since making his IPL captaincy debut in 2011, Kohli has been a core member for RCB.
The batting maestro was at the peak of his powers in the 2016 IPL season, scoring 973 runs in the entire season. However, despite his overwhelming batting numbers, Virat has failed to grab his hands on the IPL trophy in the last thirteen years.
