IPL Celebrates 18 Years: A Look at the Legends of the Game
IPL's 18th Anniversary: A Milestone in Cricket
On April 18, the Indian Premier League (IPL) marks its 18th anniversary, a tournament that has transformed the world of cricket and redefined the sport's dynamics. The league's launch was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by Brendon McCullum's explosive innings of 158 not out for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he hit ten fours and thirteen sixes in just 73 balls. This performance heralded the beginning of a cricketing extravaganza.
As the IPL enters its 18th season, Virat Kohli stands out as the all-time leading run-scorer in the league's history. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore exclusively, Kohli has amassed an impressive total of 8,252 runs over 258 matches, which includes eight centuries and 58 half-centuries. His unwavering commitment to RCB has made him the league's most dedicated and successful batsman.
Following Kohli is Shikhar Dhawan, a seasoned Indian opener who has scored 6,769 runs in 222 matches. Unlike Kohli, Dhawan has played for five different franchises: Mumbai Indians (MI), Deccan Chargers (DCH), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Rohit Sharma, the captain who has led his team to five IPL titles, ranks third with 6,710 runs from 263 matches. He has played for two franchises—Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians—and has celebrated victories with both, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's most accomplished players.
Australian opener David Warner, known for his aggressive batting style, is in fourth place with 6,565 runs in 184 matches. He has played for Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, leading SRH to their first title in 2016.
Completing the top five is Suresh Raina, a former stalwart of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who scored 5,528 runs in 205 matches and also played for Gujarat Lions during CSK's temporary suspension from the league.
On the bowling side, Yuzvendra Chahal leads with 211 wickets in 166 matches. He began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians but truly shone at RCB. Later, he played for Rajasthan Royals, and in 2024, he was signed by Punjab Kings for a staggering INR 18 crore.
Piyush Chawla, a veteran leg-spinner, follows with 192 wickets in 192 matches. A two-time IPL champion, Chawla played a crucial role in KKR's 2012 final victory and was part of CSK's winning squad in 2021. He has also represented Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians.
Sunil Narine, a KKR icon, ranks third among bowlers. Since joining the franchise in 2012, he has been instrumental with both bat and ball, contributing significantly to KKR's title wins in 2012 and 2014. In 2024, Narine had a standout season, scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets, helping KKR secure their third IPL title. Overall, he has 187 wickets from 183 matches and has been named the Most Valuable Player of the Season three times (2012, 2018, 2024).
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, known for his swing bowling, also has 187 wickets, achieved over 181 matches. He has played for RCB, Pune Warriors India, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, winning the Purple Cap twice.
Ravichandran Ashwin rounds out the top five with 185 wickets in 218 matches. Ashwin has played for several teams, including Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Rajasthan Royals. In 2025, he made a return to CSK, rejoining the franchise where his IPL journey began.