18 Striking Indian Premier League Statistics

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional T20 cricket league in India that attracts some of the best cricketing talent from around the world. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has evolved into one of the most popular and lucrative cricket tournaments globally.

As the 2024 season wraps up, here is a look at some of the most remarkable statistics and records over the 16 editions of the IPL.

Highlights

●   MS Dhoni has made the most appearances (242 matches) by a player in IPL history.

●   Shane Watson, Sunil Narine and Ben Stokes won the MVP award on their IPL debut.

●   Chennai Super Kings has won the most IPL Fairplay Awards (6).

●   Royal Challengers Bangalore posted the highest total in IPL history (263/5 in 2013).

●   The highest match aggregate (469 runs) was between CSK and Rajasthan Royals in 2010.

●   Mumbai Indians recorded the biggest victory margin (146 runs over Delhi in 2013).

●   There have been 11 one-run victories in IPL history.

All-Time IPL Record Statistics

The recently concluded 16th edition of the IPL saw some staggering individual performances and team efforts. Here is a look at some of the most prolific names and teams over the course of the tournament’s history:

1. MS Dhoni has made the most appearances in IPL history

The legendary CSK captain MS Dhoni tops the list with 242 IPL matches under his belt so far, having led his team to 4 title wins. He is followed by:

●   Dinesh Karthik (237)

●   Rohit Sharma (234)

●   Virat Kohli (231)

●   Ravindra Jadeja (218)

These players’ passion and consistency have kept them going strong in the league year after year.

2. Shane Watson, Sunil Narine & Ben Stokes won MVP in their debut season

It is extremely tough for a new player to walk away with the MVP award. However, Shane Watson (2008), Sunil Narine (2012), and Ben Stokes (2017) accomplished this rare feat in their very first IPL seasons.

No other player has managed to replicate this achievement after Stokes.

3. Chennai Super Kings has most IPL Fairplay Awards

Aside from winning 4 IPL titles, CSK also has the most Fairplay awards – 6 between 2008 and 2015, highlighting the team’s values of integrity and sportsmanship.

Team Statistics

Among the 10 teams over 16 IPL seasons, some sides have etched their names in the record books with their batting, bowling and all-round exploits.

4. Royal Challengers Bangalore posted the highest IPL total

In 2013, RCB blasted an imposing 263/5
against Pune Warriors, the highest score in IPL history. They also have the second-highest total – 248/3 against Gujarat Lions in 2016.

CSK takes the next top 3 spots:

●   3rd highest: 246/5 vs RR in 2010

●   5th highest: 240/5 in 2008

5. Highest aggregates in CSK vs RR (2010)

The highest run chase in IPL occurred during the 2010 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, where both teams combined scores touched 469 runs.

Here are the top 5 highest run aggregates in IPL matches:

6. Biggest victory margin by Mumbai Indians

Defending champions Mumbai Indians hold the record for the largest win in IPL history – by a whopping 146 runs

against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2013. This win also helped MI qualify for playoffs that season.

Here are the top 5 biggest victory margins in IPL:

7. 11 matches won by 1 run

There have been 11 thrilling 1-run finishes in 16 seasons of IPL action. MI has 3 such wins while RCB has won 2. KXIP, DD, CSK, GL, RPS, and KKR all have 1 narrow 1-run win each over the years.

Batting Records

While IPL is known for its gripping contests, the tournaments have also seen some extraordinary batting displays over the years:

8. Virat Kohli has scored the most runs

In his 205 IPL matches, RCB batting ace Virat Kohli tops the run charts with 6,823 runs to his name so far. Punjab Kings veteran Shikhar Dhawan has the second-most runs – 6,324.

9. Highest score by Chris Gayle

The Universe Boss Chris Gayle stunned fans with a swashbuckling 175 off just 66 balls, the highest individual score in IPL, against Pune Warriors in 2013.

Here are the top 5 highest individual scores in IPL history:

10. Best batting average by Morne van Wyk

Retired South African cricketer Morne van Wyk has an astounding average of 55.67, the highest in IPL history among those with 1000+ runs or 50+ innings. Among active players, KL Rahul has the best average – 47.43.

11. 13 ducks each by Rohit & Chawla

MI skipper Rohit Sharma, along with Piyush Chawla, Parthiv Patel, Harbhajan Singh, Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu share the dubious record of being dismissed for a duck 13 times in their IPL careers.

12. Longest six: 125 meters by Albie Morkel

The longest six in IPL history was a monstrous 125 meter strike in 2008 by CSK all-rounder Albie Morkel, a record that remains untouched after nearly 16 years.

Bowling Records

While big hitting batsmen capture more attention, IPL has showcased some outstanding bowling performances:

13. Best economy rate: Rashid Khan

Gujarat Titans leg-spinner Rashid Khan
holds the record for the most economical bowler in IPL history. He has picked up 98 wickets at an incredible average of just 6.33 runs per over.

14. Most 5 wicket hauls: Faulkner & Unadkat with 2

RR pacer James Faulkner and left-arm quick Jaydev Unadkat share the record for the highest 5-wicket hauls – both have accomplished this feat twice in their careers.

15. Most wickets by Lasith Malinga

Veteran Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga leads the charts with 170 scalps to his name from 122 IPL matches to date – the highest wickets taken by a bowler in the IPL.

Fun Trivia

Beyond the players and matches, there are some fascinating nuggets of IPL history hidden as fun facts:

16. MS Dhoni only captain for CSK

MS Dhoni is the only captain in IPL history to have led the same franchise (CSK) in every season since their debut in 2008. Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK has won 4 titles.

17. IPL brand value at $8.4 billion

According to Duff & Phelps, popular American valuation firm, the IPL brand was valued at 8.4 billion USD in 2022. Disney Star also retained their broadcasting rights for $3 billion to showcase the league’s rising commercial success.

18. Delhi changed captains 10 times!

Over 16 seasons, Delhi Capitals have changed their captain most frequently (10 captains) but are yet clinch their maiden IPL crown. Their captains have been:

●   Virender Sehwag

●   Gautam Gambhir

●   James Hopes

●   Mahela Jayawardene

●   Dinesh Karthik

●   Kevin Pietersen

●   JP Duminy

●   Zaheer Khan

●   Karun Nair

●   Shreyas Iyer

Final Thoughts

The 16th IPL season this year threw up fresh stars and legends-in-making that etched their names into the tournament record books with their dazzling displays. As the IPL story grows richer after each edition, fans will excitedly look forward to what new magic unfolds in 2025!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which team hit the most sixes in IPL 2024?

A: Mumbai Indians hit the highest number of sixes (TBC) in IPL 2024.

Q: Who won the IPL 2024 MVP award?

A: Shubman Gill won the MVP award in the 2024 season of the IPL.

Q: Who started the Indian Premier League?

A: The IPL was founded by former BCCI Vice President Lalit Modi in 2008.

Q: Who is the highest paid IPL player?

A: RCB star Virat Kohli is currently the highest paid player in IPL history.