From calm captains to explosive openers, these batters turned up the heat when the IPL trophy was on the line again and again
The IPL final isn’t merely another match—it’s the climax of chaos, the pinnacle where legends are forged, and the platform where pressure can either polish a diamond or grind it into dust. As the 2025 finale approaches, memories of past finals resurface.
Some cricketers excel in the group stages, lighting up scoreboards from April to May. However, few can sustain that brilliance into the finale when millions are watching, nerves are jangling, and history calls. These batters not only appeared in IPL finals but also truly shone.
Let’s revisit the batters with the most runs in IPL finals history.
Credit: Cricket Country
In just 8 innings, Raina scored 2 fifties and amassed a total of 249 runs with an impressive strike rate of 150.00.
During their golden era, Suresh Raina, the heart and soul of Chennai Super Kings, relished the big nights. Whether it was 2010, 2011, or 2012, you could always count on Raina to dig deep and apply pressure effortlessly. He never appeared rattled. Just clean hitting, sharp running, and match awareness capable of outfoxing any bowler.
His highest score of 73 off 38 came in 2012 against Kolkata Knight Riders—a knock brimming with punchy drives and straight-bat authority. With an average of 35.57 in finals, Raina firmly established his place in the IPL history books.
Credit: ESPN
If Raina was calm and collected, Shane Watson was fury-wrapped in flair.
In just 4 innings, Watson smashed 236 runs with a strike rate that rocketed to 163.88. His average? An astonishing 78.66.
The 2018 final remains one of the most brutal showcases of batting in IPL history. Chasing 179 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Watson didn’t merely turn up—he tore through. His unbeaten 117 became a final to remember (or forget if you were in the opposite camp).
He may be known for his calm captaincy, but Rohit Sharma has also let his bat do plenty of talking on final nights.
Across 6 innings, he has accumulated 183 runs at a strike rate of 129.78, with 2 half-centuries to his name. His 68 in the 2020 final was crucial in helping Mumbai Indians lift the trophy. Not flashy, not frantic—just clinical.
Credit: ESPN
Murali Vijay may not have participated in as many finals, but when he did, he made it count.
He has scored 181 runs in 4 innings, averaging 45.25 and striking at a lively 147.15. His standout performance came in 2011 when he blazed to 95 runs off just 52 balls, falling just short of a century. It was an innings filled with daring shots and fearless intent.
Though CSK didn’t always win when Vijay was on fire, his contributions were anything but forgettable.
Credit: Bleach Report
Last but never least, MS Dhoni—the man with a mind like a steel trap.
Across 9 innings, Dhoni has amassed 180 runs at a commendable strike rate of 134.32. His unbeaten 63 in 2013 against Mumbai Indians was vintage Dhoni: picking his moments, refusing to blink.
Though he might not have topped the charts in any final, his consistent presence and quiet contributions in crucial moments helped CSK build a legacy.
