Virat Kohli once again proved why he is called the G.O.A.T. of modern-day cricket
India lifted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and it’s been a few days, but one must not stop the celebrations. Why? because India’s biggest festival, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is set to hit the stadiums in less than two weeks. Therefore, before the tournament scripts new chapters, records, and memories, let us recall the top run scorers from 2024 who lit the last season on fire.
Between 2019 and 2022, Virat Kohli couldn’t cross the 500-run mark, but in 2023, he picked up the pace with 639 runs, whereas last season, he bettered himself with 741 runs. He scored five half-centuries and one century to win the Orange Cap last season. His efforts helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the top four despite getting off to a poor start.
We feel Ruturaj Gaikwad is really underappreciated, especially with the bat, despite scoring 2,300 runs in only five seasons. The Chennai Super Kings skipper has already helped the team win two titles. Last season, he finished second on the top-scorer table with 583 runs in 14 matches while registering a strike rate of 141.16. Not to forget, he even scored the highest score of 108 runs not out. Gaikwad will be expected to lead from the front again, with his mind and the bat.
Consistency and a place in Team India have been problems for Riyan Parag. Not to forget, even in the IPL, he has not been consistent. However, last season, Riyan Parag shut his critics up by ending up third on the highest run-scorer table. In 16 matches, Parag scored 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21. His highest score last season was 84 runs.
Travis Head is a name we Indians simply do not like, given that he has hurt us on numerous occasions on the international front while representing Australia. However, while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he puts on a show like no other. Last season, he was one of the reasons why Hyderabad scored above 250 on multiple occasions. With the willow, he scored 567 runs at a strike rate of 191.55 and an average of 40.50.
Sanju Samson was the fifth-highest run-scorer last season with 531 runs. In 16 matches, he maintained a strike rate of 153.46 and an average of 48.27. He also has five half-centuries, including an 86-run knock, which was his highest score last season. In the upcoming season, Samson will lead Rajasthan Royals as its captain and will be hopeful of reaching the qualifiers.