Team India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli has added yet another historic milestone to his illustrious cricketing career. During a high-voltage Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli crossed the monumental 13,000-run mark in Twenty20 cricket. With this feat, he becomes only the fifth player in the world to achieve such a record in the shortest format of the game.
T20 cricket has seen a massive surge in popularity and competitiveness, and reaching 13,000 runs is a testament to consistency, skill, and power-hitting over many years. Here’s a look at the elite group of players who have crossed this incredible milestone:
1. Chris Gayle – 14,562 Runs
When it comes to T20 cricket, the name Chris Gayle is synonymous with raw power and unmatched dominance. The self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” tops the list with a staggering 14,562 runs in 455 innings across 463 matches.
- Average: 36.22
- Strike Rate: 145.75
- Centuries: 22
- Fifties: 88
Gayle was a trailblazer in T20 leagues across the globe, playing for teams in the IPL, BBL, CPL, and more. His fearless approach and ability to single-handedly change the course of a match have made him a T20 legend.
2. Alex Hales – 13,610 Runs
England’s Alex Hales sits second on the list, having quietly built an impressive T20 career across several leagues worldwide. He has scored 13,610 runs from 490 innings in 494 matches.
- Average: 33.00
- Strike Rate: 145.38
- Centuries: 7
- Fifties: 85
Known for his aggressive strokeplay at the top of the order, Hales has been a key figure for England and multiple T20 franchises. His consistency, especially in English and Australian leagues, has made him one of the most dependable openers in T20 cricket.
3. Shoaib Malik – 13,557 Runs
Veteran Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik ranks third, showcasing incredible longevity in the format. With 13,557 runs from 514 innings in 555 matches, Malik has been a rock in the middle order for numerous teams.
- Average: 36.05
- Strike Rate: 127.29
- Centuries: 0
- Fifties: 83
Though not known for brutal power-hitting, Malik’s ability to rotate the strike and find gaps has made him a reliable and valuable T20 player, particularly in pressure situations.
4. Kieron Pollard – 13,357 Runs
West Indies’ powerhouse Kieron Pollard occupies the fourth spot with 13,357 runs in 617 innings from 695 matches – the most matches played by any player on this list.
- Average: 31.11
- Strike Rate: 150.19
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 61
Pollard was known for his ability to finish games with flair. Whether batting in the death overs or bowling a tight over when needed, he was an indispensable asset in T20 leagues globally. His immense six-hitting ability was a trademark of his career.
5. Virat Kohli – 13,050 Runs (and counting)
Virat Kohli, the backbone of Indian batting for over a decade, has now entered this elite group. He reached 13,050 runs in 386 innings across 403 matches, with the milestone coming in IPL 2025.
- Average: ~41.00 (One of the highest among the top 5)
- Strike Rate: ~133 (as of last update)
- Centuries: 9
- Fifties: 99
Unlike many in the list, Kohli’s game is built on timing, placement, and sheer class rather than just brute force. His ability to chase targets under pressure, especially in IPL and international games, is legendary. What sets him apart is his consistency and hunger for runs across formats.
What Makes This Achievement So Special?
Scoring over 13,000 runs in T20 cricket is not just about staying at the crease; it’s about adapting to different conditions, formats, teams, and bowling attacks – all while maintaining a high strike rate. Each of these players has redefined batting in T20 cricket in their own way.
Key Takeaways:
- Kohli is the first Indian to cross the 13,000-run mark in T20s.
- The top 5 list features players from four different countries – highlighting the global nature of the format.
- All these batters have played in multiple T20 leagues, proving their mettle in diverse playing conditions.
Final Thoughts
With Virat Kohli’s entry into this elite group, fans are once again reminded of his greatness. While some of these legends like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard have stepped away from the game, Kohli continues to thrive, and his numbers are still growing.
As T20 cricket evolves with more aggressive formats and innovations, reaching 13,000 runs is a towering milestone—one that reflects not just talent, but also dedication, fitness, and the hunger to succeed. With Kohli’s current form, don’t be surprised if he climbs higher up this list very soon.