Liam Livingstone among 10 players with 1,000+ runs and 150+ strike rate in IPL – who else is on this list?

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In T20 cricket, scoring runs is not enough – you must have the ability to score them fast as well. In the old days, batters were sometimes accused of playing for their averages, but there's simply no scope for that anymore.

The only statistic that counts these days is how quickly you can hit the runs that you do make. And batsmen are striking at phenomenal rates, with ten batters able to claim a total of more than 1,000 IPL runs at a strike rate of over 150.

There are a handful of players on the cusp of joining the list, with Travis Head potentially set to claim the very top spot once he reaches 1,000 runs (he currently has 908 IPL runs to his name).

Liam Livingstone added his name to the list as he passed the 1,000-run mark with a breezy knock of 54 while Rajat Patidar is also close to adding himself to the list.

So, which players do feature on the list of highest strike rates in IPL history? One name, who surprisingly is not there is Chris Gayle. But let's take a look to see who does feature…

1. AB de Villiers – 5,162 IPL runs | Strike rate: 151.68

A name that needs no introduction in IPL history, AB de Villiers was one of the most destructive batters the league has ever seen. With his innovative stroke play and ability to hit all around the ground, the South Africa maestro made a name for himself at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

His ability to accelerate in the death overs and clear the ropes at will ensured his career strike rate remained above 150, even across a long career spanning 184 matches. He is far and away the highest scoring batsman on this list.

2. Shimron Hetmyer – 1,311 IPL runs | Strike rate: 152.61

The West Indian left-hander has made a name for himself as a finisher in the IPL, turning games around with his powerful hitting.

Playing for teams like the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, Hetmyer's ability to clear the boundary, especially in the slog overs, has made him a crucial asset in the middle order. While he may not have played as many matches as some on this list, his strike rate speaks for itself.

3. Virender Sehwag – 2,728 IPL runs | Strike rate: 155.44

One of the pioneers of aggressive batting in modern cricket, Sehwag brought his fearless approach from Tests and ODIs into the IPL arena. Whether playing for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) or Kings XI Punjab, Sehwag's philosophy remained the same – attack from ball one.

His explosive starts at the top of the order ensured his strike rate stayed above 150 despite playing most of his IPL career in an era when T20 cricket was still evolving.

4. Abhishek Sharma – 1,408 IPL runs | Strike rate: 155.58

A relatively new entrant to this list, Abhishek Sharma has been a revelation for Sunrisers Hyderabad. A stylish left-hander with immense power, he has steadily improved his game, making himself one of the most dangerous batters in the competition.

Given his young age and rapid rise, there's every chance his strike rate could go even higher in the coming seasons.

Also read: Listing every Indian Premier League century since 2017 – record number of tons in 2024

5. Glenn Maxwell – 2,771 IPL runs | Strike rate: 156.64

"The Big Show" has been one of the most entertaining T20 players of his generation. Known for his switch-hits, reverse sweeps, and unconventional stroke play, Australia‘s Maxwell has been a nightmare for bowlers. His ability to take down both pacers and spinners with equal ease has made him one of the most valuable IPL players.

Over the years, he has played for teams like Kings XI Punjab and RCB, always maintaining a high strike rate while scoring crucial runs.

6. Liam Livingstone – 1,018 IPL runs | Strike rate: 161.07

England's Liam Livingstone delivered a sensational performance for RCB on Wednesday night as he top-scored with 54 from 30 to go past 1,000 runs in IPL cricket. In bringing up the milestone, he added his name to the list, entering the rankings in fifth place.

Livingstone's ability to clear the ropes with ease makes him a dangerous presence in any batting lineup, and his strike rate of 161.07 is evidence of just how explosive he can be – although his innings on Wednesday was slightly slower than usual it shows how he was playing the situation with his side under pressure.

Whether playing in the middle order or coming in as a finisher, the England star has already made a massive impact in the IPL.

7. Sunil Narine – 1,578 IPL runs | Strike rate: 165.58

Originally known for his mystery spin, Narine transformed himself into a devastating pinch-hitter for Kolkata Knight Riders. When KKR decided to use him as an opener, he responded by dismantling opposition attacks in the powerplay.

His fearless approach, coupled with his ability to find the boundary consistently, has helped him maintain a staggering strike rate of over 165 despite not being a specialist batter.

8. Nicholas Pooran – 1,958 IPL runs | Strike rate: 166.49

Another West Indian powerhouse, Pooran has shown time and again why he is one of the cleanest hitters in world cricket.

Whether for Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, or Lucknow Super Giants, he has proven his ability to turn the tide of a game in just a few deliveries. His fearless hitting and ability to clear the ropes at will make him one of the most dangerous lower-order batters in the IPL.

9. Heinrich Klaasen – 1,085 IPL runs | Strike rate: 169.53

One of the more recent additions to this elite group, South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen has taken the IPL by storm with his exceptional hitting ability.

His rise has been rapid, and his 2023 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad was particularly noteworthy. A middle-order enforcer who can dismantle even the best bowling attacks, Klaasen's strike rate of nearly 170 highlights just how lethal he can be.

10. Andre Russell – 2,493 IPL runs | Strike rate: 173.84

At the top of the list is none other than Andre Russell, a player whose brute power has made him one of the most feared finishers in IPL history. Representing Kolkata Knight Riders, Russell has won numerous games single-handedly with his explosive batting in the latter stages of an innings.

His ability to muscle even good deliveries to the boundary with ease has set him apart from the rest, and his staggering strike rate of 173.84 is a testament to his dominance.

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