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Cricket is a combination of batting, bowling, and fielding. The primary focus often stays on batters and bowlers. However, fielding is one such department which can change the course of the game in a moment. Run outs, for example, are a testament to great fielding efforts. If the pitch is not supportive or the bowlers are not having a good time, fielders can create pressure and eventually trap the batter to throw their wicket.
In many IPL games, run outs have changed the face of the game. Suddenly from a firm and destructive partnership, the momentum gets shifted towards the opponent. It is more frustrating for the batter because they lose their wicket without making any errors in their batting.
It will be very interesting to see how many times run outs have changed the game and who are the players with most run outs in IPL history. Isn’t it? Let us find out through the following blog.
Top 10 Players with Highest Run-Outs in IPL
| Sr. No. | Player | Team | Number of Run Outs |
| 1 | MS Dhoni | Chennai Super Kings | 25 |
| 2. | Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals | 24 |
| 3. | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 22 |
| 4. | Suresh Raina | Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants | 15 |
| 5. | Manish Pandey | Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Lucknow Supergiants | 15 |
| 6. | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 15 |
| 7. | Kieron Pollard | Mumbai Indians | 12 |
| 8. | Ajinkya Rahane | Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders | 11 |
| 9. | AB de Villiers | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 10 |
| 10. | Rohit Sharma | Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers | 10 |
1. MS Dhoni– 25 Run Outs
MS Dhoni, known as “Captain Cool,” is one of the best wicketkeepers and a master of run-outs. In 263 matches, Dhoni has made 24 run-outs, combining sharp reflexes and excellent decision-making. His ability to anticipate the batter’s next move is unmatched, and his calmness under pressure ensures he rarely makes mistakes.
With an impressive dismissal per match (DpM) rate of 0.83, Dhoni has repeatedly proven why he’s one of IPL’s best when it comes to turning tight situations in his team’s favour.
2. Ravindra Jadeja- 24 Run Outs
If you talk about the best fielders in the world, Ravindra Jadeja will always be there on the list. With his unmatched speed, phenomenal fielding skills, rocket throws, and top-notch accuracy, he is always a threat on the field. We have seen on various occasions that batters avoid running for the next run if Jadeja is close to the ball. Consequently, he has knocked batters down for 24 times in his IPL career till date.
3. Virat Kohli- 22 Run Outs
Another Indian legend and former RCB skipper has got the second highest number of run outs in the IPL. With quite similar skills to Ravindra Jadeja, he is one of the best fielders in modern-day cricket. With agility, fitness, accuracy, and killer instincts, Virat Kohli puts pressure on the opponent to make mistakes and batters often go for rash shots or making wrong decisions, and end up losing their wicket. One of the most iconic run outs in his IPL career can be the one he did against Punjab Kings.
Sam Curran was running for the second run and Virant from the Mid Wicket area ran towards short mid-off, picked up the ball, threw it on the non-striker end, fell while throwing the ball, and hit the stumps right before the batter could the crease. It was truly a game-changing moment.
4. Suresh Raina- 15 Run Outs
Suresh Raina has got the safest hands. It is rare to see that he drops any catch or misses any opportunity on the field. One of the most consistent performers in the IPL history, he was known for his aggressive batting and electrifying fielding. While he saved plenty of runs for his team, his extraordinary work on the field also led to 15 run-outs in his career. Along with marking a worthy place in international cricket, Suresh Raina also showed his skills in the IPL for CSK and PSG.
5. Manish Pandey- 15 Run Outs
A dependable middle-order batter, Manish Pandey has played for multiple IPL franchises and is known for his sharp game awareness. However, Pandey has juggled between several franchises throughout his IPL career, he has been underrated for his fielding skills. Be it in the circle or the boundary line, Manish Pandey is definitely a reliable fielder. Also, his accurate throws have knocked 15 batters down. Whether it’s due to a mix-up with partners or a direct hit from an agile fielder, Pandey has been involved in some crucial run-outs over the years.
6. Dwayne Bravo- 15 Run Outs
The West Indian all-rounder and Chennai Super Kings’ match-winner, Dwayne Bravo, had his fair share of exceptional field work. His primary role in the team was to score quick runs in the end and bowl four impactful overs. Additionally, he brought extra charm on the table with his fantastic fielding skills. With accuracy, agility, and sharp mind, Bravo made 15 run-outs in his IPL career.
7. Kieron Pollard- 12 Run Outs
A powerhouse in the Mumbai Indians squad, Kieron Pollard’s massive presence at the crease made him a nightmare for bowlers. This Caribbean legend was not only an explosive batter but also an asset on the ground for his team. He made 12 run-outs in his IPL career. With his tall body and pure athletic fitness, Pollard used to reach the ball quickly and release it immediately. Thus, he was a phenomenal fielder inside or outside the circle.
8. Ajinkya Rahane- 11 Run Outs
Known for his classical stroke play and steady batting, Ajinkya Rahane has represented multiple IPL teams over the years. His ability to rotate the strike and quick run scoring ability made him a vital asset. Along with this, Rahane is also a phenomenal fielder. He is quick, agile, accurate, and firm. Thus, he has run out 11 players in his IPL career yet. This year he has joined KKR as a captain which will definitely bring a balance to the franchise.
9. AB de Villiers- 10 Run Outs
How can we talk about fielding efforts without mentioning the magical AB de Villiers. This South African legend, known for his 360-degree batting, had a jaw-dropping field presence. If the ball is close to de Villiers, batters mostly avoid running between the wickets. He was not only fast on his feet or accurate, he had an X factor which made him different from others. In close run outs, you could see him almost flying to the stumps and getting the runner out. Similarly, he could hit stumps from a significant distance without delay. Thus, AB de Villiers has got 10 opponent wickets through run outs, which is a small testament to his great fielding skills.
10. Rohit Sharma- 10 Run Outs
The five-time IPL-winning captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, is known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor. While he is mostly celebrated for his destructive batting and smart captaincy, his fielding skills are often overlooked. Although he does not look as athletic as his colleagues, Sharma is exceptional in the field. It is very difficult for the batter to beat him when he is fielding in the circle. He is quick and accurate. Therefore, he has got 10 batters out by run outs.
Related Read: What is the Full Form of SRH?
Impact of Run-Outs on IPL Matches
Run-outs are often turning points in IPL matches. Unlike bowled or caught dismissals, run-outs usually result from pressure, panic, or a moment of brilliance in the field. One good run-out can shift the momentum, especially when it breaks a strong partnership. It not only removes a settled batter but also rattles the batting side’s confidence. In high-pressure chases or tight games, even a single run-out can be the difference between a win and a loss. This is what you must have experienced in most run outs in IPL games, that fielders who can put pressure bring immense value to the team, especially in crunch moments. That’s why teams invest heavily in athletic fielders—because a swift direct hit can change the entire narrative of the game.
Strategies to Reduce Run-Outs in T20 Cricket
- Clear Communication Between Batters: Always call loudly and decisively for runs to avoid confusion.
- Quick Judgment of Runs: Assess field placements and fielder speed before attempting risky singles.
- Understanding Each Other’s Running Style: Batting partners must sync well to anticipate decisions.
- Avoid Looking at the Ball Too Long: Once a shot is played, focus on the run rather than watching the ball for too long.
- Running the First Run Hard: Puts pressure on fielders and allows for a better chance at a second run.
- Practicing Match Scenarios: Teams must simulate pressure situations in practice to train instincts.
- Avoid Taking Chances Against Top Fielders: Know the opponent’s best fielders and avoid tight runs in their direction.
Read Also: Rohit Sharma – New God of IPL
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Most Run Outs in the IPL History
Ravindra Jadeja holds the record for the most run-outs in IPL history. With 24 run-outs to his name, his fielding brilliance and quick reflexes have made him a nightmare for batters.
Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) recorded the highest number of run-outs in a single IPL season. Their 2012 campaign saw multiple batting collapses due to poor running between the wickets.
Some iconic IPL run-outs include MS Dhoni’s bullet throw to dismiss Keiron Pollard and Virat Kohli’s diving effort against Punjab Kings to run out Sam Curran in a crunch moment.
Players can reduce run-outs by improving communication, practicing quick turns, reading the fielder’s position instantly, and understanding their partner’s running style and speed during gameplay.
