Since being founded in 2007, the Indian Premier League has welcomed some of the world’s best cricketers. Of those, a handful has left a last a lasting impression on the limited-overs competition, solidifying their status as all-time leading run-getters. In 2021, the 14th edition of the tournament began, which speaks volumes about the IPL’s and cricket’s popularity throughout India. The foundations laid by the IPL have opened the door to various crossovers, including video games and online casino slots. So, let’s delve into the sport’s appeal and look at the IPL’s top run-scorers.
Why is Cricket Popular in India?
Although cricket is a global game, no country shares India’s passion for the bat-and-ball sport. According to the National Herald India, 93 percent of all sports viewers in the region watched cricket content in 2018. During that year, a reported 766 million people consumed sports content. The sport is popular in India because of the country’s history of bringing through world-class players, like Sachin Tendulkar. Nowadays, merchandise related to the iconic batsman, such as cushions and shirts, is available to buy online.
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Moreover, cricket has also crossed over into the digital entertainment market. In 2001, Ashutosh Gowariker directed Lagaan, a musical sports title that features cricket, while Electronic Arts have also created a range of video games dedicated to the bat-and-ball sport. The well-known developer unveiled Cricket 07 in November 2006, and the game has official licensing for a whole host of teams, including England and India.
Following EA’s success, cricket has become a go-to theme in more diverse gaming markets. Nowadays, the much-loved sport is the inspiration behind numerous online casino games at Casino Masters. At the platform, bettors can immerse themselves in Cricket Star, which is a five-reel slot adaptation of the bat-and-ball sport based on the Cricket World Cup. Furthermore, Cricket Star Scratch is also available, showcasing the theme’s popularity.
Who Leads the IPL’s All-Time Run Charts?
At the time of writing, the top four players in the IPL’s all-time run leaderboard are Indian. Virat Kohli tops the pile with 6,076 runs. It speaks volumes about the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain’s performances in the competition that he is the first player to surpass 6,000 runs. The 32-year-old also has one of the IPL’s highest averages, registering a figure of 37.97 after 199 matches. Shikhar Dhawan is second to Kohli with 5,577 runs, although he is the only batsman in the competition’s history to hit centuries in consecutive games. The 35-year-old achieved this feat in IPL 2020, scoring tons against both the Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab.
For all of their run-scoring power, neither Dhawan nor Kohli have ever lifted the IPL trophy. However, the same can’t be said of Suresh Raina, the third-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history. With 5,491 runs to his name, the 34-year-old struck at 133.33 as he knocked 32 from 24 balls as CSK won the IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. Rohit Sharma takes the fourth spot with 5,480 runs, and he is the most successful captain of all time, taking the Mumbai Indians to five titles.
The IPL is a Global Spectacle
Each of the above batsmen plays at a strike rate of at least 31, highlighting the IPL’s action-packed nature. The most lucrative competition on the cricket calendar is a must-watch event because of the power-hitting abilities that the world’s best run-getters possess. While Dhawan, Raina, and Sharma are still around, Kohli’s record isn’t safe.
