This list celebrates the top 5 middle-order batters who excelled in single IPL seasons, scoring heavily without opening. Their consistent performances, including impactful knocks under pressure, showcased their ability to anchor innings and accelerate as needed. Despite individual brilliance, team success varied, highlighting their critical yet challenging role in T20 cricket.
1. AB de Villiers (2016)
AB de Villiers showcased his brilliance in the 2016 IPL season, amassing 687 runs for RCB. Known for delivering under pressure, he played several match-winning innings, nearly leading his team to the title. Despite his efforts, RCB fell short in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His innings in the second qualifier remains one of the most iconic in IPL history, highlighting his unmatched skill and ability to turn games single-handedly. De Villiers’ impact in crucial moments made the 2016 season unforgettable for cricket fans.
2. Rishabh Pant (2018)
Rishabh Pant delivered an extraordinary performance in the 2018 IPL season for Delhi Capitals, amassing 684 runs while primarily batting at No. 4 or No. 5. Despite rarely enjoying fielding restrictions, Pant’s boundary-hitting prowess remained undiminished. His explosive batting showcased his immense potential, but his efforts couldn’t propel Delhi Capitals to the playoffs that year. The young left-hander, now a key player in the Indian team, left an indelible mark that season, proving his ability to thrive under challenging circumstances and laying the foundation for his future successes.
3. Kane Williamson (2018)
Kane Williamson stepped up as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s captain in the 2018 IPL season due to David Warner’s ICC ban, and he delivered impressively. Batting primarily at No. 3, Williamson defied his conservative reputation, consistently scoring at a high strike rate. His adaptability and leadership shone through as he amassed 622 runs that season. Despite being known for a measured approach, Williamson showcased his ability to anchor innings while accelerating when needed, contributing significantly to his team’s campaign and earning widespread praise for his performances in a challenging season.
4. Virat Kohli (2013)
Virat Kohli had one of his standout IPL seasons in 2013, excelling as a non-opener. Despite not opening in any match, he accumulated an impressive 578 runs, showcasing his ability to adapt and deliver in various situations. Kohli’s consistent performances were pivotal for RCB, although the team fell short of reaching the final that year. His contributions highlighted his skill and determination, even in a challenging season for his franchise.
5. Virat Kohli (2011)
Virat Kohli makes the list again, having crossed 500 runs in the 2011 IPL season when RCB reached the final. Despite his stellar performance, amassing 557 runs, Kohli couldn’t produce a match-winning knock in the final, leading to RCB’s defeat against CSK. His consistency that season was instrumental in RCB’s strong campaign, though they fell short as CSK successfully defended their title.
Player | Season | Runs Scored | Position Batted | Highest Score |
AB de Villiers | 2016 | 687 | Middle Order | 129* |
Rishabh Pant | 2018 | 684 | No. 4/No. 5 | 128* |
Kane Williamson | 2018 | 622 | No. 3 | 84* |
Virat Kohli | 2013 | 578 | Middle Order | 99 |
Virat Kohli | 2011 | 557 | Middle Order | 71 |