Fours Kings of IPL: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Fours in IPL History

fours

In the glitzy world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), while sixes may dazzle the crowd, it’s the boundaries along the ground—those graceful, well-placed fours—that define a batsman’s timing, class, and technical mastery. The ability to consistently thread the gap in the field speaks to a batsman’s awareness and control. As of IPL 2025, here are the five batsmen who have etched their names in the record books with the most fours in IPL history.

5. Ajinkya Rahane – 507 Fours

Fours Kings of IPL: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Fours in IPL History
  • Matches Played: 196
  • Innings: 181
  • Total Runs: 4,969
  • Batting Average: 30.87
  • Strike Rate: 134.69
  • 50s/100s: 33 Fifties, 2 Centuries
  • Highest Score: 105*
  • Teams Represented: Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings & Kolkata Knight Riders.

Ajinkya Rahane may not be the flashiest T20 player, but his ability to time the ball and find gaps has earned him a place among the IPL’s most consistent stroke-makers. With 507 fours, Rahane’s game is built on classical technique and placement rather than brute power. His offside play, especially square drives and elegant cover drives, has often pierced tight fielding units. Rahane was a pillar for the Rajasthan Royals for several seasons and later adapted his role across teams with maturity. His composed approach and cricketing IQ have allowed him to contribute meaningfully in pressure situations, proving that T20 success doesn’t always require muscle—sometimes, timing is everything.

4. Rohit Sharma – 627 Fours

Fours Kings of IPL: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Fours in IPL History
  • Matches Played: 268
  • Innings: 252
  • Total Runs: 6,928
  • Batting Average: 29.72
  • Strike Rate: 131.14
  • 50s/100s: 46 Fifties, 2 Centuries
  • Highest Score: 109*
  • Teams Represented: Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma, often referred to as the ‘Hitman’, is known for his effortless stroke-making. With 627 fours, his shots often combine grace with timing, particularly his signature pull and backfoot punch. While he’s famous for his sixes, his ability to pierce the field has been instrumental in building innings. Rohit’s captaincy success at Mumbai Indians often overshadows his consistent batting performances, but his ability to hold the innings and shift gears when needed is reflected in his boundary count.

3. David Warner – 663 Fours

Fours Kings of IPL: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Fours in IPL History
  • Matches Played: 184
  • Innings: 184
  • Total Runs: 6,565
  • Batting Average: 40.52
  • Strike Rate: 139.77
  • 50s/100s: 63 Fifties, 4 Centuries
  • Highest Score: 126
  • Teams Represented: Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad

David Warner is one of the most successful overseas players in IPL history, and his 663 fours are a big reason why. An aggressive opener with a sharp cricketing brain, Warner has mastered powerplay hitting. What sets him apart is his ability to hit low-risk, high-reward boundaries—often threading gaps through point or carving bowlers over extra cover. Warner has been SRH’s talisman for years, even leading them to a title in 2016. His fast starts often put the opposition under pressure early in the game.

2. Virat Kohli – 749 Fours

Fours Kings of IPL: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Fours in IPL History
  • Matches Played: 263
  • Innings: 244
  • Total Runs: 8,509
  • Batting Average: 39.67
  • Strike Rate: 132.97
  • 50s/100s: 62 Fifties, 8 Centuries
  • Highest Score: 113*
  • Team Represented: Royal Challengers Bangalore

V Kohli, the face of RCB and the IPL itself, has smashed 749 fours—a testament to his sublime timing and ability to manipulate the field. Unlike players who rely on sheer power, Kohli focuses on placement, especially between cover and midwicket. His wristy flicks and fluent drives have helped him stay consistent across 18 IPL seasons. Kohli’s ability to accelerate without resorting to wild slogging is evident from his boundary count. His 2016 season, where he scored 973 runs, was a masterclass in controlled aggression.

1. Shikhar Dhawan – 768 Fours

Fours Kings of IPL: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Fours in IPL History
  • Matches Played: 222
  • Innings: 221
  • Total Runs: 6,769
  • Batting Average: 35.25
  • Strike Rate: 127.14
  • 50s/100s: 51 Fifties, 2 Centuries
  • Highest Score: 106*
  • Teams Represented: Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings

Shikhar Dhawan stands as the undisputed king of ground boundaries in the IPL. With 768 fours, he’s the most prolific four-hitter in the league’s history. Known for his fearless front-foot drives and cuts, Dhawan’s game is built on classical stroke play, not brute force. He has often been the anchor at the top of the order, providing steady starts with a blend of aggression and control. Whether playing the uppercut over point or a caressed cover drive, Dhawan has made the art of hitting boundaries look effortless for over a decade.

Conclusion

In addition to their powerful hitting, these five players have dominated the IPL with clever, well-timed stroke play that demonstrates accuracy and awareness, two qualities that are essential for a full hitter. Virat Kohli’s purpose, David Warner’s restrained aggression, Rohit Sharma’s deft timing, Shikhar Dhawan’s reliability, and Ajinkya Rahane’s versatility each showcase a distinct strength. Their proficiency with ground strokes exemplifies what it takes to be successful and stand out in the most competitive T20 league in the world.

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