The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the grandest stage in T20 cricket — a blend of power-hitting, drama, and relentless pressure. In a league where fans demand fireworks from ball one, even the most seasoned batters can find themselves walking back to the pavilion with a single-digit score. While we often celebrate the half-centuries, centuries, and match-winning knocks, the flipside — the failures — are an equally important part of a player’s story.
Interestingly, some of the most iconic names in IPL history, players who have thrilled fans and dominated bowling attacks, also top the list of the most single-digit scores. But this doesn’t indicate a lack of ability — instead, it’s often a reflection of longevity, match volume, batting position, and risk-taking roles. Opening batters, in particular, face the toughest bowlers with the new ball, while finishers swing hard from the moment they arrive.
This article dives into the lesser-discussed statistic of IPL cricket — the most single-digit scores — and highlights five of the biggest names who surprisingly (or perhaps, inevitably) appear at the top. From legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to ever-reliable campaigners like Dinesh Karthik and Shikhar Dhawan, these players have faced both the highs and the lows, and their resilience is what makes their careers all the more fascinating.
5. Shikhar Dhawan – 56 Times
Stylish, confident, and consistent — Shikhar Dhawan, aka “Gabbar,” is one of IPL’s most reliable openers. With over 6,700 runs to his name, Dhawan has been a pillar at the top for teams like SRH, DC, and PBKS. And yet, with 56 single-digit scores, he rounds off this list.
How? Because even the best fall early sometimes. As an opener, Dhawan is constantly tested by pace and swing in the initial overs. Add the modern-day pressure to score at 150+ from ball one, and the room for error becomes slim. Still, Gabbar’s contribution to IPL is enormous. He holds records for most fours in IPL history and has been among the top 5 run-scorers in multiple seasons. His presence in this list is a testament to his sheer volume of innings and the courage to keep showing up every time.
4. Robin Uthappa – 57 Times
Robin Uthappa’s IPL career may not have had the glamour of a Kohli or Rohit, but it was filled with impact. From being an explosive opener to a composed middle-order presence, Uthappa’s adaptability made him a go-to player for several franchises, including KKR, CSK, MI, and RR.
He’s had 57 single-digit scores, many of which came while trying to give his team explosive starts. During his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders, especially in the 2014 title-winning season, Uthappa was instrumental in building a solid foundation. But his aggressive playstyle — a mix of fearless lofted drives and premeditated strokes — made him prone to early dismissals. Still, when he clicked, he changed the course of games in a matter of overs.
3. Virat Kohli – 59 Times
When you think of IPL, you think of Virat Kohli — the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for over a decade, the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer, and the man who once smashed 973 runs in a single season (2016). But one thing about Virat is clear — he bounces back. He might get out for 0 one game and score 70* in the next.
So, how does a legend like Kohli end up with 59 single-digit scores? Well, when you play more innings than anyone else, you’re bound to have your bad days, too. Kohli’s aggressive batting approach, especially while chasing, has often seen him take calculated risks early in his innings. Unlike traditional openers who play themselves in, Kohli likes to impose himself quickly. In a format where margins are razor-thin, that sometimes leads to early exits.
2. Dinesh Karthik – 72 Times
Dinesh Karthik’s IPL journey is a story of reinvention. From a young wicketkeeper-batter in the early seasons to a seasoned finisher and sharp tactician, DK has donned multiple roles for various franchises — KKR, RCB, MI, and DC, to name a few.
With 72 single-digit scores, Karthik ranks second on this list — a consequence of walking into pressure-packed situations with only a few balls to face. His role often demands immediate acceleration, leaving no room for settling in. While this makes his task immensely difficult, it also highlights why he has been trusted in crunch moments. DK has played some of the most memorable finishing knocks in IPL history, such as his 2018 KKR debut and his stunning return to form in IPL 2022 with RCB. He’s the kind of player who fails fast but wins big, and that’s what makes his presence invaluable.
1. Rohit Sharma – 82 Times
Rohit Sharma, often hailed as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, is known for his effortless timing, iconic pull shots, and match-winning temperament. As the most successful IPL captain with five titles under his leadership at Mumbai Indians, Rohit has built a legacy few can rival. But in an ironic twist, he also tops this list with 82 single-digit scores — the most in IPL history.
The answer lies in volume and responsibility. Rohit has been a consistent starter for MI since 2011 and has played over 240 matches, mostly as an opener. Facing the new ball in the powerplay against world-class bowlers always carries risk. Add to that the pressure of captaincy, expectations of fans, and the evolving nature of T20 cricket — the occasional failure becomes a part of the journey. Yet, no one can deny that when Rohit gets going, he is unstoppable. His low, single-digit scores only underline the price of aggression and the bravery of taking responsibility at the top.
Quick Look
| Player | Single-Digit Scores | Total IPL Matches | Innings Played | 50+ Scores | Total Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Teams Represented |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 82 | 257+ | 250+ | 42+ | 6,300+ | ~29 | ~131 | MI, DC (formerly Deccan) |
| Dinesh Karthik | 72 | 250+ | 230+ | 20+ | 4,600+ | ~25 | ~132 | DC, KKR, RCB, MI, PBKS, GL |
| Virat Kohli | 59 | 250+ | 245+ | 50+ | 8,000+ | ~38 | ~131 | RCB (only) |
| Robin Uthappa | 57 | 205 | 190+ | 25+ | 4,950+ | ~27 | ~130 | KKR, CSK, RCB, MI, RR, PWI |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 56 | 220+ | 215+ | 50+ | 6,700+ | ~35 | ~127 | DC, SRH, MI, PBKS |
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