In the electrifying world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the narrative is often dominated by massive sixes, fiery yorkers, and dramatic last-over finishes. Yet, nestled quietly amidst the glamour is one of cricket’s most underrated yet game-changing facets — fielding. Within that domain, run-outs stand as the ultimate test of precision, anticipation, and athletic brilliance.
Run-outs are moments of magic that can alter the course of a match in the blink of an eye. A single direct hit, a diving stop followed by a rocket throw, or a lightning-fast glove movement behind the stumps can send even the best batters packing. While bowlers hunt for wickets and batters chase glory, fielders create moments that leave an indelible impact on the scoreboard — and the hearts of millions.
In this article, we shine the spotlight on the top 5 players with the Most run-outs in IPL History. These players didn’t just take catches or save runs — they dismissed batters with skill, speed, and split-second decisions. Their contributions, though often unsung, are crucial to team success in the cutthroat world of T20 cricket.
5. Manish Pandey – 16 Run-Outs
- Teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals
- Matches Played: 171
- Fielding Position: Inner Ring, Deep Cover
- Speciality: Athleticism, Fast Arm
Manish Pandey may be a journeyman in the IPL in terms of franchises, but his fielding commitment has remained constant. With 16 run-outs, Pandey consistently delivered in the outfield and inner circle alike. His athletic build and sharp cricketing instincts made him an asset in cutting off boundaries and setting up tight run-outs.
He played a key role in middle-overs fielding, especially when the opposition attempted to rotate strike or run risky twos. His direct hits were often decisive, and he maintained excellent positioning to create chances even where few existed.
4. Suresh Raina – 16 Run-Outs
- Team: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions
- Matches Played: 204
- Fielding Position: Cover, Midwicket, Inner Ring
- Speciality: Agile Footwork, Close-In Fielding
Suresh Raina, nicknamed “Mr. IPL,” is often remembered for his batting prowess, but he was just as impactful in the field. His 16 run-outs came from his years as one of the most nimble and fearless fielders in the league. Always stationed at critical fielding positions like cover and midwicket, Raina had a knack for intercepting quick singles and breaking key partnerships.
What set him apart was his lightning-quick release and deadly aim at the stumps. He had an excellent awareness of the batter’s intent and used it to cut off angles. His ability to field under pressure was key to Chennai Super Kings’ many playoff runs and championship victories.
3. Virat Kohli – 22 Run-Outs
- Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Matches Played: 252
- Fielding Position: Cover, Long-off, Midwicket
- Speciality: Intensity, Attack on the Ball
Virat Kohli is not just a batting giant in IPL history; he is also a fielding warrior. With 22 run-outs, Kohli combines raw fitness, relentless energy, and intense concentration to influence matches from the field. Whether charging in from the boundary to effect a direct hit or cutting off angles in the ring, Kohli leads by example.
He is often seen clapping, shouting instructions, or diving full-stretch,h — embodying a fielder’s spirit who never switches off. Kohli’s contribution in the field is especially crucial during the middle overs when saving a couple of runs and picking up a run-out can drastically shift momentum. His eyes are always on the ball, and his throws rarely miss their mark.
2. MS Dhoni – 23 Run-Outs
- Team: Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant
- Matches Played: 263
- Fielding Position: Wicketkeeper
- Speciality: No-look Flicks, Lightning Stumpings
MS Dhoni’s legacy as one of cricket’s sharpest minds extends far beyond his captaincy and finishing prowess. With 23 run-outs as a wicketkeeper, Dhoni transformed dismissals behind the stumps into a spectacle. His lightning-fast reflexes, especially in situations requiring only milliseconds to react, set new benchmarks for keeping standards in the IPL.
What makes Dhoni unique is his unorthodox but supremely effective technique — from flicking the bails with a no-look motion to executing bullet under-arm throws without even standing up. He reads batters like an open book and anticipates their movement with uncanny accuracy. His run-outs often come from moments when batters barely overbalance or misjudge a second run, but that’s all the window Dhoni needs to strike.
1. Ravindra Jadeja – 24 Run-Outs
- Teams: Rajasthan Royals, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions
- Matches Played: 240
- Fielding Position: Point, Cover, Long-on, Midwicket
- Speciality Direct Hits, Reflex Ground Fielding
Ravindra Jadeja tops the list as the undisputed fielding maestro in the IPL. With 24 run-outs, Jadeja’s defensive brilliance is often the silent factor behind Chennai Super Kings’ dominance over the years. Agile as a leopard and armed with one of the most accurate throwing arms in world cricket, Jadeja has the rare ability to strike the stumps from any angle.
Often patrolling the infield during power plays or sweeping the boundary in the death overs, Jadeja’s anticipation and athleticism have made him a nightmare for batters trying to steal quick singles. His one-handed pickups and bullet throws to either end have been a recurring theme in tight matches. In many ways, he redefined what a modern T20 fielder could do, turning half-chances into dismissals with flair and finesse.
Conclusion
In IPL, it’s easy to get lost in the cacophony of sixes, centuries, and sensational spells. But it’s the fielders — those who chase down every ball, who aim for the stumps like snipers, who light up the field with their energy — that often provide the moments that turn matches on their heads. The five players highlighted in this list — Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, and Manish Pandey — have not only set records for run-outs but have also redefined the value of fielding in T20 cricket. Their awareness, anticipation, and split-second decision-making have been as crucial as a match-winning knock or a game-changing over.
As IPL seasons continue to evolve, the importance of fielding, particularly run-outs, will only grow. With razor-thin margins determining success, the ability to create dismissals without the ball or bat is becoming one of the most prized skills in the modern game. These players have not just run out batters — they’ve run into the annals of IPL greatness.
SEE MORE :
