The excitement for IPL 2026 is reaching a fever pitch as fans look forward to another season of high-octane cricket. The previous year was nothing short
of legendary, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinching their first-ever title in a high-scoring final against the Punjab Kings. As we look ahead to the new season, the focus isn't just on the trophy, but also on the historic milestones that players are set to cross.
Reaching 3,000 runs in the IPL is a hallmark of a consistent and impactful batter. This season, 5 of the league's most exciting players are standing on the doorstep of this achievement.
Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Ishan Kishan was a revelation in IPL 2025, providing explosive starts for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He will enter IPL as a winner of the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he scored 317 runs. His record-breaking century last season propelled him significantly closer to the elite ranks of IPL batters.
Total IPL Runs: 2,914
Highest Score: 106*
Runs needed for 3000: 86 runs
The dynamic left-hander is likely to reach this milestone within the first few games of the 2026 season given his current form at the top of the order
Nitish Rana (Delhi Capitals)
Nitish Rana will be seen as the backbone of the Delhi Capitals middle order. Known for his ability to tackle spin and accelerate in the death overs, Rana is eyeing a significant jump in the all-time charts this year.
Total IPL Runs: 2,810
Highest Score: 87
Runs needed for 3000: 190 runs
With Delhi looking to bounce back in 2026, Rana's role in the middle order will be crucial as he chases the remaining 190 runs.
Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)
The Mumbai Indians captain is not just a world-class all-rounder but also a formidable finisher, a world champion in true sense. Despite missing some games in previous years due to injury, his run tally has steadily climbed toward the 3,000-mark.
• Total IPL Runs: 2,642
• Highest Score: 91
• Runs needed for 3000: 358 runs
Hardik will be determined to lead MI back to their winning ways in 2026, and crossing the 3,000-run threshold will be a testament to his impact as a pure batter.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Since his debut, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the most consistent run-getters in the league. He is all set to captain CSK in IPL 2026. As the anchor of the CSK lineup, he has accumulated runs at an incredible pace.
• Total IPL Runs: 2,485
• Highest Score: 101*
• Runs needed for 3000: 515 runs
While 515 runs is a tall order for a single season, Gaikwad's history of scoring 500+ runs in a year makes him a very strong candidate to reach this mark in IPL 2026.
Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants)
The West Indian powerhouse, Nicholas Pooran, has turned into one of the most feared middle-order batters in the world. His ability to clear any boundary with ease has seen his career total rise rapidly.
• Total IPL Runs: 2,210
• Highest Score: 89
• Runs needed for 3000: 790 runs
Pooran faces the toughest challenge on this list, needing nearly 800 runs. However, in a league where records are broken every night, a blockbuster season could see him storm into the 3,000-run club.
