Cricket

List of Most Runs in an IPL Innings by a No. 3 Batter

A list of the highest individual scores by a number 3 batsman in IPL history, reflecting the key role of the first-drop position in T20 batting.

3 itemsUpdated Mar 23, 2026

The number 3 position in T20 batting is arguably the most important in the batting order — the batter enters either to build on a good start or repair damage from an early wicket. AB de Villiers' 133* off 78 balls for RCB against MI in 2015, batting at number 3, is the highest individual score by a number 3 in IPL history. Other great number 3 innings include Shubman Gill's 129 in a 2023 Qualifier, various Virat Kohli masterclasses, and Michael Hussey's consistent contributions for CSK.

#	Name	Team	Year	Balls	Score
1	AB de Villiers — 133* (78 balls) \| No. 3 RCB vs Mumbai Indians \| 2015 AB de Villiers' 133* off 78 balls at number 3 for RCB vs MI in 2015 is the highest score by a number 3 batter in IPL history. His 360-degree hitting from the first-drop position was unprecedented in T20 cricket at the time.	RCB	2,015	78	133*
2	Shubman Gill — 129 (60 balls) \| No. 3 GT vs Mumbai Indians \| 2023 IPL Qualifier Shubman Gill's 129 off 60 balls in the 2023 IPL Qualifier against MI is the highest score by a number 3 batter in any IPL knockout match, helping GT secure a spot in the 2023 final.	Gujarat Titans	2,023	60	129
3	Virat Kohli — 109* (55 balls) \| No. 3 RCB vs Gujarat Lions \| 2016 Virat Kohli's 109* off 55 balls at number 3 for RCB vs Gujarat Lions in 2016 was one of 4 centuries he scored that season en route to his all-time record of 973 runs.	RCB	2,016	55	109*

This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 23, 2026.

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