In the high-pressure world of IPL, consistency is what separates the good players from the great ones. Scoring big in the initial phase of a player’s IPL career is no small feat. It requires not just skill but also the ability to handle pressure, adapt quickly, and perform in front of massive crowds. Some batters start strong and fade, while others leave a lasting impression right from the first ball. In this list, we’re counting down the most runs after first 30 IPL innings. These names reflect early dominance, sharp temperament, and star value.
5. Matthew Hayden – 1082 Runs
Matthew Hayden made his IPL debut at the back end of his international career, but what an impact he had! The powerful Australian opener brought his fearless batting style to Chennai Super Kings and lit up the tournament. In just his first 30 IPL innings, Hayden smashed 1082 runs, an incredible number considering he played only a handful of seasons. He had an average of 38.64 and a strike rate of 141.43, making him one of the most explosive players at the top. He didn’t take long to adapt to Indian conditions and spin bowling. Hayden’s quick starts laid the platform for CSK’s strong totals in many matches. The way he bullied bowlers, especially in the Powerplay, made headlines across the cricketing world. Hayden is still remembered for his iconic mongoose bat and explosive hitting. His performances were one of the key reasons why CSK became such a dominant team in the early years. He definitely ranks among players with the most runs after first 30 IPL innings.
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| Matthew Hayden | 1082 | 38.64 | 141.43 |
4. Kane Williamson – 1096 Runs
Kane Williamson is the epitome of calmness at the crease. The New Zealand skipper showed the world that you don’t need to play unorthodox shots to succeed in T20 cricket. With a textbook style, Williamson scored 1096 runs in his first 30 IPL innings, averaging a solid 43.84 at a strike rate of 137.86. His standout season came in 2018 when he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final and won the Orange Cap. What makes his feat more impressive is that he wasn’t a regular starter early on. But when given a consistent run, he proved his worth with fluent drives, wristy flicks, and sheer consistency. Williamson’s ability to rotate strike and anchor an innings is second to none. He’s a perfect example that you don’t always need brute force to succeed in T20s. His numbers put him comfortably on the list of players with the most runs after first 30 IPL innings.
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| Kane Williamson | 1096 | 43.84 | 137.86 |
Also Read: Fastest to 1000 IPL Runs: Players Who Achieved the Milestone
3. Chris Gayle – 1141 Runs
If there’s one player who could turn the match around in a matter of minutes, it’s Chris Gayle. The Universe Boss was an unstoppable force in his early IPL days. In just 30 innings, Gayle racked up 1141 runs, averaging 43.88 with a jaw-dropping strike rate of 162.53. Gayle made T20 batting look ridiculously easy. Whether it was clearing the ropes or taking singles, he dictated the tempo of the game. His innings were filled with towering sixes and brute strength, and bowlers feared bowling to him during the Powerplay and even in the death. He played the most memorable innings in IPL history—his 175* against Pune Warriors—which contributed heavily to this milestone. Gayle was the entertainer the league needed, and fans still talk about his fireworks. No surprise he finds a high spot among players with the most runs after first 30 IPL innings.
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| Chris Gayle | 1141 | 43.88 | 162.53 |
2. Sai Sudharsan – 1307 Runs
Sai Sudharsan has been one of the most talked-about young talents in IPL 2023–2025. The Tamil Nadu batter has taken the league by storm. In just 30 innings, he has scored 1307 runs, averaging 48.40 at an impressive strike rate of 141.60. These stats are elite, especially for a player still early in his career. He played a pivotal role for Gujarat Titans in their recent seasons. Sai’s calmness under pressure and his ability to pace an innings stand out. Whether chasing or setting a total, he shows maturity beyond his age. His ability to play both spin and pace effectively makes him a reliable top-order option. Many fans and experts believe he could be India’s next big batting star. With such a strong start, he has earned his place among those with the most runs after first 30 IPL innings, and his graph is only going upward.
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| Sai Sudharsan | 1307 | 48.40 | 141.60 |
1. Shaun Marsh – 1338 Runs
Topping the chart for the most runs after first 30 IPL innings is none other than Shaun Marsh. The Aussie batter had a dream IPL debut season in 2008, where he won the Orange Cap playing for Kings XI Punjab and leads the list of players with the most runs after first 30 IPL innings. He ended up with 1338 runs in just 30 innings, boasting an average of 53.52 and a strike rate of 139.52. Marsh was a class act—technically sound, calm under pressure, and capable of switching gears when needed. He wasn’t the flashiest batter, but he was surely one of the most effective. He anchored the innings while still keeping the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate. Shaun Marsh set the tone for foreign batters in the IPL and proved that T20 success wasn’t only about big shots but smart cricket as well. It’s no surprise he leads the list of players with the most runs after first 30 IPL innings.
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| Shaun Marsh | 1338 | 53.52 | 139.52 |