Here's listing five batsmen who are expected to be among the top run-scorers in IPL 2020:

David Warner

Nothing can keep David Warner out of this list. Apart from captaining Sunrisers Hyderabad to the playoffs consistently, Warner has been the mainstay of the SRH batting line-up. Not only does he give them an explosive start but also plays through the innings to shepherd the young SRH middle order.

Warner has finished as the the top run-scorer in the IPL thrice since 2015 despite missing the 2018 season due to the ball-tampering ban. In 2015, Warner scored 562 runs while in 2017 and 2019, he took it a step further with 641 and 692 runs respectively.

KL Rahul

For the last couple of years, it seems that only KL Rahul and Chris Gayle have been scoring for the Kings XI Punjab. With the additional responsibility of captaincy this year and probably wicket keeping as well, KL Rahul would have to do a lot of heavy lifting for his franchise to make a mark.

In both the last two editions of the IPL, Rahul has averaged in excess of 50. In 2018, he scored 659 runs at an average of 54.91 and a strike rate of 158.41. Rahul mellowed down a bit last year to shepherd the innings but still ended with 438 runs at 53.90 and a strike rate of 135.38.

Jos Buttler

From the time Rajasthan Royals decided to promote Jos Buttler to open the innings, the wicketkeeper-batsman has been nothing short of a revelation. In 21 IPL matches since 2018, Buttler has made 859 runs at a brilliant average of 47.72 and an equally brilliant strike rate of 153.94.

Apart from that, he provides the team with a wicketkeeping option and is a great value addition for his IPL franchises. Buttler has been in top form in international cricket and Rajasthan would expect him to translate that in the league as well.

Virat Kohli

It goes without saying that no IPL batting list is complete without the inclusion of Virat Kohli, who has been a mainstay for the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise. Although Bangalore have not done well over the years, Kohli has hardly had a lean patch in the league.

In 28 IPL innings since 2018, Kohli has scored 994 runs at a strike rate of over 140. The latter is an important stat as many consider Kohli to be a bit slow to get off the blocks, but a strike rate of 140 is no mean feat.

Shane Watson

The adage that age is just a number is not truer for anyone more than Shane Watson. The 39-year-old Australian all-rounder has scored 953 runs from his last 32 IPL innings at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of over 140.

Although Watson does not bowl that much now, he is quality at the top of the innings. Due to his experience, he has the sense of when to go all out and when to rein in. Playing probably his last IPL season, Watson is expected to give CSK consistent starts.

© Cricket World 2020