The battle for the IPL Orange Cap is always intense, as batters strive to outscore one another in the race for supremacy. Piling up runs in a tournament of such caliber is no small feat, often leading to record-breaking performances along the way. The 17th edition of the IPL has been no exception, witnessing a fierce competition among batters, with the Orange Cap frequently changing hands during the marquee event.
IPL’s Coveted Honor: The Batter’s Dream Award
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli shone as the top run-scorer of the 2024 marquee tournament, amassing an impressive 741 runs across 15 innings. Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also had a stellar season, finishing as the second-highest scorer with 583 runs in 14 innings, albeit a significant gap behind Kohli.
The Orange Cap Saga
From Matthew Hayden to Sachin Tendulkar to Jos Buttler, numerous top-drawer cricketers have been awarded the IPL Orange Cap. Interestingly, David Warner is the only player with three Orange Caps – 2015, 2017, and 2019. Whereas, ‘The Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle won the Orange Cap twice in his IPL journey in 2011 and 2012.
The only uncapped player to have ever clinched the award was Australia’s Shaun Marsh in 2008 at the age of 24. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants (introduced in 2022) are the only franchise that’s yet to win the coveted IPL Orange Cap. Now with the new IPL 2024 knocking around the corner, it will be interesting to see which batter sets the stage on fire.
List of Orange Cap Winners in IPL
1. Virat Kohli, 2024
Virat Kohli claimed the Orange Cap in the 2024 season, finishing as the highest run-scorer with a remarkable 741 runs from 15 matches. His consistent batting performances throughout the tournament played a key role in his achievement, making him the standout player of the season. Kohli’s impressive tally not only earned him the prestigious cap but also reinforced his status as one of the premier batsmen in the history of the tournament.
2. Shubman Gill, 2023
Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans claimed the Orange Cap in the 2023 season with an outstanding 890 runs, showcasing his dominance with the bat. His consistent performances were pivotal in his team’s campaign, solidifying his status as one of the most prolific scorers of the tournament. Gill’s ability to anchor innings and score freely made him a standout performer, and his record-breaking season will be remembered as one of the finest displays of batting excellence in the tournament’s history.
3. Jos Buttler, 2022
Jos Buttler clinched the Orange Cap in the 2022 season with a phenomenal batting display. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, he amassed a staggering 863 runs in 17 matches, including four centuries and four half-centuries, at an average of 57.53 and a strike rate of 149.05. Buttler’s consistency and aggressive stroke play were instrumental in his team’s campaign, making him the standout performer of the season and etching his name in the record books as one of the tournament’s greats.
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2021
In 2021, Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased his batting brilliance by amassing 635 runs for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), earning him the prestigious Orange Cap as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. His consistent performances at the top of the order played a pivotal role in CSK’s success that season. Gaikwad’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed established him as one of the standout players, contributing significantly to the team’s overall triumph in the tournament.
5. KL Rahul, 2020
KL Rahul claimed the Orange Cap in the 2020 edition of the tournament with a stellar batting performance. Representing Kings XI Punjab, Rahul amassed 670 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 55.83 and a strike rate of 129.34. His remarkable consistency included five half-centuries and a match-winning century, cementing his status as the season’s leading run-scorer. Despite his individual brilliance, Punjab narrowly missed out on a playoff spot, finishing sixth on the points table.