The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular and thrilling cricket leagues in the world, attracting top players and millions of fans every year.
Among its various honors, the Orange Cap is a coveted award presented to the player who scores the highest runs in a single season. Since the first edition in 2008, the Orange Cap has celebrated exceptional batting performances across seasons.
In this blog, we will explore the history of the Orange Cap, a complete list of winners, and predict who might claim the Orange Cap in IPL 2025.
What is the Orange Cap in IPL?
The Orange Cap is a prestigious award presented to the batsman who accumulates the highest number of runs in a season. The cap is given to the leading run-scorer during the league and keeps changing hands until the conclusion of the tournament. At the end of the season, the batsman with the most runs officially becomes the IPL Orange Cap holder.
Key facts about the Orange Cap
Even if multiple players have the same number of runs, the batsman with a higher strike rate wins the Orange Cap. Here the key facts to consider:
- Introduced in the inaugural IPL season of 2008
- Worn by the top run-scorer during the tournament
- The final recipient is determined after the IPL final match
IPL Orange Cap winner 2024
In the recently concluded IPL 2024, the Orange Cap was claimed by Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans. He had a phenomenal season, scoring 890 runs in 17 matches at an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80. Gill’s exceptional consistency and aggressive stroke play ensured his dominance in the 2024 season.
IPL 2024 Orange Cap holder – Key stats
- Player: Shubman Gill
- Team: Gujarat Titans
- Runs scored: 890
- Matches played: 17
- Average: 59.33
- Strike rate: 157.80
IPL Orange Cap in 2025 – Predicted winners and top contenders
As we look ahead to IPL 2025, the battle for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 promises to be just as intense. Some top contenders expected to fight for the title include:
- Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans) – The defending champion with a knack for anchoring the innings and accelerating at the right moments
- Virat Kohli (RCB) – A consistent run-getter with multiple Orange Cap wins. His hunger for runs remains undiminished
- Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals) – Known for his explosive batting and ability to dominate bowling attacks
- KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants) – His steady run accumulation and adaptability in all conditions make him a prime candidate
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings) – The young opener with a solid technique and an eye for big scores
IPL Orange Cap winners list year-by-year
Here’s the complete list of Orange Cap winners in IPL history from 2008 to 2024:
| Year | Winner | Team | Runs |
| 2025 | To be decided | To be decided | To be decided |
| 2024 | Shubman Gill | Gujarat Titans | 890 |
| 2023 | Faf du Plessis | RCB | 730 |
| 2022 | Jos Buttler | Rajasthan Royals | 863 |
| 2021 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Chennai Super Kings | 635 |
| 2020 | KL Rahul | Punjab Kings | 670 |
| 2019 | David Warner | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 692 |
| 2018 | Kane Williamson | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 735 |
| 2017 | David Warner | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 641 |
| 2016 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 973 |
| 2015 | David Warner | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 562 |
| 2014 | Robin Uthappa | Kolkata Knight Riders | 660 |
| 2013 | Michael Hussey | Chennai Super Kings | 733 |
| 2012 | Chris Gayle | RCB | 733 |
| 2011 | Chris Gayle | RCB | 608 |
| 2010 | Sachin Tendulkar | Mumbai Indians | 618 |
| 2009 | Matthew Hayden | Chennai Super Kings | 572 |
| 2008 | Shaun Marsh | Punjab Kings | 616 |
Players with the Most Orange Cap wins in IPL
When it comes to most Orange Cap wins in IPL, several players have won the prestigious award multiple times. David Warner holds the record for the most IPL Orange Cap wins, showcasing his remarkable consistency in the league.
- David Warner – 3 times (2015, 2017, 2019)
- Chris Gayle – 2 times (2011, 2012)
- Virat Kohli – 1 time (2016)
- KL Rahul – 1 time (2020)
- Jos Buttler – 1 time (2022)
- Shubman Gill – 1 time (2024)
Top 10 run-scorers in IPL history
Here’s a list of the top 10 batsmen with the most runs in IPL history, many of whom have won the Orange Cap:
- Virat Kohli – 7263 runs
- Shikhar Dhawan – 6554 runs
- David Warner – 6397 runs
- Rohit Sharma – 6211 runs
- Suresh Raina – 5528 runs
- AB de Villiers – 5162 runs
- MS Dhoni – 5034 runs
- Chris Gayle – 4965 runs
- Robin Uthappa – 4952 runs
- Gautam Gambhir – 4217 runs
Orange Cap in IPL: Top 10 performances
Over the years, the IPL has witnessed some breathtaking performances by batsmen who went on to win the Orange Cap. Here are the top 10 Orange Cap performances in IPL history:
- Virat Kohli (2016) – 973 runs (RCB)
- Jos Buttler (2022) – 863 runs (RR)
- David Warner (2016) – 848 runs (SRH)
- Kane Williamson (2018) – 735 runs (SRH)
- Michael Hussey (2013) – 733 runs (CSK)
- Chris Gayle (2012) – 733 runs (RCB)
- Faf du Plessis (2023) – 730 runs (RCB)
- Sachin Tendulkar (2010) – 618 runs (MI)
- Shaun Marsh (2008) – 616 runs (PBKS)
- Shubman Gill (2024) – 890 runs (GT)
Importance of the Orange Cap in IPL
The Orange Cap symbolizes excellence in batting and serves as a benchmark for consistency throughout the tournament. Winning the Orange Cap not only boosts a player’s career but also enhances their reputation on a global stage.
Benefits of winning the Orange Cap
- Recognition: Enhanced reputation and recognition in international cricket
- Increased market value: Higher demand in IPL auctions
- Motivation: Encourages players to maintain their form and improve their game
IPL 2025 Orange Cap predictions – Who will wear the cap?
While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, some players have shown great potential to win the Orange Cap in IPL 2025. Based on current form and past performance, the frontrunners include:
- Shubman Gill – Can he retain his crown after an incredible 2024 season?
- Virat Kohli – With his hunger for runs and passion for the game, Kohli is always a threat
- Jos Buttler – Known for his explosive starts and match-winning ability
- KL Rahul – A consistent performer who often finds himself among the top scorers
- Prithvi Shaw – A young and aggressive opener with the potential to dominate
Orange Cap winners from 2020 to 2008
Here’s a quick look at the Orange Cap in IPL history from 2020 to 2008:
- Orange Cap in IPL 2020: KL Rahul – 670 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2019: David Warner – 692 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2018: Kane Williamson – 735 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2017: David Warner – 641 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2016: Virat Kohli – 973 runs (highest ever in a season)
- Orange Cap in IPL 2015: David Warner – 562 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2014: Robin Uthappa – 660 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2013: Michael Hussey – 733 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2012: Chris Gayle – 733 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2011: Chris Gayle – 608 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2010: Sachin Tendulkar – 618 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2009: Matthew Hayden – 572 runs
- Orange Cap in IPL 2008: Shaun Marsh – 616 runs
Conclusion
The Orange Cap in IPL continues to be one of the most sought-after accolades in the tournament. From legendary performances by players like Virat Kohli and David Warner to rising stars like Shubman Gill, the Orange Cap has recognized consistent brilliance with the bat.
As IPL 2025 approaches, the race for the Orange Cap promises to be intense, with some of the world’s best batsmen competing for the coveted title. With a rich history of exceptional performances and record-breaking feats, the Orange Cap remains a symbol of batting excellence in the IPL.
