Every year, the Indian Premier League recognizes outstanding performers with a variety of awards. The orange cap is given to the batsman who scores the most runs throughout the IPL season. With at least 14 matches played by every team, batters have ample opportunity to score runs consistently. T20 cricket is a batter’s game, and they have taken advantage of that. Here are the top 7 expected orange cap holders in IPL 2023.
1. KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants)
KL Rahul is one of the most consistent batsmen in the IPL, scoring close to 600 runs in each of the last four seasons. He has 3889 runs in 109 IPL matches, with an average of 48 and a strike rate of over 136, with 4 centuries and 31 half-centuries. KL Rahul is a captain who knows how to win, and he’ll be looking to bring that attitude to Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming season. He’s shown significant improvement over the years and is one of the top contenders to win the orange cap in the IPL 2023 edition.
Also Read- KL Rahul Family
2. David Warner (Delhi Capitals)
David Warner is a top contender for the orange cap next season. He has already won the award three times, in 2015, 2017, and 2019. All of these were while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Delhi Capitals showed faith in him by purchasing him in the IPL 2022 mega auction, and in return, he scored the highest 432 runs for the franchise. In 206 matches, David has scored 5881 runs, at an average of 42, and a strike rate close to 141 with 4 centuries and 55 half-centuries. He will be one of the top contenders to lift the orange cap for the fourth time next season.
3. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Virat Kohli is a former captain of the Indian cricket team and one of the world’s leading batsmen. His fans call him “King” Kohli, and he has earned this nickname through his performances on the field. He made his debut in the IPL with the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, and in the fifteen seasons since then, he has scored 6,624 runs at an average of 36.19. This includes 5 centuries and 44 half-centuries, making him the IPL’s all-time leading run scorer. In 2016, he won his maiden Orange Cap, with a record 973 runs.
Kohli had a disappointing 2022 season but has returned to form since the Asia Cup in 2022. He has been wreaking havoc on bowlers all over the world ever since. He carried his form into the T20 World Cup in 2022, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. This makes him even more dangerous heading into IPL 2023 and Royal Challengers Bangalore will be hoping for similar results.
4. Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)
Jos Buttler was the stand-out performer for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022, scoring 863 runs in the season, and winning the orange cap. His powerful batting display included 4 centuries and was a joy to watch. With 2831 runs in 82 matches, an average of 40, and a strike rate close to 150, Jos Buttler is one of the most exciting cricket players around. He has already scored 5 centuries and 15 half-centuries. He will be leading the race to win the orange cap again in IPL 2023.
Also read- Jos Buttler Wife
5. Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)
Suryakumar Yadav is a fantastic batsman who is currently in red-hot form. He is capable of hitting the ball 360 degrees around the stadium and is particularly dangerous because of his ability to hit big shots. With just 39 matches played for India, he already has two centuries under his name. In IPL, he has played in 123 matches, scoring 1933 runs at an average of 30 and a strike rate of above 136 with 16 half-centuries. Skipper “Rohit Sharma” will try to utilize his form by sending him to bat at no. 3. Fans will not be surprised if he adds some numbers to his century list next year.
6. Shikhar Dhawan (Punjab Kings)
Shikhar Dhawan is a reliable and consistent batsman, something that has been evident in his performances over the last seven seasons of the IPL. In 206 matches, Dhawan has scored 6244 runs, at an average of 35, and a strike rate of over 126 with 2 centuries and 47 half-centuries. Given his ability to score quickly and remain at the crease for extended periods of time, Dhawan is a strong contender to win the orange cap in IPL 2023.
7. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Ruturaj Gaikwad is a natural stroke player who has impressed everyone with his determination and batting skills. In just 36 matches, he has scored 1207 runs at an average of 37 with a strike rate over 130. He won the orange cap in IPL 2021 edition. Ruturaj could also be a worthy contender for the orange cap in IPL 2023.
