The Orange cap goes to the season’s leading run-scorer. It acts as a benchmark of batting genius. It not only represents perfection but also inspires players to challenge themselves. The IPL Orange Cap winner list highlights the exceptional batters who have dominated each season with their consistent run-scoring abilities.
SL | Year | Player Name | Team | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
1 | 2008 | Shaun Marsh | PBKS | 11 | 616 | 68.44 | 139.68 | 115 |
2 | 2009 | Matthew Hayden | CSK | 12 | 572 | 52 | 144.81 | 89 |
3 | 2010 | Sachin Tendulkar | MI | 15 | 618 | 47.53 | 132.61 | 89 |
4 | 2011 | Chris Gayle | RCB | 12 | 608 | 67.55 | 183.13 | 107 |
5 | 2012 | Chris Gayle | RCB | 15 | 733 | 61.08 | 160.74 | 128 |
6 | 2013 | Michael Hussey | CSK | 17 | 733 | 52.35 | 129.5 | 95 |
7 | 2014 | Robin Uthappa | KKR | 16 | 660 | 44 | 137.78 | 83 |
8 | 2015 | David Warner | SRH | 14 | 562 | 43.23 | 156.54 | 91 |
9 | 2016 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 16 | 973 | 81.08 | 152.03 | 113 |
10 | 2017 | David Warner | SRH | 14 | 641 | 58.27 | 141.81 | 126 |
11 | 2018 | Kane Williamson | SRH | 17 | 735 | 52.5 | 142.44 | 84 |
12 | 2019 | David Warner | SRH | 12 | 692 | 69.2 | 143.87 | 100* |
13 | 2020 | KL Rahul | PBKS | 14 | 670 | 55.83 | 129.34 | 132* |
14 | 2021 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 16 | 635 | 45.35 | 136.26 | 101* |
15 | 2022 | Jos Buttler | RR | 17 | 863 | 57.53 | 149.05 | 116 |
16 | 2023 | Shubman Gill | GT | 17 | 890 | 59.33 | 157.8 | 129 |
17 | 2024 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 15 | 741 | 61.75 | 145.5 | 122 |
Highlights of the IPL Orange Cap Winners List
Let’s delve into the standout performances that have defined IPL history.
Shaun Marsh (2008)
The young Australian batter was the first orange cap winner back in 2008, as he went on to lead Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) to the semi-finals. He was at his menacing best, having scored 616 runs in just 11 innings; however, he failed to click in the subsequent years. In 2008, he scored runs at a stupendous strike rate of 156 and had a highest score of 115.
Matthew Hayden (2009)
Following Shaun Marsh, another Aussie batter found glory in the IPL. Yes, Matthew Hayden became the Orange Cap winner in 2009. Representing CSK, Hayden finished the competition with 572 runs in 12 matches. His personal best was 89, and he scored those runs at a strike rate 144.81. Despite his superb run, he couldn’t take CSK to an IPL win.
Sachin Tendulkar (2010)
The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was the captain of the Mumbai Indians that season, and he led from the front as the team managed to reach the finals only to lose to the Chennai Super Kings. Also known as the “God of Cricket,” he went on to slam 618 runs with his outstanding batting ability. His highest score was 89, and the above-mentioned runs came at a strike rate of 132.61.
Chris Gayle (2011 and 2012)
Chris Gayle, the explosive opener for the West Indies, earned back-to-back Orange Caps, demonstrating his exceptional performance. With a strike rate of 183.13 and a top score of 107, he scored 608 runs in just 12 innings in 2011. Meanwhile, he improved next year, scoring 733 runs with a strike rate of 160.74 and a top score of 128.
Michael Hussey (2013)
Michael Hussey carried on the Australian custom of earning an Orange Cap in the IPL. He equalled Chris Gayle’s record in 2013 with 733 runs for CSK. His batting record boasted a strike rate of 129.5 and a top score of 95. He opened the innings for CSK and ensured that he gave the side excellent starts as the team went on to reach the final only to lose to the Mumbai Indians at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Robin Uthappa (2014)
Leading his team to an IPL trophy, Robin Uthappa of KKR shone brilliantly with 660 runs. With a strike rate of 137.78 and a best score of 83, he scored eight straight 40+ scores in the season.
David Warner (2015, 2017, & 2019)
With three Orange Caps under his belt, David Warner is simply unmatched when it comes to setting consistency in IPL history. 2015 saw him score 562 runs at a 156.54 strike rate. He showcased an average strike rate of over 140 throughout the subsequent seasons and followed up with 641 runs in 2017 and 692 runs in 2019, respectively.
Virat Kohli (2016 and 2024)
In 2016, Virat Kohli significantly impacted with his record-breaking 973 runs, including four hundreds. After a dip in form, he reclaimed the Orange Cap in 2024, where he smashed 741 runs in 15 games. His hunger for runs is the biggest reason behind his unmatched legacy in IPL history.
Kane Williamson (2018)
Williamson, one of the most consistent top-order batters, also showed his mettle in the IPL. One of the consistent run-getters for New Zealand, Williamson brought his conventional batting display to the franchise tournament. He had a notable consistency in 2018, where he scored 735 runs at a strike rate of 142.44, which changed his image in the tournament forever.
KL Rahul (2020)
KL Rahul, who played for Punjab Kings, had an incredible season in 2020, scoring 670 runs. Thus, he became the first Indian after Kohli to win the orange cap since 2016. His strike rate was 129.34, and his maximum score was 132*.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (2021)
With a lone century, Gaikwad announced himself on the international stage. Opening the innings for CSK, he led the side to the IPL trophy, thanks to a string of consistent scores. He eventually scored 635 runs and became the only Indian player after Robin Uthappa to win the Orange Cap and IPL championship in the same season.
Jos Buttler (2022)
With his 863 runs, Jos Buttler almost breached Virat Kohli’s record for most runs in a season. Though he was close, he couldn’t do so, eventually ending up with four centuries. And although his team lost to Gujarat Titans in the final, his highest score was 116, and the runs flowed at a strike rate of 149.05.
Shubman Gill (2023)
Shubman Gill led his contemporaries in the 2023 season with his 890 runs—including three centuries. Being a prominent player for Gujarat Titans, his strike rate of 157.8 and maximum score of 129 set him apart as the team went on to reach the finals.
Final Thoughts
The IPL Orange Cap winners list not only showcases individual genius but also provides motivation for upcoming IPL batters. Winning an Orange Cap is not easy; you must be consistent and ready to deliver under severe pressure. That’s what names like Kohli, Uthappa, and Warner did. As the 2025 edition beckons, fans hope someone will finally break Kohli’s record for most runs in a season.
FAQs
David Warner holds the record for the most Orange Caps in IPL history, winning the award in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Virat Kohli claimed the Orange Cap in IPL 2024 with 741 runs across 15 matches, including a top score of 122.
Chris Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history, scoring 175* for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in 2013.