New Delhi: Batters will once again be in the spotlight as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to get underway from Saturday, March 28. Over the years, the IPL has witnessed some remarkable batting performances from players who have set the season alight with their heroics. The upcoming season is expected to be no different, with some of the best in the world vying for the prestigious Orange Cap.
The Orange Cap is one of the top honours in the IPL and is awarded to the highest run-getter of the season. The cap is worn by the leading run-getter during the matches before it is eventually awarded to the batter who finishes with the most runs in the season. With a highly competitive season on the cards, the race for the Orange Cap is also expected to be a closely fought one in IPL 2026.
Top contenders for Orange Cap in IPL 2026:
1) Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Virat Kohli is a name synonymous with consistency in the Indian Premier League. The highest run-getter in the league’s history, Kohli has been one of the most consistent batters for RCB over the years. He has been enjoying a purple patch for India in international cricket and will be looking to continue his fine form in the IPL 2026. With 657 runs in 15 matches, Kohli finished third on the list of highest run-getters in the IPL last season and played a key role in RCB’s maiden title triumph.
2) Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
Shubman Gill will be one of the strongest contenders for the Orange Cap in IPL 2026. Gill has done well for India across formats over the last few years, and his record for the Gujarat Titans speaks for itself. The right-hander is known for his appetite for big runs and will be looking to make the most of familiar conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gill will have extra motivation to perform well in the IPL 2026 as he will be hoping to earn his spot back in India’s T20I squad after being dropped from the T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year.
3) Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the most consistent performers for his team in the IPL ever since making his debut in 2020. Gaikwad won the Orange Cap in IPL 2021 while helping CSK lift their fourth title, and also smashed 590 runs in IPL 2023 to help his side clinch a record fifth IPL trophy. He missed a majority of IPL 2025 due to an injury last year and will be looking to continue his stellar run in the tournament this year.
4) Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants)
Aiden Markram is heading into the IPL 2026 on the back of a strong T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with South Africa. While he was excellent as a leader, Markram also led the charge with the bat for the Proteas. The right-hander provided his team with good starts consistently and finished the World Cup with 286 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of over 165. He enjoyed his best season with the Lucknow Super Giants last season, smashing 445 runs in 13 matches as an opener and will be hoping to replicate his heroics this season.
5) Ishan Kishan
6) Shreyas Iyer