IPL 2026: 5 players who could win Orange Cap

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 28. The tournament has undergone a seismic shift in terms of the pace at which runs are scored, with top-order batters consistently dominating bowling attacks. The IPL bestows its leading run-scorer with the coveted Orange Cap, winning which requires not merely talent but also consistency and the ability to perform under pressure.

On that note, here are the five players who could win the Orange Cap:

Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants) 

Aiden Markram will enter IPL 2026 with outstanding form behind his back, having impressed in the recently concluded T20 World Cup with a tally of 286 runs at a strike rate over 165 in eight innings. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Markram will have the dual responsibility of anchoring the innings while also maintaining a high-scoring tempo. With a settled role at the top, he is one of the top contenders for the Orange Cap.

Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans) 

Shubman Gill has established himself as one of the most dependable batters in the league, having amassed over 400 runs in each of the last six seasons for Gujarat Titans. He tallied 650 runs in 15 matches in IPL 2025, playing a crucial role in his team’s run to the playoffs. Gill is primed to dominate IPL 2026, more so as he will have a point to prove after losing India’s vice-captaincy in the format and being snubbed from the T20 World Cup squad.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings) 

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is another promising contender in the reckoning. The right-handed batter has proven his ability to score heavily, having already won the accolade in 2021 for his chart-topping 635 runs at an average of 45.36 and strike rate of 136.26 in CSK’s title-winning campaign. While an injury cut short his IPL 2025 campaign, he has since regained fitness and form, performing well in domestic cricket and international matches.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)

Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the fulcrum of Rajasthan Royals’ batting edifice. After tallying an impressive 559 runs in 14 innings last season, Jaiswal will be keen to extend the prolific run in the tournament and handle greater responsibility in the post Sanju Samson era. Jaiswal is renowned for his measured aggression, and the upcoming season will be an opportunity to step up and establish his credentials in a stronger manner.

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Virat Kohli is unarguably IPL’s most consistent batter. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru ever since the inception of the league, Kohli stands as the leading run-getter of the tournament with over 8600 runs, including a record-breaking and unrivalled 973-run season in 2016. He had a stellar season in IPL 2025, scoring 657 runs in 15 matches in RCB’s ascent to the title. Kohli is the perennial Orange Cap contender.