Virat Kohli’s season in 2016 where he managed to stack up an unprecedented four centuries in one season was the only time when a batsman was able to come close to the 1000-run mark in a season. Since then, many have tried and usually a higher of 600 runs gets you the coveted Orange Cap at the end of the season.
This season as well many would love to get their hands on the Orange Cap but there can be only one winner. It’s usually the top-order batsmen who are more likely to win the award and here are five contenders for this year.
PRITHVI SHAW (Team Delhi)
Prithvi Shaw is coming into this year’s Indian T20 League on the back of an unreal domestic campaign. He smashed all the batting records in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and scored daddy hundreds. If there’s any criticism of Shaw, it has been that the dasher at the top of the order fails to capitalise on the strong starts. He had a difficult 2020 with the bat but is back to his best in 2021 and will surely be one of the genuine Orange Cap contenders this season.
KL RAHUL (Team Punjab)
KL Rahul is one of the best India has got in T20 cricket. He guarantees a 500-plus run campaign and this season should be no different. After losing his place in the T20I side, Rahul will surely be looking for redemption in the current season. Last year we saw that captaincy burdened him at the back end of the season but this season all Punjab fans would be hoping that he is back to his best.
VIRAT KOHLI (Team Bangalore)
Even before the tournament starts, Virat Kohli has set a precedent that he will open the innings this season. This is a positive move for all Bangalore fans and we’ve seen the best of Virat Kohli at the top of the order. Many pundits have been begging for Kohli to open in the Indian T20 League and finally, this is going to be the case this season. Can he outscore his personal best campaign where he scored 973 runs? It’ll be a great watch if he manages to do that.
DAVID WARNER (Team Hyderabad)
David Warner has been the most consistent batsman in the history of the competition. His ability to score 500-plus runs in back-to-back seasons is unreal. He is a leader who leads by example on the field and that’s why fans in India adore the pocket-sized dynamite. He will surely be amongst the highest run-getters yet again this season.
JOS BUTTLER (Team Rajasthan)
Jos Buttler is one of the best T20 batsmen going around the world. His ability to score all around the park makes him an impossible batsman to bowl at. The same ball can be whacked through mid-wicket as well as over fine leg. He is going to open for Rajasthan this season and on his day, he can take any match away from the opposition.
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