IPL 2026: With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup now concluded, attention shifts to the return of T20 cricket's grandest spectacle, the 19th season of the Indian
Premier League, which gets underway on March 28.
In recent years, the tournament has witnessed a surge in high-scoring encounters, with batters consistently pushing the limits and teams regularly crossing the 200-run mark. Such an aggressive style of play has placed the spotlight firmly on the league's top run-scorers, with several star batters delivering standout performances across the season.
Over the years, some of the biggest names in the game have claimed the coveted Orange Cap with remarkable campaigns. As the new season approaches, the race begins once again to see which batter could produce a dominant run-scoring spree and join this elite list.
Ishan Kishan (SRH)
The year 2026 has marked a strong resurgence for Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper-batter rediscovered his form in 2025 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings, including two centuries.
His standout knock of 101 in the final guided the Jharkhand cricket team to the title and earned him a recall to the India national cricket team. Kishan made the most of that opportunity, contributing 317 runs in 10 innings during India's triumphant ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign in 2026.
Batting at No. 3, Kishan has proven particularly effective against spin, adding depth to the lineup of Sunrisers Hyderabad. While Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head often grab attention at the top of the order, Kishan's performances in the middle could play a decisive role in Hyderabad's fortunes this season.
He began the 2025 campaign spectacularly with an unbeaten 106 off just 47 deliveries, but struggled to maintain that momentum as the tournament progressed. The upcoming season now offers him the perfect opportunity to rediscover consistency and deliver the impactful performances expected of him.
Sanju Samson (CSK)
If the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy served as redemption for Ishan Kishan, Samson used the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to revive his white-ball career. The stylish right-hander from Kerala seized his opportunities during the tournament, scoring over 321 runs in five innings at a strike rate above 145.
This included a crucial unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the Super 8 and back-to-back half centuries against England in the semifinals and New Zealand in the finals.
Ahead of the IPL 2026, Samson joined the Chennai Super Kings and could play a pivotal role in their batting unit. If he carries his World Cup confidence into the IPL, Samson could emerge as one of CSK's most impactful batters and a genuine contender in the Orange Cap race.
Aiden Markram (LSG)
Aiden Markram heads into the Indian Premier League in excellent touch after an impressive campaign with the South Africa national cricket team in the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter was a key figure at the top of the order, scoring 286 runs in eight innings at a remarkable strike rate of 165.31, providing stability as well as attacking intent for the Proteas.
One of his standout performances came against New Zealand, where he remained unbeaten on 86, reaching his half-century in just 19 balls. The innings highlighted Markram's ability to shift gears quickly, capable of both anchoring the innings and accelerating when the situation demands.
During the previous IPL season, Markram also developed a strong opening partnership with Mitchell Marsh at Lucknow Super Giants. While the Australian often played the aggressor's role, Markram provided balance and composure at the other end. With Lucknow building a refreshed squad for the upcoming season, Markram is expected to serve as the cornerstone of their batting lineup at the top.
Sai Sudharsan (GT)
Sai Sudharsan was the standout performer with the bat for the Gujarat Titans during the previous season of the Indian Premier League. The young left-hander enjoyed a remarkable campaign, amassing 759 runs to claim the 2025 Orange Cap and play a crucial role in guiding the Titans to the Eliminator. Although Gujarat eventually fell short against the Mumbai Indians, Sudharsan's fighting knock in that match nearly carried his team across the finish line.
Opening the innings alongside Shubman Gill, Sudharsan formed a dependable partnership that frequently laid the foundation for Gujarat's batting efforts. His consistency was reflected in an impressive average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17, highlighted by six half-centuries and a century throughout the tournament.
The year also marked a significant milestone in his career as he went on to make his Test debut for the India national cricket team, though his form dipped during that phase. Heading into the upcoming IPL season, Sudharsan will be eager to rediscover his best rhythm and make a strong statement. Replicating his previous success could see him join elite company alongside Chris Gayle, David Warner, and Virat Kohli as players who have secured the Orange Cap in multiple seasons.
Virat Kohli (RCB)
How can any Orange Cap race even be discussed without mentioning Virat Kohli? The all-time leading run-scorer in the history of the Indian Premier League once again reminded everyone of his brilliance during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign. Kohli scored 657 runs in 15 matches, finishing just behind Sai Sudharsan and Suryakumar Yadav on the run charts.
With a staggering 8661 runs in 267 IPL games, Kohli continues to tower above every other batter in the tournament's history. And looming over the record books is his legendary 973-run season in 2016, a benchmark that remains untouched.
For RCB, Kohli is more than just a batter, he is the heartbeat of the lineup. The squad is perfectly built to complement his style, allowing him the freedom to anchor the innings and explode when needed.
If Bengaluru are to mount a serious defence of their crown, they will once again look towards their talisman to lead from the front. And what better way for Kohli to do that than by reclaiming the Orange Cap and securing it for the third time in his illustrious IPL career.
