Youngest player to win the Orange Cap in IPL

The 20-20 format has always been a batting-friendly format compared to bowlers. Especially, in IPL, fans have always witnessed big scores on the board or big scores getting chased easily over the years. IPL has provided a platform for exceptional talent, where young cricketers can showcase their skills on a grand stage. The Orange Cap is an illustrious accolade awarded to the batsman with the most runs in a single IPL season. While experienced and established players often dominate the list of Orange Cap winners, there have been a few remarkable instances where young prodigies have etched their names in IPL history. In this article, we delve into the extraordinary achievements of the youngest players to ever win the Orange Cap in IPL.

Also Read: Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008

Youngest player to win the Orange Cap in IPL:

1. Shubman Gill (23 Years)

Shubman Gill, representing the Gujrat Titans, became the youngest player to clinch the Orange Cap in the IPL 2023 season at the tender age of 23. Displaying immense maturity and composure, Gill amassed 890 runs in 17 matches, showcasing his remarkable technique and ability to anchor an innings with 3 centuries and 4 half centuries. His remarkable innings of 129 runs in 60 balls earned him widespread recognition as one of India's most promising batting talents.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (24 Years)

This CSK opener comes at the second position in the chart as he won the Orange Cap in IPL 2021 at the age of 24 years. Thus, Ruturaj Gaikwad became the second youngest player to manage this achievement. His best knock came against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Abu Dhabi when he smashed his maiden IPL ton. Gaikwad scored 101* runs off 60 balls, including nine fours and five sixes. His form was crucial as CSK won that edition after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final. In that season, he scored 564 runs in 15 matches, at an average of 43.38 and a strike rate of 146.88. He also notched up four fifties and his highest score in this season is 92 runs.

Also Read: IPL 2023 Stats

3. Shaun Marsh (24 Years)

This veteran Aussie batter lit up the tournament in its inaugural season by winning the Orange Cap. At that time, Shaun Marsh was 24 years old. In IPL 2008, Marsh scored 616 runs in 11 matches, at an average of 68.44 and a strike rate of 139.6. He also notched up one century and five half centuries. His best knock came against the eventual champion of that season, RR in the 56th match of the tournament. Marsh scored 115 runs off 69 balls, including 11 fours and seven sixes. His form helped Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to qualify for the playoffs. But, they lost against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the second semi-final.   

4. Virat Kohli (27 Years)

Virat Kohli is in the fourth position by winning the Orange Cap in IPL at the age of 28. In IPL 2016, Virat Kohli, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, achieve this feat with 973 runs in 16 matches, at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. He smashed four centuries and seven fifties. With this, he also broke the record for most runs in an IPL season. He also smashed four centuries, the most by any player. His highest score of the season was 113.

Also Read: The highest run-getter in every season of IPL till now

5. Kane Williamson (27 Years)

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was the winner of Orange Cap in IPL 2018. Playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he smashed 735 runs in 17 innings with an average of 52.50 and a strike rate of 142.44. He smashed only eight fifties. His highest score of the season was 84 runs off 51 balls against the Chennai Super Kings.