From KL Rahul to Ruturaj Gaikwad: Top five contenders for Orange Cap in IPL 2022

The new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to get underway from March 26 with ten teams in the fray this time around. CSK's Ruturaj Gaikwad had clinched the Orange Cap last season for being the highest run-getter. Here is a look at some of the top contenders who can bag the honour this season.

KL Rahul has been one of the most consistent batters in the IPL over the past couple of seasons. He was the highest run-getter in IPL 2020 and finished third in the race for Orange Cap last year after notching up 626 runs in 13 mathches. Rahul will be looking to continue his purple patch for his new team Lucknow Super Giants this year.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a revelation for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Gaikwad enjoyed a fabulous season last year as he powered CSK to their fourth title with his batting heroics. Gaikwad notched up 635 runs in 16 games last season to win the Orange Cap and followed it up with a sensational run in the Indian domestic circuit. Gaikwad remains one of the strongest contenders to clinch the Orange Cap once again this season.

Shikhar Dhawan is currently the second-highest run-getter of all time in IPL history with 5784 runs from 213 matches at an average of over 34. He had a brilliant season for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021, notching up 587 runs in 16 matches. Dhawan has been a consistent run-getter in the league over the years and is a contender to win the Orange Cap this season.

David Warner had a forgetful campaign in IPL 2021 as he managed to make only eight appereances for his side Sunrisers Hyderabad where he scored 195 runs. However, Warner was qick to shut his critics down with a Man of the Tounament performance in the T20 World Cup last year. He has been one of the most prolific run-getters in the IPL over the last few seasons and will be looking to make an impact for his new franchise Delhi Capitals this year.

Jos Buttler missed the second half of IPL last year and managed to play only seven games for Rajasthan Royals amassing 254 runs. A destructive batter at the top of the order, Buttler will be hoping to fire all cylinders for the Royals in the upcoming season. Buttler is the mst experienced batter in the RR line-up and a lot will depend on his form this season.