Introduction: orange cap in ipl 2025
Every IPL season brings its fair share of drama, explosive moments, and unforgettable performances—but when it comes to individual glory, there’s one honor that every batter dreams of: the Orange Cap. It’s more than just a flashy accessory—it’s a crown worn by the season’s most consistent run-getter. A symbol of dominance at the crease.
IPL 2025 didn’t disappoint. From high-octane chases to stunning centuries, the race for the Orange Cap kept fans on edge all season long. Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from the player who clinched the cap to the quirky habits (aka hibbies) of the top contenders.
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What is the Orange Cap, Anyway?
The Orange Cap is awarded to the player who scores the most runs in an IPL season. Introduced in 2008, it has become one of the most prestigious individual accolades in the league. The player leading the run charts wears the cap during matches, and it often changes hands several times before the final match decides the winner.
It’s not just about runs—it’s about consistency, grit, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Orange Cap Winner of IPL 2025:
Ruturaj Gaikwad – The Elegant Engine of CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the calm and stylish opener from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), bagged the Orange Cap for the second time in his IPL career. Quiet in demeanor but thunderous with the bat, Ruturaj was a rock for CSK at the top.
Ruturaj’s Stats in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 15
- Runs: 732
- Average: 52.28
- Strike Rate: 143.65
- Fifties/Hundreds: 7 half-centuries, 2 centuries
He wasn’t just stacking up runs—he was anchoring innings, setting up totals, and winning matches. Whether it was building partnerships or accelerating at the right moment, Gaikwad made it look effortless.
Top Contenders Who Chased the Cap
Yashasvi Jaiswal – Rajasthan’s Left-Handed Thunderbolt
Yashasvi brought his trademark aggression to the top once again. With his fearless strokeplay, he gave Rajasthan Royals explosive starts.
- Runs: 689
- Batting Style: Aggressive left-hander
Fun Hibby: Yashasvi has a unique ritual—he practices “air-batting” in front of hotel mirrors to visualize perfect strokes.
Shubman Gill – Gujarat’s Graceful Giant
Shubman had another stellar year for Gujarat Titans. Combining technical elegance with power, he made batting look easy.
- Runs: 674
- Batting Style: Stylish right-hander
Fun Hibby: Before every game, Shubman reads from a handwritten notebook filled with motivational quotes.
Devdutt Padikkal – Mr. Cool Under Pressure
Often flying under the radar, Devdutt played some seriously clutch innings this season.
- Runs: 648
- Batting Style: Left-handed, fluent stroke-maker
Fun Hibby: He’s a self-confessed chess addict. He believes playing nightly online games helps him make better decisions under pressure during matches.
Behind the Scenes: Quirky Hibbies of Top Batters
It’s easy to admire sixes and centuries, but behind those big performances are personal habits and small rituals that keep these players mentally tuned.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Game-Day Routine
- Masala Chai Magic: Sips a cup of spiced tea exactly 45 minutes before the team leaves for the stadium.
- Meditation Before Matches: Takes quiet time to breathe and visualize.
- Lofi Vibes: Loves calming lofi beats to set the mood before walking into the dressing room.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Little Superstitions
- Red Wristband: Hasn’t taken it off since scoring his first IPL fifty.
- Pads Left First: Always puts on his left pad before the right.
- Last Off the Bus: Believes exiting last brings him luck.
Shubman Gill’s Focus Formula
- Punjabi Tunes: His match days begin with slow, soulful Punjabi songs.
- Mental Visuals: He often sits alone imagining scoring a hundred at that venue.
What Wearing the Orange Cap Feels Like
For players, wearing the Orange Cap is both a confidence booster and a pressure cooker. Bowlers go harder at you. Fielding captains tweak plans specifically to stop you. Suddenly, every innings becomes a test.
But Gaikwad handled it like a pro. Once he took over the lead mid-season, he never let go. He didn’t just maintain his spot—he extended the gap between himself and the rest.
IPL 2025’s Memorable Orange Cap Moments
Gaikwad’s 104* vs RCB
This was the innings that changed everything. With CSK in a tight spot against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ruturaj crafted a majestic, unbeaten century that cemented his spot at the top of the run charts.
Gill vs Jaiswal – A Battle Within the Battle
When Gujarat Titans faced Rajasthan Royals, fans weren’t just watching the match—they were tracking the Orange Cap race. Both batters delivered fifties, keeping the heat on Gaikwad.
The Final Stretch
By the final week, the writing was on the wall. Yashasvi still had a slim chance to overtake Gaikwad, but his early dismissal in the last game meant Ruturaj was crowned champion.
Quick Look: Orange Cap Winners Over the Years
| Year | Player | Team | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 732 |
| 2024 | Shubman Gill | GT | 714 |
| 2023 | Faf du Plessis | RCB | 730 |
| 2022 | Jos Buttler | RR | 863 |
| 2021 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 635 |
Ruturaj now joins an elite club of players with multiple Orange Caps, putting him in the same league as greats like Chris Gayle and David Warner.
Why the Orange Cap Means So Much
- Consistency Matters: In a format known for unpredictability, the Orange Cap honors players who stay steady across the season.
- Rivalries Add Drama: The battle for the cap adds an exciting sub-plot to the league.
- Player Pride: Many winners say the Orange Cap feels even more special than individual awards—it represents hard work and mental toughness.
Fun Fact: Who Makes the Orange Cap?
Most people don’t know this, but the cap itself is specially designed using lightweight, sweat-resistant fabric. Only one version is worn on the field at any time—by the current top scorer. That exclusivity adds to the honor.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
IPL 2025’s Orange Cap race wasn’t just about numbers—it was about stories. About quiet determination, off-field rituals, and rising to the occasion when it mattered most. Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t just top the charts—he led by example, proving that calmness, class, and character are a winning combination.
And those quirky hibbies? They remind us that behind every superstar is a human being with habits, routines, and beliefs that keep them grounded.
