Every IPL season brings a race to the top of the run-scoring charts. The batter who scores the most runs gets the Orange Cap—an award that highlights form, fitness, and reliability. But here’s a question every fan has thought about at some point:

Out of all the Orange Cap winners, who had the best IPL season of all time?

In this blog, we compare the top 5 Orange Cap winners in IPL history based on runs, centuries, strike rate, match impact, and consistency.

Let’s dive into the stats, revisit those amazing seasons, and try to settle the debate.

Why This Matters

The Orange Cap Winners List in IPL is long and packed with great players. But not all Orange Cap seasons are equal. Some batters score big runs without helping their team win. Others carry their team to the playoffs or even to the trophy.

This comparison takes into account:

  • Total runs

  • Strike rate

  • Centuries scored

  • Impact on team success

  • Consistency (50+ scores)

Top 5 Orange Cap Seasons in IPL History

Here are the five players we’ll focus on:

  1. Virat Kohli – 2016 (RCB)

  2. Jos Buttler – 2022 (RR)

  3. Shubman Gill – 2023 (GT)

  4. David Warner – 2016 (SRH)

  5. Kane Williamson – 2018 (SRH)

Let’s break each one down.

1. Virat Kohli – 2016 (RCB)

Runs: 973 | Strike Rate: 152.03 | Centuries: 4 | Fifties: 7

Why It Stands Out:
This season still tops the highest run-scorer IPL list. Kohli not only scored runs, he did it consistently in pressure games. His 4 centuries in a single edition is an IPL record.

Team Impact:
RCB reached the final largely due to his form. Even though they lost the final, Kohli’s performance remains the gold standard for Orange Cap winners.

2. Jos Buttler – 2022 (RR)

Runs: 863 | Strike Rate: 149.05 | Centuries: 4 | Fifties: 4

Why It Stands Out:
Buttler was in top form from start to finish. He won multiple matches single-handedly and scored big when it mattered most.

Team Impact:
Rajasthan Royals reached the final, and Buttler’s consistency was a big reason for that. His strike rate and finishing ability gave RR the edge in tight games.

3. Shubman Gill – 2023 (GT)

Runs: 890 | Strike Rate: 157.80 | Centuries: 3 | Fifties: 4

Why It Stands Out:
Gill played with elegance but also improved his power game. His timing, placement, and maturity stood out, especially in pressure matches.

Team Impact:
Gujarat Titans reached the final, and Gill was the highest scorer in the playoffs too. He showed that he belongs at the top with his best IPL season so far.

4. David Warner – 2016 (SRH)

Runs: 848 | Strike Rate: 151.42 | Centuries: 0 | Fifties: 9

Why It Stands Out:
Even without a century, Warner's steady flow of runs across games helped Sunrisers Hyderabad win the IPL trophy. His aggressive starts made a huge difference.

Team Impact:
Warner led from the front and won the title. His form under pressure in both the group stage and playoffs showed what a true leader can do.

5. Kane Williamson – 2018 (SRH)

Runs: 735 | Strike Rate: 142.44 | Centuries: 0 | Fifties: 8

Why It Stands Out:
Known for his calm approach, Williamson anchored innings beautifully. He played the holding role in a team full of hitters and still topped the run charts.

Team Impact:
SRH reached the final, and his ability to guide chases and steady innings played a major role throughout the season.

Orange Cap Season Comparison Table

Player Season Runs 100s 50s Strike Rate Team Final?
Virat Kohli 2016 973 4 7 152.03 Yes
Jos Buttler 2022 863 4 4 149.05 Yes
Shubman Gill 2023 890 3 4 157.80 Yes
David Warner 2016 848 0 9 151.42 Yes (Winner)
Kane Williamson 2018 735 0 8 142.44 Yes

So, Who Had the Best Orange Cap Season?

It depends on what you value:

  • For raw numbers → Kohli (973 runs) is untouchable

  • For strike rate + power → Gill (157+) takes the lead

  • For team success + leadership → Warner (2016) stands out

  • For all-round performance in key games → Buttler (2022) delivered under pressure

Still, if you had to choose just one, Virat Kohli’s 2016 season remains the most complete Orange Cap campaign. No one has come close to his 973-run mountain, and his ability to lead and adapt was on full display.

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Honorable Mentions from IPL Orange Cap History

While the top 5 are often remembered, there are a few other IPL batting champions worth mentioning:

  • KL Rahul (2020) – Led a struggling KXIP side but still scored 670 runs

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad (2021) – Stepped up for CSK and became a fan favorite

  • Michael Hussey (2013) – Batted with classic technique and helped CSK to the final

These players proved that even without flashy numbers, consistency and smart batting can win you the Orange Cap.

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Final Thoughts

The Orange Cap winners in IPL history are a mix of flair, focus, and fitness. Every season brings a new contender, and fans enjoy tracking the race as much as the playoffs.

As the tournament keeps growing, so does the challenge. Scoring 700+ runs in a season used to be rare—now, multiple players are hitting that mark. The IPL top batsmen by year are no longer just overseas stars; young Indian players are joining the race with confidence.

Whether you're checking the IPL Orange Cap list complete or debating who won Orange Cap in IPL and deserved it the most, one thing is clear: the race to wear that orange cap is getting tougher—and more exciting—every year