5 IPL legends yet to win the orange cap

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is about to kick off on March 28, and the event will once again showcase high-intensity cricket, massive runs and individual talent. In a batting-dominated era, the highest run-scorer of the season is awarded the prestigious Orange Cap award, but the shocking fact is that some of the greatest run-scorers in the IPL have never won the award.Although these legendary players are among the top 10 highest-ranked players in the history of IPL, they have never won the Orange Cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.

1. Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma is one of the most famous figures in the history of IPL and one of the most successful captains, leading mumbai indians to five championships (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). Known for his elegant batting, Rohit ranks second among the highest run-scorers in IPL history with 7,046 runs in 272 games. Rohit Sharma’s best season with the bat in the IPL was arguably 2013 when he scored 538 runs to lead Mumbai Indians (MI) to their maiden title. Despite his impact, he never won an Orange Cap. 2. Shikhar Dhawan: Dhawan has scored 6769 runs in 222 games and ranks third on the all-time run-scoring list. He came close to winning the Orange Cap in 2020 and 2021, when he was one of the top contenders, but narrowly missed out. Dhawan had a few memorable performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab but never reached the top spot in a single season.3. Suresh Raina: Suresh Raina is popularly known as “Mr. IPL’ is the backbone of the Chennai Super Kings’ batting line-up. He scored 5,528 runs in 205 games, ranking fifth on the all-time run-scoring list. His best season came in 2013 (548 runs), but even then, it’s a surprising fact that he failed to win the Orange Cap given his dominance in the early years of the IPL.4.AB de Villiers： AB de Villiers is one of the most destructive batsmen in the history of IPL and has excited fans with his innovative stroke play. He ended his IPL career with 5,162 runs in 184 games and is currently ranked eighth, with his best season coming in 2016 (687 runs, third). Large portions of the batting order would normally reduce his chances of scoring a season-high score, putting the Orange Cap out of reach.5. Ajinkya Lakhani: Ajinkya Rahane, currently ranked 9th among all run-scorers, has been a reliable opener in the IPL, scoring 5,032 runs in 183 games. His standout season came in 2012 (560 runs for Rajasthan Royals), but he never emerged as the top run-scorer in any edition. Although his style was classic and consistent, the orange hat put him off.

Honorable Mention: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, one of the most iconic players in IPL history, has never won the Orange Cap either. The Chennai Super Kings legend led the team to five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) and scored 5,439 runs in 278 matches. Dhoni is known more for his finishing role than for amassing big season scores, but his best seasons in 2018 (455 points) and 2019 (416 points) were still not enough to win the award, mainly because his role as a finisher limited his chances of scoring big runs throughout the season.

The 10 highest run-scorers in IPL history