5 players who scored 575 or more runs but did not win the Orange cap

Cricket is all about milestones. We celebrate milestones and pour appreciation on to those who achieve them. It’s all about coming first.

But while appreciating the number one, we tend to forget the other who came so near and finished second. Just because of the numbers, they don't get as much attention that they deserve.

Let’s change the usual traditions and discuss the players who came second or third.

This article covers five players who scored over 575 runs in a single IPL season and did not win the Orange Cap, which is awarded for the highest run-getter. We all remember the one who won the Orange Cap in every season. Do we remember the ones who came second or third in each IPL season? The answer will be "No".

So let's refresh our memories.

Gautam Gambhir: 590 runs in 2012

Gautam Gambhir is one of the key reasons for KKR's success in IPL. He made a significant contribution both as a captain and a player in both their title runs.

In 2012, the Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise won the tournament and Gambhir starred by scoring 590 runs in that season. On April 30th, KKR were chasing a small target on the slowish wicket against CSK, and the captain played a responsible innings - 63 runs in 52 balls.

Gambhir won the man of the match award for his street-smart innings. But the southpaw surprised everyone when he handed over the man of the match award to Debabrata Das, who took them home in last two overs with an aggressive cameo.

The opening batsman scored six half-centuries and registered his career-best 93 in that season. However, Gayle won the Orange Cap with a whopping 733 runs.

Virat Kohli: 634 runs in 2013

Only in two IPL seasons (2013 & 2016) have three batsmen crossed 600 runs, and Virat Kohli was part of the list on both occasions. In 2013, Gayle and Kohli scored over 1,300 runs together at the top of the order for RCB.

The RCB captain came close to scoring his first IPL century when he got run out for 99 against Delhi Daredevils. He also scored an unbeaten 93 against SRH.

In 2013, Kohli became the first captain to score 6 fifties in an IPL season. The Indian captain scored half-centuries in both innings against Chennai Superkings and Delhi Daredevils.

In 2013, he scored 634 runs at an average of 45.28 and a strike-rate of 138.73, including six half-centuries, and finished third in the list of most runs scored.

AB de Villiers: 687 runs in 2016

Apart from Virat Kohli and David Warner, AB de Villiers also enjoyed a good season with the bat in 2016. He scored 687 runs in the season, including a century and six half-centuries. The former South Africa captain had an average of 52.84 and a strike-rate of 168.79.

ABD scored a scintillating 129* off just 59 balls against Gujarat Lions (GL) in the 44th match of the season. The knock included 10 fours and 12 sixes. He forged a 229-run stand with skipper Kohli (109 off 55 balls) for the second wicket.

He also played a crucial knock in the Qualifier 1 against GL. Chasing a target of 159, the Bangalore-based franchise lost six wickets to slump to 68-6. It looked as if the Suresh Raina-led GL would qualify for the final.

But then, Mr. 360 scored an outstanding 79* off 47 balls and sealed the game for his team.

Chris Gayle: 708 Runs in 2013

Chris Gayle won the orange cap in the 2011 and 2012 seasons with 608 runs and 733 runs respectively. The T20 star went on his merry way in 2013 as well. In that season, he recorded the highest ever individual score in T20 history when he scored a mammoth 175* against Pune Warriors.

He was a contender for the Orange Cap for most of the tournament along with Chennai Super Kings' Mike Hussey. However, RCB failed to qualify for the playoffs and the West Indian ended the season with 708 runs. In the first Qualifier, Hussey overtook him and eventually went on to win the Orange cap.

The Big Jamaican is the only player to score 700+ runs twice in an IPL season. Once he won the Orange Cap and the other time he ended the season as a second highest run-getter.

David Warner: 848 runs in 2016

2016 was an unforgettable season for both Virat Kohli and David Warner; they both led their teams to the IPL final by topping the batting charts.

Kohli had a phenomenal season with the bat and became the only player to score four centuries in a single season. He also broke the record for most runs in a single season.

The Australian wasn't too behind, giving stiff competition to the RCB skipper throughout the tournament. But Kohli took his game to the next level in the second half of the season by scoring three centuries and as many half-centuries, thereby distancing himself from Warner.

Although Warner scored 848 runs, he had to stay satisfied with the second place, thanks to the 973-run tally by Kohli.