IPL 2019: Top 5 candidates for the Orange Cap

We are just 3 weeks away from the start of the biggest T20 league in the world and it is impossible for fans to think about something other than the Indian Premier League. IPL has generally had a lot of runs on offer for batsmen because of the shorter boundaries and flat pitches.

Many world-class batsmen play in this 2 month-long tournament and as such, there has always been a lot of competition to win the Orange Cap. The Orange Cap is given to the top run-scorer of the season and 9 different batsmen have won this award. Only 2 players in the form of David Warner and Chris Gayle have managed to win it twice. Surprisingly, only 3 Indian batsmen have won the Orange Cap in 11 seasons.

However, the competition for the prestigious award won't be at its peak this time around as many of the Australian, South African and English players will not be available for half of the season. Hence, the competition will decrease, but it will definitely not stop fans from predicting who will win the award.

Here's a look at the top 5 players who can win the Orange Cap:

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#5 Chris Lynn

BBL - Heat v Scorchers

This guy needs no introduction! Chris Lynn is easily one of the most explosive batsmen in the shortest format of the game. A fan-favourite, he has established himself as an important player for Kolkata Knight Riders over the last 2 seasons. The Australian exhibited good form in the recently-concluded Big Bash and was the 6th highest run-scorer in the Aussie league.

The Brisbane-born player has scored 4020 runs in 142 innings at an average of 32.68 and has a brilliant strike rate of 142.2. He could have the won the Orange Cap in 2017, but an injury prevented him from doing so.

The 28-year-old isn't in contention for a World Cup spot and hence, has the opportunity to play for the franchise throughout the tournament. He will be a top contender for the award if he can prevent himself from picking up a shoulder injury, something which has haunted him in the past.

#4 Rishabh Pant

Australia v India - T20

One of the most exciting young cricketers in the world, Rishabh Pant has lit up grounds with his displays in the IPL. Over the last 3 seasons, Pant has delivered many match-winning performances for Delhi Capitals. A wicket-keeping batsman in the mould of Adam Gilchrist, he has all the talent in the world to win the award.

The 21-year-old lad has scored 1952 runs in 65 innings at an average of 33.65 and has got them at a strike rate of 161.32.The swashbuckling batsman hasn't been in the best of form of late, but his determination to do well in the IPL and secure a spot in the World Cup squad could help him score a lot of runs.

He scored a mammoth 684 runs in 14 innings last season and finished just 49 runs behind Kane Williamson, who won the Orange Cap, despite playing 3 matches less.

#3 AB de Villiers

2018 Mzansi Super League: Tshwane Spartans v Paarl Rocks

AB de Villiers has entertained the world for more than a decade and the range of shots he can play is unparalleled. He has the ability to change the course of a game in the matter of a few seconds and no bowling plans can work against him. He is by far the most devastating player on this planet, and there would be no harm in saying that he is as good as or maybe even better than Virat Kohli.

The former South African skipper has scored 7363 runs in 255 innings at an average of 36.09 and boasts of a strike rate in excess of 145. The legendary player has never won the Orange Cap, but definitely has the potential to win it this season. He has always been near the top of the tree, and this might be the year when he reaches the top of the tree.

#2 Kane Williamson

New Zealand v Bangladesh - ODI Game 2

The Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson is one of the better batsmen in the world and is a part of the famed 'Fab 4'. Known for his Test match credentials, Williamson proved to the world last season that he has the ability to adapt to the shortest format of the game. He won the Orange Cap last season and played a key role in SRH's run to the final. He scored his runs at an admirable strike rate and has proven to the world that he is equally good in all formats of the game.

The SRH captain has amassed 4277 runs in 161 innings at an average of 30.11 and has a respectable strike rate of 123.71. Being a New Zealander, he will be available for the entirety of the tournament which will give him a big opportunity to become only the 2nd player to retain the Orange Cap.

#1 Virat Kohli

India v Australia - T20I: Game 2

Without a doubt, one of the top contenders for the Orange Cap, Virat Kohli would want to get back the Orange Cap. Having won it in 2016 after scoring a humongous 973 runs, Kohli would be eager to replicate that form and bring home the award along with an IPL Trophy.

One of the best batsmen in the world, he will start as the favourite to win any award before the beginning of a tournament. He has bagged many awards in his illustrious career and wouldn't mind adding another one. The phenomenon has scored 7905 runs in 238 innings at an average of 41.17 and has scored his runs at a healthy strike rate of 133.71.

RCB's skipper has the talent to win the award for a 2nd time, but he might not play a couple of games and that is something that might work against him.

Honorable mentions: KL Rahul (KXIP) and Rohit Sharma (MI)