The IPL 2021 has seen Indian batsmen rise to the occasion and dominate the run-scoring charts, and the race is wide open for the Orange Cap this season. While the runs have dried up in Phase 2 on slow and sluggish pitches, players have still managed to make the most of the opportunities, in a list dominated by openers. Last year’s top two Kl Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan are again in contention, along with the likes of Sanju Samson and CSK duo Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
IPL 2021: 5 players who have completed 400+ runs in IPL Ft. Dhawan, Gaikwad, KL Rahul
1. Shikhar Dhawan
For the sixth consecutive season, Shikhar Dhawan went past the 400 run mark in the IPL< another testament to his consistency at the top of the order. At Delhi Capitals, Dhawan is the run-bank at the top of the order, helping the others to flourish around him. The left-hander missed out on the Orange Cap last season but is leading the charts with three league games and the playoffs left, and will be keen to clinch it especially after being snubbed from the T20 World Cup squad.
Mat: 11, Runs: 454, S/R: 130.45, Avg: 45.40, 50+: 3, HS: 92
2. Sanju Samson
Another player who was snubbed by India from the T20 World Cup squad, Sanju Samson has enjoyed a good run of form in the IPL 2021. The Rajasthan Royals captain has shouldered the responsibility of his team’s batting order to enjoy his best-ever season in the IPL, scoring more than 450 runs for the first time in his nine-season career.
Mat:11, Runs: 452, S/R: 141.25, Avg: 50.22, 50+: 3, HS: 119
3. Faf du Plessis
South African veteran Faf du Plessis has carried on from where he left off in Phase 1, to remain in contention for the Orange Cap. Du Plessis has stitched a stellar partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top of the order, which has been the base of CSK’s run to the top of the table. Du Plessis who was snubbed by South Africa for the T20 World Cup, is one of IPL 2021’s top scorers, continuing his good CPL form in Phase 2.
Mat:11, Runs: 435, S/R: 138.09, Avg: 48.33, 50+: 4, HS: 95*
4. KL Rahul
Last season’s Orange Cap winner KL Rahul is again amongst the runs and the Punjab Kings captain remains a contender for the same this season as well. Rahul has forged a strong opening partnership with Karnataka teammate Mayank Agarwal doing the bulk of the scoring for Punjab Kings. Rahul will be keen to continue his form to keep Punjab in the hunt for a playoffs spot and is the only batter from India’s T20 World Cup squad to go past 400 runs this season.
Mat:10, Runs: 422, S/R: 132.28, Avg: 52.75, 50+: 4, HS: 91*
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Another opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been nothing short of a revelation for CSK this season, has been amongst the top scorers in IPL 2021. After a late burst in IPL 2020, Gaikwad has seized on his opportunity in IPL 2021 and earned himself an India call up, further enhancing his reputation as one of the upcoming talents. Gaikwad will be key to CSK’s chances of clinching a fourth IPL title, after MS Dhoni’s side made it to the playoffs.
Mat:11, Runs: 407, S/R: 134.76, Avg: 40.70, 50+: 3, HS: 88*
