IPL 2020: Five contenders for the Orange Cap
What's the story
The Indian Premier League is all set to bring back the extravaganza this season.
As has been the case, India's cash-rich league will be studded by some of the eminent names in world cricket.
The high-profile batsmen will be eager to get some runs under the belt following a prolonged break.
We list out some players who could clinch the Orange Cap this season.
David Warner
Warner yet again appears to be the front-runner
Australian opener David Warner has clinched the Orange Cap most number of times.
He emerged as the highest run-scorer in 2015, 2017 and 2019 respectively.
Furthermore, his recent form in international cricket makes him the front-runner to do so.
His T20I scores in 2019 read as - 100*, 60*, 57*, 2*, 20, 48*.
Notably, Warner is also among the top-five run-scorers in IPL (4,706).
Virat Kohli
Will Kohli bounce back this season?
Indian captain Virat Kohli hasn't been among the runs of late, however, his ability to bounce back has been highlighted on several occasions.
After faring poorly in 2015, Kohli turned the tables a season later.
He amassed a record-breaking 973 runs in 2016, the highest ever tally in a single IPL edition.
Overall, he is the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 5,412 runs.
KL Rahul
Rahul could make the most of his sublime form
Lokesh Rahul has been faring well for Team India ever since he replaced the injured Rishabh Pant in white-ball cricket.
He contributed massively in India's 5-0 victory over New Zealand in the T20I series, having aggregated most number of runs (224 at 56.00).
Interestingly, he finished at number three (659) and two (593) on the runs tally, in the previous two editions.
Andre Russell
Russell would want to continue his magnificent run
West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell showed his brute power last season.
He cleared the boundary as many as 52 times, thereby becoming only the second player after Chris Gayle to record over 50 sixes in a single edition.
However, Russell will have to gain a promotion in the batting order to grab the Orange Cap this season.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma all set to fire for MI again
In 2019, Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to a record fourth IPL title (more than any other franchise).
He was also consistent with the bat as he racked up 405 runs from 15 matches at 28.93.
Later that year, the Indian opener also accumulated most number of runs (648) in the 2019 World Cup.
He may don the Orange Cap this IPL season.