Since it began in 2008, the IPL has given fans thrilling matches, big sixes similar to the record-breaking hits seen in Most Sixes , and unforgettable performances. Every season, top players from around the world compete to win the title and leave their mark on IPL history.
While winning matches is the main goal for teams, individual performances also make the IPL special. Two awards stand out every season the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
The Orange Cap is given to the batter who scores the most runs in IPL, while the Purple Cap is awarded to the bowler with the most wickets in IPL.
From Shaun Marsh’s surprise success in the first season to Virat Kohli’s record-breaking run tally and Dwayne Bravo’s match-winning bowling spells, these caps celebrate players who perform consistently under pressure.
This guide explains the meaning of the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap and provides a complete year-wise list of winners from 2008 to 2025.
What Is the Orange Cap?
The IPL Orange Cap is awarded to the batter who scores the highest number of runs in a single IPL season. Introduced in 2008, it is the most prestigious individual award for batters in the league.
During the tournament, the Orange Cap keeps changing hands. The player who is leading the run chart wears the cap while fielding. The final winner is decided only after the last match of the season.
Winning the Orange Cap requires consistency, fitness, and the ability to perform on different cricket pitches. Legendary players like David Warner, Chris Gayle, and Virat Kohli have won this cap, proving that long innings are just as important as fast scoring.
What Is the Purple Cap?
The IPL Purple Cap is given to the bowler who takes the most wickets in a season. Like the Orange Cap, it was introduced in 2008 and is the top individual award for bowlers’ best spells.
If two bowlers finish with the same number of wickets, the bowler with the lower economy rate wins the Purple Cap. This rule highlights the importance of controlling runs while taking wickets.
Both fast bowlers and spinners have won this award over the years. From Lasith Malinga’s deadly yorkers to Yuzvendra Chahal’s clever spin, the Purple Cap shows that different bowling styles can succeed on all types of cricket pitches.
IPL Orange Cap Winners List (2008–2025)
The Orange Cap winners list highlights the highest run scorer in IPL each season and shows how batting has evolved over the years.
| Year | Player | Team | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Shaun Marsh | Kings XI Punjab | 11 | 616 |
| 2009 | Matthew Hayden | Chennai Super Kings | 12 | 572 |
| 2010 | Sachin Tendulkar | Mumbai Indians | 15 | 618 |
| 2011 | Chris Gayle | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 12 | 608 |
| 2012 | Chris Gayle | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 15 | 733 |
| 2013 | Michael Hussey | Chennai Super Kings | 17 | 733 |
| 2014 | Robin Uthappa | Kolkata Knight Riders | 16 | 660 |
| 2015 | David Warner | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 562 |
| 2016 | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 16 | 973 |
| 2017 | David Warner | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 641 |
| 2018 | Kane Williamson | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 17 | 735 |
| 2019 | David Warner | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 12 | 692 |
| 2020 | KL Rahul | Kings XI Punjab | 14 | 670 |
| 2021 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 635 |
| 2022 | Jos Buttler | Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 863 |
| 2023 | Shubman Gill | Gujarat Titans | 17 | 890 |
| 2024 | Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 15 | 741 |
| 2025 | Sai Sudarshan | Gujarat Titans | 15 | 759 |
Sai Sudarshan — IPL 2025 Orange Cap Winner
Sai Sudarshan emerged as one of the biggest stars of IPL 2025, finishing the season as the Orange Cap winner by scoring 759 runs in 15 matches for the Gujarat Titans.
He scored one century and six half-centuries, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the tournament.
At just 23 years old, Sudarshan also became the youngest Orange Cap winner in IPL history, breaking new ground with his elegant stroke play and strong run accumulation.
IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008–2025)
The Purple Cap winners are the bowlers who dominated each season by taking wickets at crucial moments.
| Year | Player | Team | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Sohail Tanvir | Rajasthan Royals | 11 | 22 |
| 2009 | RP Singh | Deccan Chargers | 16 | 23 |
| 2010 | Pragyan Ojha | Deccan Chargers | 16 | 21 |
| 2011 | Lasith Malinga | Mumbai Indians | 16 | 28 |
| 2012 | Morne Morkel | Delhi Daredevils | 16 | 25 |
| 2013 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 18 | 32 |
| 2014 | Mohit Sharma | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 23 |
| 2015 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 17 | 26 |
| 2016 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 17 | 23 |
| 2017 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 26 |
| 2018 | Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab | 14 | 24 |
| 2019 | Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings | 17 | 26 |
| 2020 | Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals | 17 | 30 |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 15 | 32 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 27 |
| 2023 | Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 17 | 28 |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings | 14 | 24 |
| 2025 | Prasiddh Krishna | Gujarat Titans | 15 | 25 |
Prasidh Krishna — IPL 2025 Purple Cap Winner
Prasidh Krishna was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2025, finishing as the top wicket-taker of the season with 25 wickets in 15 matches for Gujarat Titans.
His bowling was key in breaking partnerships and delivering crucial breakthroughs throughout the tournament, earning him the most wickets in the competition.
Krishna’s best bowling performance came against Delhi Capitals, where he recorded figures of 4/41, proving his ability to perform in pressure situations. With a good combination of pace, bounce, and control, he consistently troubled batters across different phases of the innings.
Comparison: Orange Cap vs Purple Cap
Both awards celebrate individual success, but the criteria and types of achievements are very different.
| Feature | Orange Cap | Purple Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Award Given To | Batter with most runs | Bowler with most wickets |
| Tie-Breaker | Higher strike rate | Lower economy rate |
| Usual Winners | Top-order batters | Fast bowlers & spinners |
| Impact | Builds big totals | Stops opposition scoring |
| Record Season | Virat Kohli – 973 runs (2016) | Bravo & Harshal – 32 wickets |
Notable Records and Stats
The history of the IPL is filled with interesting facts about the Orange Cap and Purple Cap awards. Here are some highlights:
- David Warner’s Record: David Warner is the only player to win the Orange Cap three times in 2015, 2017, and 2019. This shows his amazing consistency for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Virat Kohli’s 973 Runs: In 2016, Virat Kohli scored an incredible 973 runs in a single season, a record many think will never be broken. He also scored four centuries that year.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Back-to-Back Wins: Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only bowler to win the Purple Cap in two seasons in a row, 2016 and 2017, thanks to his skill in swing and death bowling.
- 32 Wickets in One Season: Dwayne Bravo in 2013 and Harshal Patel in 2021 both hold the record for taking the most wickets in a single IPL season with 32 wickets each.
- Shaun Marsh’s Unique Achievement: Shaun Marsh is the only uncapped player at the time to win the Orange Cap. He achieved this in the very first IPL season.
- CSK’s Special Double: In 2013 and 2015, Chennai Super Kings players Michael Hussey and Dwayne Bravo won the Orange and Purple Caps, showing the team’s strong balance.
Conclusion
From a bold experiment to the world’s biggest T20 league, the IPL has been shaped by unforgettable individual performances. The Orange Cap and Purple Cap have become symbols of excellence, pushing players to perform at their best every season.
While cricket is a team game, these awards highlight how one player can change the course of a tournament. As the IPL continues to grow, new stars will rise, records will be challenged, and the race for these caps will always remain one of the most exciting parts of the league.
Over the years, the IPL has grown into a global phenomenon, with IPL revenue growth reaching record levels through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and franchise deals.
