IPL 2026 Orange Cap race: Abhishek Sharma surges past Heinrich Klaasen to claim top spot

NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 Orange Cap race has taken a dramatic turn, with Abhishek Sharma storming to the top after a sensational unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals, a knock that underlined both his form and dominance this season. The Sunrisers Hyderabad opener now leads the charts with 323 runs, averaging 53.83 at a staggering strike rate of 215.33, setting the benchmark for the competition.

Close on his heels is teammate Heinrich Klaasen, who has been equally impactful with 320 runs. Klaasen’s consistency and finishing ability have made him a vital pillar in SRH’s batting line-up, keeping the pressure firmly on Abhishek at the summit.

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Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill occupies third place with 265 runs from just five matches, combining leadership with reliability. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli follows in fourth with 247 runs, continuing his steady run of form, while Rajasthan Royals young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi completes the top five with 246 runs in an impressive breakout season.

Further down the list, SRH’s stand-in captain Ishan Kishan has climbed to sixth with 238 runs, edging past RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who sits seventh with 230. Punjab Kings’ Cooper Connolly and Rajasthan Royals’ Yashasvi Jaiswal are tied on 223 runs, occupying eighth and ninth respectively, while PBKS batter Priyansh Arya rounds off the top 10 with 211 runs.

With margins so tight and multiple players in peak form, the Orange Cap race is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines of IPL 2026. Each innings is proving decisive, with positions shifting rapidly as batters push the limits.

IPL 2026 Orange Cap Standings