Photo: SportzPicsWith 670 runs to his name, Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul creates history as he becomes the first Indian player to win the Orange Cap for Kings XI Punjab. The opening batsman has been in sublime form this season in the Dream11 Indian Premier League, winning the accolade quite comprehensively, with second placed Shikhar Dhawan behind by 52 runs.
This is the second time in the history of the IPL that the Orange Cap has been won by a Kings XI Punjab player, with the previous receipent of the accolade being Australian Shaun Marsh way back in the 2008 season. This will also be the first time that the Orange Cap has been won by an Indian batsman since 2016. KL Rahul becomes the fourth Indian to win an Orange Cap in the IPL, joining an illustrious list of players like Sachin Tendulkar, Robin Uthappa and Virat Kohli.
Rahul has been the leading run getter for Punjab since 2018 in all seasons, finishing third and second in the race for the Orange Cap in the past two seasons respectively. This season however the opening batsman finally managed to break that jinx, winning the Orange Cap with five fifties and a century to his name, boasting a brilliant average of 55.83 as well. The 28-year-old also won the man of the match award three times this season. Rahul's achievement is all the more commendable considering he played just 14 matches, becoming just the third player to win the Orange Cap despite his side not making it to the playoffs.
Kings XI Punjab's season may have ended in disappointment in 2020, but nevertheless they'd take heart from Rahul's individual form and awards. The KXIP skipper himself would also be optimistic of continuing this form next season and help his side get to the playoffs next year.
