IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad Of CSK Becomes The Youngest In IPL History To Win The Orange Cap For Most Runs

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ruturaj Gaikwad ended his Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) campaign with 635 runs in 16 matches and became the youngest batsman in Indian Premier League history to win the Orange Cap for most runs in one IPL season at the age of 24 years and 257 days.

Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed 32 runs in 27 balls with 3 fours and one six in the final of the IPL 2021 as Chennai Super Kings took on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 15, 2021. KKR captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and asked MS Dhoni-led CSK to bat first.

No changes were made to the playing XIs of both teams. This meant no Andre Russell for KKR and on Suresh Raina for CSK. CSK openers gave the three-time Indian Premier League trophy winners a great start as Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad added 61 runs for the first wicket in 8.1 overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Ends IPL 2021 With 635 Runs With 23 Sixes And One Century In 16 Matches

Gaikwad was out caught by Shivam Mavi off Sunil Narine. He ended with 635 runs at an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26. He made one century, a 101* against Rajasthan Royals in Abu Dhabi, and also hit 4 half-centuries. Apart from hitting 64 fours, Ruturaj slammed 23 sixes as well.

Close on his heels, was teammate and fellow opener Faf Du Plessis, who 86 runs in the IPL 2021 final. Unfortunately, Du Plessis fell two runs short of surpassing Gaikwad as the highest run-getter of the IPL 2021 ending up with 633 runs in 16 matches, but he still helped CSK made 192/3 in 20 overs. Apart from these two, Robin Uthappa (31 in 15 balls, 3 sixes) and Moeen Ali (37* in 20 balls with 3 sixes and 2 fours) contributed to the final score.

KL Rahul of Punjab Kings finished third on the most runs table with 626 runs in 13 matches with a best of 98* at an average of 62.60 and strike-rate of 138.80 with 6 half-centuries and 30 sixes. Delhi Capitals opener Shikhar Dhawan, who came into the UAE leg of the IPL 2021 with the Orange Cap, ended with 587 runs with a best of 92 in 14 matches at a strike rate of 124.62.

Finishing off the top-five was a surprise in Glenn Maxwell of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who made 513 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 144.10 with a best of 78 and 6 half-centuries. He hit 48 fours and 21 sixes, helping RCB reach the playoffs for the second consecutive time.

Here are the top-five run-getters in the IPL 2021:

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