Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batsman, expressed great pride after clinching the Orange Cap. He also expressed satisfaction with his performance in the latter part of the tournament. Despite RCB’s elimination following a loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, Kohli remained optimistic.
RCB faced a tough situation to secure a spot in the final four, needing victories in their remaining six group-stage matches and relying on favorable results from other teams. Under Kohli’s exceptional batting leadership, the Challengers accomplished a remarkable feat by winning all six games.
This streak not only eliminated CSK from title contention but also secured the Challengers’ place in the playoffs. Kohli’s outstanding performance during this period earned him the Orange Cap, as he amassed 741 runs in 15 matches with an impressive average of 61.75, which included a century and five half-centuries.
His top score stood at an unbeaten 113, while he maintained a striking rate of 154.69, marking the highest in his IPL career.
“Extremely honoured to win the orange cap this season. It was a rollercoaster of a ride. I was really pleased with the way I performed for the team, especially in the latter half, where we needed to win every game to qualify. Thank you everyone for your support,” Kohli remarked during the post-match presentation.
A dominating season of 7️⃣4️⃣1️⃣ runs with the bat in 1️⃣5️⃣ matches 😎❤️
The Orange Cap award for the season belongs to none other than Virat Kohli 👑#TATAIPL | #TheFinalCall | @imVkohli | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/ZbR3rIy04u
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2024
Virat Kohli clinches this season’s Orange Cap
Kohli clinched the Orange Cap, while his ex-teammate and Punjab Kings bowler, Harshal Patel, secured his second Purple Cap. Patel concluded the tournament with 24 wickets in 14 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.73 and an average of 19.87.
This marked his second Purple Cap, adding to his impressive 32-wicket performance in the 2021 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Patel now joins the ranks of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo as the only pacers to win the Purple Cap twice in IPL history.
Expressing his gratitude, Patel stated,
“Deeply honoured to be presented with the purple cap. It’s been a rewarding journey. I want to thank my teammates, coaches and my family. I look forward to the 2025 season.”
In the final game against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk, Kolkata Knight Riders’ enigmatic spinner Varun Chakaravarthy had an opportunity to surpass Patel in the list of leading wicket-takers, needing a five-wicket haul. However, he only managed to dismiss Shahbaz Ahmed as the Riders proceeded to secure their third IPL title.
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