Have you ever wondered if is it more challenging to look for a parking space in Chennai during the peak hours or look to dismiss a CSK batter when he is on song? Although the verdict on that one could still be in the making, there is no denying the fact that once CSK gets into its groove, it is invincible. This is proven by the fact that the list of Orange Cap winners for Chennai Super Kings consists of 3 different batters.
CSK has been one of the most consistent and cool-headed teams in the IPL and is well-known for that. But apart from the yellow shirts and the loud whistle sound, it is the stars of the team that are most of the time the headline.
Cricket lovers always remember the performances of the players who have been honored with the Orange Cap. CSK has had some real batting titans in the form of Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, and the current roaring star Ruturaj Gaikwad, who have ignited the IPL.
On that note, let’s take a look at every player that won orange cap for CSK in IPL.
Matthew Hayden – 2009 (12 matches, 572 runs)
The second edition of the IPL took place in South Africa because of the Indian general elections, and Matthew Hayden, the Australian muscleman, showcased his power hitting in batting. The terrifying opener in world cricket continued the same in the IPL 2009 by scoring 572 runs in just.
His fiery starts used to provide CSK with a big edge, more so by laying the foundation for the middle order. His best knock of the season was 89, and he also made five fifties, which helped him emerge as the highest run scorer of the tournament. Eventually winning him the orange cap for Chennai Super Kings.
Despite the extraordinary individual contribution and the Orange Cap win, CSK’s journey in the IPL 2009 was not without its disappointments. The team, which finished third in the playoffs, was knocked out in the semi-finals by the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
However, his 2009 season is still considered one of the best seasons of power batting and match-winning innings by a top-order batsman in the history of IPL. This underscores the unpredictability of the game, which adds an element of excitement and thrill, and the team’s resilience in the face of such unpredictability. This resilience is a testament to the team’s ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Michael Hussey – 2013 (16 matches, 733 runs)
Michael Hussey, also globally and affectionately called ‘Mr. Cricket was at the core of what happened to the Super Kings. During the 2013 edition of IPL, he was in the form of his life, scoring 733 runs in 16 matches with an average of 52. 35, and this got him the Orange Cap.
What made him special was his flexibility in different match conditions. Whether it was while going after the opposition in the initial overs of the innings or while trying to overhaul a target, Hussey was a surety. He made six fifties that season, with his best performance being 95 runs.
His performance as an opener and the contribution of CSK’s middle order made the team deliver great performances throughout the tournament. Nevertheless, CSK and Hussey‘s fighting spirit could not help them win the trophy that year.
Mumbai Indians defeated them in the final and thus were the first runners-up. However, his consistency and elegance with the bat in 2013 are still fresh in the memories of CSK fans.
Ruturaj Gaikwad – 2021 (16 matches, 635 runs)
The IPL 2021 season was also very exciting as a young Indian batsman, Ruturaj Gaikwad, came forward and performed very well to bag the Orange cap. Gaikwad played 16 matches and made 635 runs with the help of one century and four half-centuries with an average of 45. 35.
He also had a great season for CSK that year, and the team managed to clinch its fourth IPL title that year. Gaikwad’s ability to stabilize the innings as an opener and his flair for scoring freely were plus points for the team.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s IPL 2021 season was marked by his impressive innings of 101 against the Rajasthan Royals, which helped him establish himself as one of the promising talents in Indian cricket. His cool temperament and good shot selection made him unplayable that season, and he was undeterred against both pace and spin.
His alliance with Faf du Plessis in the opening played a major role in giving CSK steady starts, and the two formed a formidable opening duo for the tournament. Their partnership is a testament to the team’s strong bond, and as fate would have it, they both ended as the top two leading run-getters of the tournament, with FAF ending his season 2 runs shy of Gaikwad’s tally.
CSK’s performance in 2021 was exceptional. Having failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last season, they came back strongly and topped the league stage before defeating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final to clinch their fourth IPL title. Gaikwad’s contribution to CSK, was one of the reasons the team came from the dead to clinch the championship.
Orange Cap winners for CSK
| Year | Player | Total Runs | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Matthew Hayden | 572 | 12 |
| 2013 | Michael Hussey | 733 | 16 |
| 2021 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | 635 | 16 |
The Orange Cap is something that goes beyond mere personal glory, as it signifies the role of the player in helping the team win. Some of the players who eyed major contributions to CSK’s journey in the years 2009, 2013, and 2021 include Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, and Ruturaj Gaikw.
Hayden and Hussey contributed their bit to take CSK to the playoffs, and even though they couldn’t win the title, Gaikwad’s 2021 season was, therefore, special as he got to lift the IPL trophy.
These players have now become an integral part of IPL and CSK’s history, and their achievements will always motivate the young cricketers. The Whistle Podu Army will always look back at these seasons with a smile on their faces, and these memories will always be a part of CSK’s history.
FAQs
Who has scored most runs for CSK in a season?
Michael Hussey holds the record for most runs in a season for Chennai Super Kings. He scored gigantic amount of 733 runs for his side in just 16 games, to clinch the orange cap in 2013 season of Indian Premier League.
How many CSK players have won Orange Cap in IPL?
A total of 3 players so far have won the orange cap for Chennai Super Kings. The first one of them was Hayden of Australia, followed by his compatriot Hussey. Later, Ruturaj Gaikwad won it in 2021.
Which Indian batter has won orange cap for CSK?
Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2021 became the first Indian batter from Chennai Super Kings to win the Orange Cap. He smashed a total of 635 runs in just 16 games to clinch the title, in which he pipped his teammate Faf du Plessis by a bare margin of 2 runs.
