IPL 2025: B Sai Sudharsan Leads Run Charts, Virat Kohli Climbs to Second Spot with Back-to-Back Fifties

A flurry of changes took place in the IPL 2025 Orange and Purple Cap leaderboards after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Key performances from the match impacted the tournament’s top batting and bowling stats.

Orange Cap Leaderboard: Sai Sudharsan Holds the Lead

B Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans continues to dominate the Orange Cap list with 417 runs in eight games, averaging 52.12 and striking at 152.18.

However, Virat Kohli made a major leap to the second spot after his 70-run knock off 42 balls, marking his second consecutive fifty in the season. Kohli now has 392 runs in nine innings, putting him within touching distance of the top.

Pooran Slips After Strong Start

Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants had a powerful start to the tournament and held the top position from Game 7 to Game 39. However, a recent dip in form has pushed him down to No. 3, with 377 runs in nine matches.

Consistent Suryakumar at No. 4

Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians has quietly maintained consistent form throughout the season. Though he hasn’t posted massive individual scores, his regular contributions have earned him 373 runs, placing him at No. 4.

His scores include 29, 48, 27*, 67, 28, 40, 26, 68*, and 40* — showing his ability to avoid major failures.

Jaiswal, Buttler Join the Race

Following a 49-run effort in just 19 balls against RCB, Yashasvi Jaiswal now sits level with Jos Buttler of Gujarat Titans, both at 356 runs.

Jaiswal, after a poor start to the season, has turned things around with recent scores of 75, 51, 74, and 49. Buttler, having played one fewer innings than Jaiswal, remains a strong contender.

Kohli’s Record and Raina’s Praise

Kohli’s performance at Chinnaswamy was notable not only for the leaderboard implications but also for setting a record — he became the first player in IPL history to score over 3500 runs at a single venue.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina praised Kohli’s innings and questioned his early retirement from T20Is.

“Virat Kohli took an early retirement from T20Is. He could’ve easily played till 2026,” Raina said on Star Sports.

Purple Cap Standings: Hazlewood Joins Krishna at the Top

In the bowling department, Prasidh Krishna of Gujarat Titans leads the Purple Cap table with 16 wickets from eight matches.

However, Josh Hazlewood of RCB matched that figure after taking 4 for 33 against RR, though he remains second due to a slightly higher economy rate and average.

Seven Bowlers in Contention at 12 Wickets

A group of seven bowlers follow with 12 wickets each, including Krunal Pandya of RCB, who joined the list after his 2 for 31 against RR.

Other names in this pack include R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj (both GT), Noor Ahmad (CSK), Kuldeep Yadav (DC), Hardik Pandya (MI), and Shardul Thakur (LSG). Among them, Kuldeep Yadav boasts the best economy rate at 6.50, with Noor following at 7.66.

Kohli and Padikkal Set the Tone for RCB

Batting first, RCB posted 205/5. After an 11-run first over from Jofra Archer, Phil Salt survived an early chance when Riyan Parag dropped him. Salt added quick boundaries, while Kohli began his scoring with a fine flick and later punished Deshpande with more elegant strokes.

RCB crossed 50 runs in five overs and closed the powerplay at 59.

Wanindu Hasaranga gave RR their first breakthrough by dismissing Salt. Kohli reached his half-century in 32 balls, his first at home this season.

Alongside him, Devdutt Padikkal kept the score ticking, aided by a dropped catch and followed it up with three sixes in the 15th over off Deshpande, taking RCB to 156/1.

RR Strike Late to Pull Back

Jofra Archer returned and removed Kohli with a slower leg-cutter. Soon after, Padikkal perished to Sandeep Sharma, with Nitish Rana taking a fumbled but successful catch. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar failed to capitalize, falling cheaply as RCB settled for 205/5.

Orange Cap Race Heating Up

With Sai Sudharsan leading and Kohli in hot pursuit, the Orange Cap race is intensifying. Consistent showings from players like Suryakumar, Pooran, Buttler, and emerging names like Jaiswal and Gill hint at more twists as the season progresses.