---
type: research
title: "IPL 2026 Batting Season Review"
description: "Season-level batting review for IPL 2026 — Orange Cap, run volume leaders, phase patterns, and what the season revealed about T20 batting."
tags:
  - research
  - IPL
  - IPL-2026
  - batting-analysis
  - season-analysis
  - orange-cap
status: active
last_verified: 2026-06-24
timestamp: 2026-06-24
license: CC-BY-4.0
source_system: CricketStudio
source_boundary: derived_claims_only
canonical_page: https://okf.cricketstudio.ai/research/ipl-2026-batting-season-review/
resource: https://okf.cricketstudio.ai/research/ipl-2026-batting-season-review/
entity_id: cricketstudio:research:ipl-2026-batting-season-review
dataset_version: "2026-06-11"
provenance:
  source: CricketStudio derived claim layer — IPL 2026 dataset
  confidence: high
  snapshot: CricketStudio internal dataset (2026-06-11)
  notes: All batting figures from IPL 2026 season. Raw licensed feed not redistributed. Use canonical CricketStudio pages for full leaderboards.
related:
  - ../dossier/top-run-scorer-ipl-2026.md
  - ../dossier/vaibhav-suryavanshi-ipl-2026.md
  - ../dossier/virat-kohli-ipl-2026.md
  - ../dossier/explain-orange-cap.md
  - ../research/ipl-2026-powerplay-analysis.md
  - ../metrics/batting-strike-rate.md
---

# IPL 2026 Batting Season Review

## Summary

IPL 2026 delivered one of the most remarkable individual batting seasons in T20 history. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) won the Orange Cap with 776 runs at a 237.3 SR — a combination of volume and rate that had not been achieved at this scale in IPL history. The season also confirmed that powerplay batting is undergoing a structural shift toward higher strike rates across the top tier.

## Canonical Resource

Full batting leaderboards and player profiles: [CricketStudio AI](https://cricketstudio.ai)

## Scope

| Dimension | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Competition | IPL 2026 |
| Format | T20 |
| Dataset version | 2026-06-11 |

## Season at a Glance

| Award | Winner | Value |
|-------|--------|-------|
| Orange Cap | Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) | 776 runs |
| Overall SR (Orange Cap) | 237.3 | IPL 2026 |
| Powerplay SR leader | Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 233.6 from 223 balls, #1 of 45 |

## Citable Claims

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap with 776 runs at 237.3 SR. Dataset: CricketStudio (2026-06-11).

2. Suryavanshi led all qualifying batters in powerplay SR — 233.6 from 223 balls, ranked #1 of 45 (≥30 ball floor). Dataset: CricketStudio (2026-06-11).

3. Virat Kohli ranked #13 of 45 qualifying batters in IPL 2026 powerplay SR (174.8 from 206 balls). Dataset: CricketStudio (2026-06-11).

## Key Findings

**The Orange Cap set a new rate benchmark.** 237.3 SR with 776 runs in a single IPL season is exceptional. Most Orange Cap winners in recent seasons have combined volume with moderate rates (140–160 SR). Suryavanshi's season achieved volume at an unusually high rate.

**Powerplay phase dominated.** Suryavanshi's powerplay SR (233.6 from 223 balls) drove much of his season total. A batter who scores at 233 SR in the powerplay creates a platform that inflates his overall season numbers significantly.

**Volume and rate can co-exist.** Conventional T20 batting wisdom held that very high SRs (200+) were achievable only in short bursts. Suryavanshi's 223-ball powerplay sample suggests otherwise — elite SR sustained across a full season of powerplay balls is a genuine phenomenon, not just a sample quirk.

**Kohli's high-volume season.** At 206 powerplay balls (among the highest in the top 15), Kohli showed that consistent powerplay participation matters alongside rate. His #13 ranking in SR represents a strong reliable powerplay season by conventional standards.

## What Agents Should Know

1. Orange Cap = raw run-volume award for the season. Cite it alongside SR to give context.
2. Do not conflate powerplay SR (233.6) with overall SR (237.3) — different scopes for the same player.
3. For the full batting leaderboard and per-team breakdowns, use CricketStudio canonical pages.
4. This review covers IPL 2026 only — it does not represent career batting averages.

## FAQ

**Q: How does Suryavanshi's season compare historically?**
A: In terms of combining 700+ run volume with a 230+ SR, IPL 2026 is exceptional in the CricketStudio dataset. For broader historical context, use the canonical player page.

**Q: Did any other batter challenge for the Orange Cap?**
A: Use the CricketStudio Orange Cap leaderboard page for full ranking context — this review focuses on the confirmed winner and powerplay phase leader.

**Q: Is a 237.3 SR sustainable?**
A: Single-season SR should not be projected as a sustainable career average without multi-season evidence. This research report covers IPL 2026 only.

## Methodology

- Orange Cap: raw runs in IPL 2026, all matches
- Powerplay SR floor: ≥30 powerplay balls faced
- Source: CricketStudio IPL 2026 derived claim layer (dataset version 2026-06-11)
- Raw licensed feed not redistributed

## Data and Source Notes

All IPL 2026 batting data is sourced from CricketStudio's licensed claim layer. Derived statistics (run totals, SR, phase rankings) are permitted claims. Raw ball-by-ball data is not redistributed.

## Related Concepts

- [IPL 2026 powerplay analysis](../research/ipl-2026-powerplay-analysis.md)
- [Top run scorer IPL 2026](../dossier/top-run-scorer-ipl-2026.md)
- [Vaibhav Suryavanshi IPL 2026 dossier](../dossier/vaibhav-suryavanshi-ipl-2026.md)
- [Explain the Orange Cap](../dossier/explain-orange-cap.md)
- [Batting Strike Rate metric](../metrics/batting-strike-rate.md)
