Sanjay Manjrekar mocks Virat Kohli during IPL Orange Cap battle / © Mathrubhumi English
When the Orange Cap leaderboard was displayed during the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings on May 18, commentator Sanjay Manjrekar made a remark that many perceived as a dig at Virat Kohli. Manjrekar stated that top run-scorers now also maintain high strike rates, prompting backlash from Kohli fans on social media.
Despite this, Kohli has been a standout performer for RCB, scoring 505 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 63.13 and a strike rate of 143. He has notched up seven half-centuries this season, more than any other player. Currently, Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan leads the Orange Cap race with 617 runs in 12 matches, followed closely by teammate Shubman Gill with 601 runs.
Both have six 50+ scores, with Gill boasting a strike rate of 155.69. Yashasvi Jaiswal is third with 523 runs in 13 matches, while Suryakumar Yadav is fourth with 510 runs and a league-best strike rate of 170.56. Kohli ranks fifth, showing consistent form and being the only major contributor in RCB’s top order, with the next best being Devdutt Padikkal at 247 runs. The debate around strike rates and impact continues as the playoff race heats up.