In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 season, which batsman won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs?

Introduction / Context:
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world, and individual awards such as the Orange Cap for the highest run scorer are frequently tested in sports general knowledge. This question focuses on the 2018 IPL season and asks which batsman topped the run charts to win the Orange Cap. Remembering such records helps candidates keep track of modern cricket statistics and star performers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The tournament is specifically IPL 2018.
• The award in question is the Orange Cap, given to the leading run scorer across the season.
• Options include several prominent batsmen who performed well in that year.
• We assume standard IPL rules, where the Orange Cap goes to the player with the highest aggregate runs in the league stage and playoffs combined.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, we recall the batting performances in IPL 2018. Kane Williamson, captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, was in exceptional form throughout the tournament, scoring over 700 runs. While players like Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu also had strong seasons, they did not surpass Williamson’s total run tally. Therefore the correct approach is to compare remembered aggregate runs and recognize Kane Williamson as the leading scorer and Orange Cap winner of IPL 2018.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the year as IPL 2018 and remember key batting performances from that season.Step 2: Recall that Kane Williamson consistently scored fifties and anchored the Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup.Step 3: Note that Rishabh Pant had an explosive season but still finished slightly behind Kane Williamson in total runs.Step 4: Compare this with Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu, who had good seasons but did not reach the same run aggregate.Step 5: Conclude that Kane Williamson finished as the highest run scorer, earning the Orange Cap for IPL 2018.

Verification / Alternative check:
As an alternative check, one can recall that scoreboard graphics and post tournament summaries frequently highlighted Kane Williamson’s run tally, often around the 735 run mark in that season. Many cricket news outlets praised his consistency and calm leadership, linking him directly with the Orange Cap. When compared with Rishabh Pant’s slightly lower total, this memory reinforces the choice of Williamson as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rishabh Pant scored heavily and was among the top run scorers, but he finished just behind the leader. Virat Kohli is a prolific batsman but did not top the charts in the 2018 season. Ambati Rayudu had a standout season for Chennai Super Kings but still did not surpass Williamson’s total. Shikhar Dhawan, another Sunrisers batsman, gave solid starts but did not outscore his captain. Therefore, none of these players besides Kane Williamson won the Orange Cap in 2018.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes assume that the most famous player or the captain of the winning team automatically wins the Orange Cap. However, IPL awards are based purely on statistics, not popularity or team success. Another pitfall is mixing up seasons, for example confusing the 2016 or 2019 Orange Cap winners with 2018. Paying attention to the exact season mentioned and linking it with the correct batting record helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The batsman who won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in IPL 2018 is Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad).