Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is backing Rajasthan Royals batter Yashasvi Jaiswal to win the Orange Cap in the Indian Premier League 2026. He commented after the left-handed batter scored an unbeaten 77 runs off 32 balls, leading RR to a 27-run win over the Mumbai Indians in a rain-curtailed match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
The young batter is leading batting charts in the 19th season of the tournament. “Yashasvi Jaiswal is a strong contender for the Orange Cap in the ongoing season,” R Ashwin said. Jaiswal has remained unbeaten in two games, and he has amassed 170 runs at a strike rate of over 163.
His aggressive approach alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has played a key role in Rajasthan’s unbeaten run so far.
“I will put Shubman Gill in the same bracket, but he has missed one match, so Yashasvi Jaiswal has a better chance,” he added.
He carried the momentum and took RR to 150 for 3 in 11 overs, with Mumbai failing to complete the chase.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill scored 39 in his team’s first match of the 19th season against the Punjab Kings. He was ruled out of the next game against the Rajasthan Royals. He is expected to return for the upcoming game against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on 8 April.
In an 11-over per side contest, Jaiswal went hard against the MI bowlers, adding 58 runs in just 3.2 overs in the powerplay, with the senior batter leading the charge.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan are leading the points table in the ongoing season, with all the players contributing to the success of the 2008 champions. Captain Riyan Parag has been spot on so far in the competition.
