IPL 2021: Top six highest run-scorers: Shikhar Dhawan jumps to the top; Mayank Agarwal rises to sixth

Ahmedabad, April 30: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is witnessing some sensational batting performances and the players are trying their best to outperform others and stay at the top of the standings.

The batting performances in this cash-rich league always draws attention because top batsmen from different franchises give each other stiff competition and claim the prestigious 'Orange Cap' at the end of the season.

This edition of the IPL is no different as there are quite a few contenders in the race for Orange Cap. Interestingly, this year most of the runs are being scored by openers of various franchises and hence the race for Orange Cap is pretty interesting as we witness a new holder of the cap after every game.

Here are the highest run-scorers in IPL 2021 (till May 2):

1. Shikhar Dhawan:

The Delhi Capitals opener has so far scored 380 runs in 8 games and now sits at the top of the standings. The southpaw scored at a strike rate of 134.28 and slammed four half-centuries. He's smashed 43 fours and eight maximums in the tournament so far.

2. KL Rahul:

The Punjab Kings captain has scored at a strike rate of 136.21 in the ongoing tournament. He has slammed four fifties so far. He's hit 27 fours and 16 maximums. Unfortunately, he's been diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery. This means KL Rahul is set to miss the remainder of the tournament.

3. Faf du Plessis:

The Chennai Super Kings batsman is the third opener in the list of leading run-scorers in the tournament. The former South Africa captain has amassed 320 runs with 95* being the highest. He has slammed 4 fifties. The right-handed batsman scored at a strike rate of 144.45. In 7 games, Du Plessis has hit 29 boundaries and 13 sixes.

4. Prithvi Shaw:

The Delhi Capitals opener is showing signs of his class and the talent he possesses. The young right-handed batsman has scored 308 runs in 8 games with 82 being the highest. With 166.49, Shaw has the highest strike rate amongst openers in the tournament. The Mumbai batsman has slammed 3 fifties. He's hit 37 boundaries and 12 sixes.

5. Sanju Samson:

The Rajasthan Royals captain is the fifth on the list and only non-opener in the race of Orange Cap. Samson has so far scored 277 runs in 7 games, with 119 being the highest. Samson has scored at a strike rate of 145.79 and slammed 1 century and a fifty. He has hit 26 fours and 11 sixes.

6. Mayank Agarwal

The Punjab Kings' newly-appointed captain in the absence of KL Rahul is finally picking up in this race. Against Delhi Capitals, the right-handed batsman scored unbeaten 99 off 58 deliveries.

That knock helped Mayank jump to the sixth position. Mayank has so far scored 260 runs in 7 games. He has slammed 2 fifties but smashed 24 boundaries and 11 maximums.