Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has backed Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan to emerge as the top run-scorer in IPL 2025, placing his faith in the 23-year-old Tamil Nadu batter to deliver a standout performance. Alongside this, Jaffer predicted Punjab Kings’ left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to clinch the Purple Cap for the most wickets this season.
The two young talents are set to face off when Gujarat takes on Punjab on March 25, adding extra excitement to the clash. Arshdeep had a strong campaign in IPL 2024, taking 19 wickets at an average of 26.58, though his economy rate was on the higher side.
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Despite this, Jaffer sees potential in the youngster to dominate with the ball. Sharing his predictions on social media, Jaffer tweeted, “IPL is almost here. Drop your orange cap and purple cap predictions below. I’m leaning towards Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep.”
IPL is almost here. Drop your orange cap, purple cap predictions below. I’m leaning towards Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep. #IPL2025
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 22, 2025
In recent seasons, Indian players have dominated the race for the Orange and Purple Caps. Virat Kohli and Harshal Patel claimed the honours in IPL 2024, while Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami took the accolades in IPL 2023. English batter Jos Buttler secured the Orange Cap in 2022, while South African pacer Kagiso Rabada topped the wickets chart in IPL 2020.
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Despite a limited role at the top order in IPL 2024, Sudharsan might step up to bat at No. 3, especially since Gujarat acquired Buttler during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, Sudharsan’s recent form has been a mixed bag. After undergoing hernia surgery in December, he played just one Ranji Trophy match for Tamil Nadu, managing only nine runs across two innings.
In the last IPL meeting between Gujarat and Punjab, Sudharsan scored a cautious 34-ball 31, while Arshdeep picked up a wicket in his 13-ball spell. Notably, Sudharsan has fared decently against Arshdeep in the IPL, scoring 31 runs off 20 balls with a strike rate of 155, while being dismissed just once. As IPL 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on these two emerging stars to see if they can live up to Jaffer’s high expectations.
