“Batters win you matches; bowlers win you tournaments.” This timeless adage resonates even more in T20 cricket, where bowlers often hold the key to their team’s success despite the batter-dominated nature of the format.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of cricket’s biggest stages, bowlers have consistently proven their worth, delivering match-winning performances year after year. Recognizing their contributions, the IPL introduced the prestigious Purple Cap, awarded to the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.
What Is the Purple Cap in IPL?
The Purple Cap is awarded to the bowler with the most wickets in a single IPL season, including playoff matches. Throughout the tournament, the player leading the wicket charts wears the cap on the field.
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If two or more bowlers are tied in wickets, the player with the superior economy rate takes precedence. By the end of the season, the Purple Cap is permanently awarded to the bowler who tops the charts.
IPL’s Top Wicket-Takers by Season (2008–2023)
Here’s a season-wise breakdown of IPL’s top wicket-takers:
| Season | Player | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Sohail Tanvir (RR) | 11 | 22 |
| 2009 | RP Singh (DEC) | 16 | 23 |
| 2010 | Pragyan Ojha (DEC) | 16 | 21 |
| 2011 | Lasith Malinga (MI) | 16 | 28 |
| 2012 | Morne Morkel (DD) | 16 | 25 |
| 2013 | Dwayne Bravo (CSK) | 18 | 32 |
| 2014 | Mohit Sharma (CSK) | 16 | 23 |
| 2015 | Dwayne Bravo (CSK) | 16 | 26 |
| 2016 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) | 17 | 23 |
| 2017 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) | 14 | 26 |
| 2018 | Andrew Tye (KXIP) | 14 | 24 |
| 2019 | Imran Tahir (CSK) | 17 | 26 |
| 2020 | Kagiso Rabada (DC) | 17 | 30 |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel (RCB) | 15 | 32 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal (RR) | 17 | 27 |
| 2023 | Mohammed Shami (GT) | 17 | 28 |
Memorable Purple Cap Winners in IPL History
The first-ever Purple Cap winner was Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir in IPL 2008. Representing Rajasthan Royals, he took 22 wickets in 11 matches. His standout performance came against Chennai Super Kings, where he claimed 6 for 14—an IPL record until 2019 when Alzarri Joseph surpassed it with 6 for 12.
No Pakistani players have featured in the IPL after Tanvir due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan. Indian pacers RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha carried the baton in 2009 and 2010, winning the Purple Cap while representing the Deccan Chargers. RP Singh’s 23 wickets helped the Deccan Chargers clinch the title in 2009, while Ojha’s 21 wickets powered them to the runner-up position in 2010.
The Overseas Stars
Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians), Morne Morkel (Delhi Daredevils), and Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) dominated the next three seasons from 2011 to 2013. Malinga’s 28 wickets in 2011 remain one of the most impactful performances in IPL history.
Dwayne Bravo became the first bowler to win the Purple Cap twice, achieving the feat in 2013 (32 wickets) and 2015 (26 wickets). His stellar performances for Chennai Super Kings solidified his reputation as one of the league’s finest all-rounders.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Back-to-Back Glory
Bhuvneshwar Kumar matched Bravo’s feat, winning consecutive Purple Caps in 2016 and 2017 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to deliver in the powerplay and death overs made him indispensable, taking 23 wickets in 2016 and 26 in 2017.
Noteworthy Performances Post-2018
Andrew Tye claimed the Purple Cap in 2018 for Kings XI Punjab, despite his team finishing seventh. Imran Tahir became the second spinner the next season after Pragyan Ojha to win the award. Tahir’s 26 wickets in 2019 were instrumental for Chennai Super Kings.
Kagiso Rabada dominated IPL 2020 for Delhi Capitals, taking 30 wickets in 17 matches. Harshal Patel made history in 2021 as the only uncapped player to win the Purple Cap, claiming 32 wickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In 2022, Yuzvendra Chahal’s strong comeback for Rajasthan Royals saw him claim 27 wickets. Finally, Mohammed Shami led Gujarat Titans to their second IPL final in 2023, taking 28 wickets.
Conclusion
The Purple Cap is more than just an accolade; it symbolizes a bowler’s dominance in the IPL—a batter-friendly tournament. From Tanvir’s magical spell in 2008 to Shami’s brilliance in 2023, the Purple Cap winners have defined the league’s evolution, proving that bowlers win tournaments.
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