The Purple Cap is a coveted prize that every bowler in the IPL wants to win. It is given to the bowler won the most wickets in IPL during the season. The bowler with the most wickets wears the Purple Cap while in the field, and in case of a tie, the bowler with a better economy rate gets the Purple Cap.
In this article, we will look at the history of the Purple Cap in IPL, the list of of players who won the purple cap from 2008 to 2023, and the stats and won the most wickets in IPL Purple Cap Winners.
History of the Purple Cap in IPL
The Purple Cap was introduced in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, along with the Orange Cap. The idea was to reward the best bowlers and batsmen of the tournament and to encourage them to perform better. The first Purple Cap winner was Sohail Tanvir of Rajasthan Royals, who took 22 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 12.09 and an economy rate of 6.46. He also took the best bowling figures of 6/14 in the IPL that season.
Since then, the Purple Cap has been won by different bowlers from different teams and countries, such as Lasith Malinga, Morne Morkel, Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, and Harshal Patel. The Purple Cap has also witnessed some close contests and some dominant performances over the years.
List of the Purple Cap winners from 2008 to 2023
Here is the list of all the Purple Cap winners from 2008 to 2023, along with their stats and records.
Mohammad Shami (2023) – He took 28 wickets in 17 matches, with the best figures of 4/11He was also the leading wicket-taker for the Gujarat Titans, who finished as the runners-up in the season. Shami is known for his effectiveness in the powerplay overs, where he often picks up early wickets and sets the tone for his team. He is also a handy lower-order batsman, who can score some quick runs when needed.
Yuzvendra Chahal (2022): The leg-spinner from Rajasthan Royals was the most lethal bowler in IPL 2022, claiming 27 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 19.51 and an economy of 7.75. He also took the first five-wicket haul of the season, against Gujarat Titans, and helped his team reach the playoffs.
Harshal Patel (2021): The medium-pacer from Royal Challengers Bangalore had a breakthrough season in IPL 2021, picking up 32 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 14.34 and an economy of 8.14. He was the first bowler to take more than 30 wickets in a single IPL season, and also took a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians.
Kagiso Rabada (2020): The South African speedster from Delhi Capitals was the spearhead of their bowling attack in IPL 2020, taking 30 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 18.26 and an economy of 8.34. He was instrumental in taking his team to their first-ever IPL final, and also took four wickets in an over against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Imran Tahir (2019): The veteran spinner from Chennai Super Kings was the most economical bowler in IPL 2019, taking 26 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 16.57 and an economy of 6.69. He also took two four-wicket hauls, against Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, and was the oldest player to win the purple cap at the age of 40.
Andrew Tye (2018): The Australian pacer from Kings XI Punjab was the surprise package of IPL 2018, taking 24 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 18.66 and an economy of 8. He also took three four-wicket hauls, against Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, and was the only bowler to do so in that season.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2017): The swing bowler from Sunrisers Hyderabad retained his purple cap in IPL 2017, taking 26 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 14.19 and an economy of 7.05. He also took the first five-wicket haul of the season, against Kings XI Punjab, and was the leading wicket-taker for his team.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016): The Sunrisers Hyderabad seamer was the key factor in their maiden IPL title triumph in 2016, taking 23 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 21.3 and an economy of 7.42. He also took a four-wicket haul against Gujarat Lions in the Qualifier 2, and was the most consistent bowler for his team.
Dwayne Bravo (2015): The West Indian all-rounder from Chennai Super Kings was the most versatile bowler in IPL 2015, taking 26 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 16.38 and an economy of 8.14. He also took two four-wicket hauls, against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, and was the second-highest wicket-taker for his team.
Mohit Sharma (2014): The medium-pacer from Chennai Super Kings was the most effective bowler in IPL 2014, taking 23 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 19.65 and an economy of 8.39. He also took a four-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians, and was the highest wicket-taker for his team.
Dwayne Bravo (2013): The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder was the most prolific bowler in IPL 2013, taking 32 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 15.53 and an economy of 7.95. He also took a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and was the first bowler to take more than 30 wickets in a single IPL season.
Morne Morkel (2012): The South African fast bowler from Delhi Daredevils was the most lethal bowler in IPL 2012, taking 25 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 18.12 and an economy of 7.19. He also took a four-wicket haul against Kings XI Punjab, and was the highest wicket-taker for his team.
Lasith Malinga (2011): The Sri Lankan slinger from Mumbai Indians was the most dominant bowler in IPL 2011, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 13.39 and an economy of 5.95. He also took a five-wicket haul against Delhi Daredevils, and was the only bowler to do so in that season.
Pragyan Ojha (2010): The left-arm spinner from Deccan Chargers was the most economical bowler in IPL 2010, taking 21 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 20.42 and an economy of 7.29. He also took a four-wicket haul against Rajasthan Royals, and was the highest wicket-taker for his team.
RP Singh (2009): The left-arm seamer from Deccan Chargers was the most consistent bowler in IPL 2009, taking 23 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 18.13 and an economy of 6.98. He also took a four-wicket haul against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and was the leading wicket-taker for his team.
Sohail Tanvir (2008): The Pakistani pacer from Rajasthan Royals was the most sensational bowler in the inaugural IPL season, taking 22 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 12.09 and an economy of 6.46. He also took a six-wicket haul against Chennai Super Kings, and was the only bowler to do so in that season.
Stats and records of the most wickets in IPL
- Here are some of the interesting stats and records of the most wickets in IPL.
- The most wickets in a single IPL season is 32, achieved by Harshal Patel of RCB in 2021.
- The most wickets in IPL history is 187, achieved by Yuzvendra Chahal of RR as of June 2023.
- The best bowling figures in an IPL match is 6/12, achieved by Alzarri Joseph of MI against SRH in 2019.
- The best bowling average in IPL history is 13.39, achieved by Lasith Malinga of MI with a minimum of 20 wickets.
- The best bowling economy in IPL history is 5.95, achieved by Lasith Malinga of MI with a minimum of 20 wickets.
- The best bowling strike rate in IPL history is 8.72, achieved by Mark Wood of LSG with a minimum of 10 wickets.
- The most four-wicket hauls in IPL history is 3, achieved by Andrew Tye of KXIP, Yuzvendra Chahal of RR, and Sam Curran of PBKS.
- The most five-wicket hauls in IPL history is 2, achieved by James Faulkner of RR and Jaydev Unadkat of RPS.
- The most wickets in a single IPL match is 6, achieved by Alzarri Joseph of MI, Sohail Tanvir of RR, Adam Zampa of RPS, Anil Kumble of
- RCB, Ishant Sharma of DC, and Lasith Malinga of MI.
- The most wickets in a single IPL over is 5, achieved by Akash Madhwal of MI against GT in 2023.
- The most wickets in a single IPL spell is 6, achieved by Alzarri Joseph of MI against SRH in 2019.
- The most wickets in a single IPL innings is 11, achieved by Mohammad Shami of GT against MI in 2023.
- The most wickets in a single IPL partnership is 7, achieved by Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj of RCB against MI in 2021.
- The most wickets in a single IPL powerplay is 5, achieved by Deepak Chahar of CSK against PBKS in 2021.
- The most wickets in a single IPL death overs is 6, achieved by Akash Madhwal of MI against GT in 2023.
Conclusion
The Purple Cap is a prestigious award that recognizes the best bowlers of the IPL season. It is a testament to the skill, consistency, and impact of the bowlers who have taken the most wickets in the tournament. The Purple Cap winners have also played a crucial role in their team’s success and have entertained the fans with their bowling performances. The IPL 2023 season saw Mohammad Shami of GT win the Purple Cap with 28 wickets, followed by Mohit Sharma of GT and Rashid Khan of GT with 27 wickets each. The IPL 2023 season also witnessed some remarkable bowling feats and records, such as Akash Madhwal’s 5 wickets in an over, Mohammad Shami’s 11 wickets in an innings, and Mark Wood’s 5/14. The IPL 2023 season was a treat for the cricket lovers and the Purple Cap race was one of the highlights of the tournament.















