Complete List of IPL Purple Cap Winners and the Latest Updates for IPL 2026
The Purple Cap is a prestigious award in the Indian Premier League (IPL), given to the player with the most wickets in a season, along with a cash prize of INR 10 Lakh. This accolade, alongside the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer, is highly coveted among players. Notable winners of the Purple Cap include legends like Lasith Malinga, Dwayne Bravo, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while some iconic players, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Narine, have yet to claim this honor. The award has a rich history, beginning with its inaugural winner, Sohail Tanvir, in 2008.
History of the Purple Cap
The Purple Cap was first introduced in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, with Sohail Tanvir of the Rajasthan Royals taking home the honor by securing 22 wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar made history by being the first player to win the Purple Cap in consecutive seasons, achieving this feat while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and 2017. This remarkable achievement set a benchmark for future players, showcasing the level of consistency required to excel in the tournament.
Over the years, the Purple Cap has been awarded to several outstanding bowlers, with only a few players managing to win it multiple times. Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel are among the select few who have achieved this distinction. Harshal Patel notably won the Purple Cap with two different franchises, first with Delhi Capitals in 2021 and then with Punjab Kings in 2024, demonstrating his versatility and skill across teams.
Record-Breaking Performances
Harshal Patel also holds the record for the most wickets taken in a single IPL season, amassing an impressive 32 wickets in 2021 while playing for Delhi Capitals. This record highlights the exceptional talent and performance levels that can be reached in the league. Kagiso Rabada is another standout bowler, having taken 30 wickets in the 2020 season, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament.
On the flip side, the record for the fewest wickets needed to win the Purple Cap belongs to Pragyan Ojha, who secured the title with just 21 wickets in 2010 while playing for Deccan Chargers. This statistic illustrates the varying dynamics of the tournament and how different seasons can yield different results based on player performances and team strategies.
Franchise Dominance in the Purple Cap Race
When examining franchise performance, the Hyderabad-based teams, including Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad, have collectively won the Purple Cap four times. Notable winners from this franchise include RP Singh in 2009, Pragyan Ojha in 2010, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in both 2016 and 2017. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings have also secured the Purple Cap four times, with Dwayne Bravo leading the charge in 2013 and 2015.
The Delhi franchise, encompassing both Delhi Daredevils and Delhi Capitals, has claimed the Purple Cap three times, with Morne Morkel winning in 2012, followed by Kagiso Rabada and Harshal Patel in consecutive seasons. Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings have each won the award twice, while Gujarat Titans have seen success with Mohammad Shami in 2023 and current holder Prasidh Krishna in 2025. The Mumbai Indians have only one Purple Cap win, achieved by Lasith Malinga in 2011.
Player Breakdown: Overseas vs. Indian Bowlers
In the 18 seasons of the IPL, the competition for the Purple Cap has seen a balanced representation between overseas and Indian players. Overseas bowlers have claimed the award eight times, while Indian players have taken home the title ten times. This statistic reflects the diverse talent pool in the league, showcasing the skills of both domestic and international players.
Currently, the Purple Cap is held by Prasidh Krishna of Gujarat Titans, who achieved a remarkable 25 wickets in the IPL 2025 season. His performance underscores the ongoing competition and the high standards set within the league, as players continue to strive for excellence in pursuit of this prestigious accolade.
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