In the ongoing IPL season, the race for the Purple Cap, awarded to the tournament's leading wicket-taker, has seen a shift after Punjab Kings' five-wicket victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Punjab Kings' bowler Harshal Patel has once again reclaimed the top spot. During his match against the Rajasthan Royals on May 15, he picked up two wickets and conceded only 28 runs, pushing his total tally to 22 wickets.
This impressive performance puts him ahead of the previous frontrunner, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah had briefly held the Purple Cap after grabbing wickets against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 11th. Now, he finds himself in second place as Harshal Patel takes the lead once more.
The battle for the IPL's prestigious Purple Cap, awarded to the season's leading wicket-taker, continues to be a close contest. While Harshal Patel of the Punjab Kings currently holds the top spot with 22 wickets, the competition remains fierce.
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Rajasthan Royals' star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has climbed to the fourth position after taking two wickets against Punjab Kings. This pushes Delhi Capitals' bowler Khaleel Ahmed out of the top five. Ahmed had recently entered the race with a wicket against Lucknow Super Giants but now finds himself in fifth place.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders' mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy remains comfortably in third place. His economical bowling against Mumbai Indians, where he grabbed two wickets and conceded only 17 runs, has solidified his position.
Here is the updated list of bowlers who are in the Purple Cap race:
Harshal Patel (PBKS)
Known as 'Purple Patel' in the IPL, Harshal Patel has captured 22 wickets across 13 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.51. He also clinched the Purple Cap in 2021 by taking 32 wickets during the season.
Jasprit Bumrah (MI)
Renowned for his devastating yorkers, Jasprit Bumrah has been a formidable force for batsmen this season, claiming 20 wickets in 13 matches with a standout economy of 6.48, the best among all bowlers.
Varun Chakaravarthy (KKR)
As KKR's mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy has proven highly effective in the middle overs this season, taking 18 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.34.
Yuzvendra Chahal (RR)
Yuzvendra Chahal's season has seen both highs and lows, netting 17 wickets in 13 matches with an economy of 9.38. He remains the all-time leading wicket-taker in IPL history.
Khaleel Ahmed (DC)
As DC's top wicket-taker, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has secured 17 wickets in 14 matches this season, achieving an economy rate of 9.58.
Player | Team | Mat | Wkts. | Econ. | Avg. | BBI |
Harshal Patel | PBKS | 13 | 22 | 9.51 | 19.45 | 3/15 |
Jasprit Bumrah | MI | 13 | 20 | 6.48 | 16.80 | 5/21 |
Varun Chakaravarthy | KKR | 12 | 18 | 8.34 | 20.38 | 3/16 |
Mukesh Kumar | DC | 14 | 17 | 10.36 | 21.64 | 3/14 |
Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | 13 | 17 | 10.10 | 27.52 | 4/29 |
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