The Indian Premier League's (IPL) 17th edition is set to kick off on March 22 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by MS Dhoni taking on Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). While T20 was considered a batter’s game, over the years, bowlers have proved that the side with better bowling attack is likely to win the title. It is one of the reasons why franchises go all out for bowlers in the mini-auction.
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are the most expensive players in the history of IPL. While Starc is returning after an eight-year hiatus, Cummins will be leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after his success as captain in the international arena. Before the T20 extravaganza begins, here’s a look at the purple cap winners of each season since the inaugural edition in 2008 –
Sohail Tanvir
Pakistan's Sohail Tanvir was not one of the big buys in the auction. The left-arm pacer with an unusual action took 22 wickets from 11 games. His record of best bowling figures (6/14) stood for over a decade. He was a vital cog in the wheel of Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) title win.
RP Singh
Another left-arm pacer in the list, India's RP Singh played a pivotal role in Adam Gilchrist-led Deccan Chargers' triumph in IPL 2009. He took 23 wickets from 16 games including a four-wicket haul.
Pragyan Ojha
DC's Pragyan Ojha is another left-arm bowler on the list. However, this time it was a spinner to win the Purple Cap. He took 21 wickets from 16 games.
Lasith Malinga
Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga with a slinging bowling action took 28 wickets from 16 games including a five-wicket haul. However, the fast bowler could not take Mumbai Indians (MI) to the final as they were beaten by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Qualifier 2.
Morne Morkel
The tall South African pacer Morne Morkel became the first Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) bowler to win the purple cap. Morkel took 25 wickets from 16 games. The Delhi-based franchise was beaten by CSK in the Qualifier 2.
Dwayne Bravo
CSK's Dwayne Bravo was way ahead of other bowlers on the list as he won the purple cap. He took 32 wickets from 18 games whereas RR's James Faulkner took 28 wickets. CSK lost the final to MI as the latter clinched their first IPL title.
Mohit Sharma
Mohit Sharma became another CSK pacer to win the purple cap. He had 23 scalps from 16 games. CSK were beaten by Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings) in the IPL 2024 final.
Dwayne Bravo
For the third time in a row, a CSK bowler won the purple cap. Also, Bravo became the first bowler to win it twice. The Caribbean all-rounder took 26 wickets from 17 games.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling attack, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 23 wickets from 17 games. SRH beat RCB in the final to win the title.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar became the first bowler to win the purple cap for the second time on the trot. He battered his previous season's tally to take 26 wickets from 14 games including a five-wicket haul. However, SRH could not make it two in a row and were knocked out by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the eliminator.
Andrew Tye
Playing for the Punjab-based franchise, Andrew Tye became the first Australian to win the purple cap. Known for his variations, Tye took 24 wickets from 14 games including three four-fers. However, PBKS failed to make it to playoffs.
Imran Tahir
South Africa's Imran Tahir became the first leg-spinner to win the purple cap. Tahir took 26 wickets from 17 games including two four-fers. CSK lost to MI in the final by just one run.
Kagiso Rabada
South Africa's Kagiso Rabada was sensational in IPL 2020 for Delhi Capitals. Rabada took 30 wickets from 17 games including two four-fers. He played a major role in taking them to their first-ever final. However, they lost to MI in the final.
Harshal Patel
RCB's Harshal Patel equalled the record for most wickets in a single IPL season. He took 32 wickets from 15 games including one five-wicket haul. He made a name for himself as RCB’s death overs speciallist. However, RCB were knocked out by KKR in the eliminator.
Yuzvendra Chahal
After getting ignored by RCB, Yuzvendra Chahal made it count for RR. He took 27 wickets from 17 games including a five-wicket haul. RR reached the final but were beaten by GT who claimed the title in their debut season.
Mohammed Shami
It was a three-way battle for the purple cap between three GT bowlers but Mohammed Shami won it despite their loss to CSK in the final. Shami took 28 wickets from 17 games including two four-fers.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
