The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is alive and kicking. A total of eight matches have been played in IPL 2023 and the franchises involved have provided immense entertainment to their loyal supporters. After six days of action in the cash-rich tournament, all teams have played at least one game while a few franchises have played two matches. While the tournament began with a blockbuster clash between the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) and four-time title winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the campaign's first weekend ended with a big-ticket clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the most successful IPL team, Mumbai Indians (MI).
In the new week thus far, GT and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) continued to stride in the right direction and flexed their muscle to rise to the top of the points table. The two franchises are tied on four points at the top of the standing. Four teams in the cash-rich tournament are yet to open their account this season.
Talking about individual performances, numerous batters, and bowlers have given a good account of their potential by winning matches for their respective teams.
Let's look at the players leading the race when it comes to the Purple Cap (leading wicket-takers).
1. Mark Wood: Lucknow Super Giants' speedster Mark Wood currently leads the chart. The right-arm pacer from England has accounted for eight wickets in just two matches, including a five-wicket haul.
2. Rashid Khan: After his three-wicket haul against the Delhi Capitals on April 4 (Tuesday), GT's premier spinner rose to second place in the leading-wicket takers chart. The leg-spinner has so far bagged five wickets in two matches.
3. Ravi Bishnoi: Lucknow Super Giants leg-spinner has also accounted for five wickets in two matches in the ongoing season so far.
4. Nathan Ellis: PBKS speedster stormed into the top 5 after a good display against the Rajasthan Royals on April 5. The right-arm Aussie pacer now has five wickets in two matches this season.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal: Rajasthan Royals' leg-spinner Chahal has played two matches so far and the veteran has five wickets to his name as well.
6. Mohammed Shami: GT's premier pacer Mohammed Shami has also picked five wickets in the two matches he has played.
7. Arshdeep Singh: Punjab frontline pacer has been terrific in IPL 2023 so far. The left-arm pacer also has five wickets in two matches played so far.
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