The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been about big-hitting batting, but bowlers help in guiding the team to victory by handling pressure situations and restricting opponents by scoring runs either by dot balls or taking wickets.
From the first season of 2008 through the most recent in 2024, this award has remained a measure of the excellence, consistency, and dominance of among the greatest bowlers on earth.
Breakdown Yearly of Purple Cap Winners
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2008: Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals)
During the first season, Sohail Tanvir broke the record by picking 22 wickets in just 11 matches. His phenomenal performance made Rajasthan Royals triumph in the IPL trophy, and he became the first-ever Purple Cap winner.
2009: RP Singh (Deccan Chargers)
RP Singh established himself in the 2009 season, picking up 23 wickets in 16 games. His knack for providing crucial breakthroughs made him a precious gem for the Deccan Chargers.
2010: Pragyan Ojha (Deccan Chargers)
Pragyan Ojha followed in RP Singh’s footsteps, collecting 21 wickets in 16 games in the season. His effective and disciplined left-arm spin bowling was a major factor in Deccan Chargers’ impressive campaign during the year.
2011: Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians)
Lasith Malinga’s brilliant death bowling was in action in 2011 as he took 28 wickets from 16 matches. Famous for his toe-ending yorkers, Malinga was one of the most intimidating bowlers to have played IPL.
2012: Morne Morkel (Delhi Capitals)
Morne Morkel’s pace and bounce were too great for the opposition as he bagged 25 wickets in 16 games for Delhi Capitals, a best season for the South African pacer.
2013: Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings)
Dwayne Bravo elevated his game in 2013, with 26 wickets from 18 matches. His all-rounder qualities and his capacity to deliver under pressure led to him claiming the Purple Cap.
2014: Mohit Sharma (Chennai Super Kings)
Mohit Sharma also enjoyed an excellent season in 2014, taking 23 wickets in 16 games. His line and length were consistent, making him a vital force for Chennai Super Kings.
2015: Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings)
Bravo extended his dominance in IPL bowling, winning his second Purple Cap in 2015 by taking 26 wickets in 16 matches, reflecting his overall bowling prowess.
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2016 & 2017: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s consistency earned him dividends as he took Purple Caps in two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017. His 23 wickets in 2016 and 26 wickets in 2017 were made possible due to his swing and accuracy, making him one of the most reliable bowlers in the IPL.
2018: Andrew Tye (Kings XI Punjab)
Andrew Tye’s vast variation arsenal, along with his deadly yorkers and slower ones, allowed him to pick up 24 wickets in 14 matches and win the Purple Cap for 2018.
2019: Imran Tahir (Chennai Super Kings)
Imran Tahir’s masterful leg-spin bowling won him the Purple Cap in 2019 with 26 wickets in 17 matches. His ability to turn the ball sharply and puzzle batsmen by creating variations proved to be his forte.
2020: Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals)
Kagiso Rabada was fantastic in the 2020 season, taking 30 wickets in 17 matches. His pace and ability to consistently hit at speed made him one of the best players of the tournament.
2021: Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Harshal Patel caused a storm in 2021 with his intelligent variations and ingeniously camouflaged slower balls, finishing the season with 32 wickets from 15 matches. He equaled Dwayne Bravo’s record for wickets in a season.
2022: Yuzvendra Chahal (Rajasthan Royals)
Yuzvendra Chahal’s scintillating leg-spin bowling allowed him to claim the Purple Cap in 2022. He picked up 27 wickets in 17 games, employing his guile and accuracy to mislead batsmen throughout the year.
2023: Mohammed Shami (Gujarat Titans)
Mohammed Shami had an impressive year in 2023, taking 28 wickets in 17 games. His consistent seam bowling and the ability to play under any conditions were the main reasons behind his Purple Cap victory.
2024: Harshal Patel (Punjab Kings)
Harshal Patel regained his form in 2024 and won his second Purple Cap with 24 wickets in 14 games. His use of variation in pace, particularly his slow ball, was his go-to weapon for the season.
The Purple Cap’s Importance
The Purple Cap is not only a personal honor. It honors the lead role bowlers take in the IPL, a competition where the batsmen take most of the attention. With the award of the highest wicket-taker, the Purple Cap gives seriousness to the bowling career within a tournament that is otherwise infamous for big batting hits.
Winning the Purple Cap tends to seal a bowler’s place in IPL history and gain them international fame, as they not only help their team win but also add to the overall thrill of the tournament. The Purple Cap is a strong symbol of consistency, ability, and the capacity to perform when it counts.
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