Table of Contents
Introduction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its thrilling batting performances, but the bowlers are equally crucial to their team’s success. Among the numerous individual awards in the IPL, the Purple Cap holds a special place. Awarded to the highest wicket-taker of the season, the Purple Cap has become a symbol of excellence for bowlers in this high-octane T20 format.
In this article, we delve into the IPL Purple Cap winners list from 2008 to 2024, spotlighting the players who have excelled with the ball and helped their teams dominate the tournament. From iconic players like Lasith Malinga to modern-day stars like Mohammed Shami and Harshal Patel, the Purple Cap winners have consistently delivered match-winning performances.
What is the Purple Cap?
The Purple Cap is awarded to the bowler with the most wickets in a given IPL season. First introduced in IPL 2008, the Purple Cap adds a dynamic competition for bowlers, with the cap being passed between the leading wicket-takers throughout the tournament until the final match. The final Purple Cap winner is decided based on who finishes the season with the most wickets.
IPL Purple Cap Winners: A Tradition of Excellence
1. Harshal Patel – 2024 Purple Cap Holder
In IPL 2024, the Purple Cap was claimed by Harshal Patel for his remarkable bowling performance for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Patel took 24 wickets in the tournament, maintaining an economy rate of 9.73 and an average of 19.87 across 14 matches. His ability to pick up crucial wickets in the middle and death overs made him an essential asset for his team.
This is not Harshal Patel’s first time as the Purple Cap holder. In IPL 2021, he set a record by taking 32 wickets, the most by any bowler in a single IPL season. His resurgence in 2024 demonstrates his consistency and adaptability in the fast-paced T20 format.
2. Mohammed Shami – 2023 Purple Cap Winner
In IPL 2023, Mohammed Shami of Gujarat Titans (GT) emerged as the Purple Cap winner with 28 wickets in 17 matches. Shami’s economy rate of 8.03 and an impressive average of 18.64 made him one of the standout bowlers of the tournament. Known for his deadly accuracy and ability to swing the ball, Shami played a key role in Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack, guiding them through crucial moments.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal – 2022 Purple Cap Winner
Yuzvendra Chahal, the wily leg-spinner from Rajasthan Royals (RR), was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2022. Chahal took 27 wickets in 17 matches, with an economy of 7.75 and an average of 19.52. His control in the middle overs and his knack for picking up key wickets helped Rajasthan Royals secure vital wins throughout the season.
IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008-2024)
| Year | Player | Team | Wickets |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings | 24 |
| 2023 | Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 28 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 27 |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 32 |
| 2020 | Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals | 30 |
| 2019 | Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings | 26 |
| 2018 | Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab | 24 |
| 2017 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 26 |
| 2016 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 23 |
| 2015 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 26 |
| 2014 | Mohit Sharma | Chennai Super Kings | 23 |
| 2013 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 32 |
| 2012 | Morne Morkel | Delhi Daredevils | 25 |
| 2011 | Lasith Malinga | Mumbai Indians | 28 |
| 2010 | Pragyan Ojha | Deccan Chargers | 21 |
| 2009 | RP Singh | Deccan Chargers | 23 |
| 2008 | Sohail Tanvir | Rajasthan Royals | 22 |
Iconic Purple Cap Performances
1. Harshal Patel’s Record-Breaking 2021 Season
In IPL 2021, Harshal Patel broke the record for the most wickets taken in a single IPL season with 32 wickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His economy rate of 8.14 and average of 14.34 reflected his dominance with the ball, especially in the death overs. Patel’s slower balls and yorkers made him a nightmare for opposing batsmen, earning him the Purple Cap that season.
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Back-to-Back Purple Caps (2016, 2017)
One of the most consistent bowlers in IPL history, Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the Purple Cap twice consecutively in 2016 and 2017. In IPL 2017, Kumar took 26 wickets with an economy of 7.05, while in IPL 2016, he claimed 23 wickets. His ability to swing the ball upfront and deliver pinpoint yorkers at the death made him an invaluable asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Most Runs in an Innings in IPL 2024
3. Dwayne Bravo’s Versatility for Chennai Super Kings
Dwayne Bravo, the West Indian all-rounder, is one of the most versatile bowlers in T20 cricket. Bravo won the Purple Cap twice—first in 2013 with 32 wickets and again in 2015 with 26 wickets for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Known for his slower deliveries and variations, Bravo became one of the most feared bowlers in the death overs.
4. Lasith Malinga’s Mastery in 2011
Lasith Malinga, one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time, claimed the Purple Cap in IPL 2011 with 28 wickets for Mumbai Indians (MI). His ability to consistently bowl toe-crushing yorkers and maintain an economy rate of 5.95 made him a vital figure in Mumbai’s bowling attack.
The Importance of the Purple Cap
While the Orange Cap honors the batsman with the most runs, the Purple Cap highlights the bowlers who make a difference with their wicket-taking abilities. In the fast-paced format of T20 cricket, bowlers often face the challenge of containing explosive batsmen, but the Purple Cap winners have managed to turn the tide in their favor. These bowlers not only help restrict the opposition’s total but also provide crucial breakthroughs at key moments, making them indispensable to their teams.
Conclusion
The IPL Purple Cap winners list from 2008 to 2024 showcases the best bowling talents in the world. Whether it’s Harshal Patel’s record-breaking feats, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s consistency, or Lasith Malinga’s mastery, these bowlers have left an indelible mark on IPL history. As the tournament evolves, new stars will continue to emerge, battling for the prestigious Purple Cap and etching their names in IPL folklore.
With every IPL season, the competition for the Purple Cap intensifies, and cricket fans are treated to thrilling bowling performances. As we await the next edition of the IPL, one can only wonder who will rise to the occasion and claim the Purple Cap in 2024.
