IPL 2026 Purple Cap – Leading Wicket Takers List & Purple Cap Winners
The IPL 2026 Purple Cap is awarded to the bowler who takes the highest number of wickets during the Indian Premier League season. The Purple Cap is one of the most prestigious individual awards for bowlers in the IPL.
Throughout the tournament, the bowler with the most wickets wears the Purple Cap while fielding. If another bowler overtakes the wicket tally, the cap is passed to the new leading wicket taker.
The Purple Cap race is closely followed by cricket fans as bowlers compete to dominate the tournament and become the leading wicket taker of the season.
IPL 2026 Purple Cap Leaderboard
The IPL 2026 season has not started yet. Once the tournament begins, the leaderboard below will be updated after every match.
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | TBA | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | TBA | TBA | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | TBA | TBA | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | TBA | TBA | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | TBA | TBA | 0 | 0 |
The Purple Cap leaderboard will change throughout the IPL season as bowlers take wickets in every match.
What is the IPL Purple Cap?
The Purple Cap is awarded to the bowler who takes the highest number of wickets in a single IPL season. The award was introduced in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
Just like the Orange Cap for batsmen, the Purple Cap is worn by the leading wicket taker during the tournament.
This award recognizes the best bowling performances across the entire season.
How the Purple Cap Winner is Decided
The Purple Cap winner is determined by the total number of wickets taken during the IPL season.
- The bowler with the most wickets wins the Purple Cap.
- If two bowlers have the same number of wickets, the better bowling average decides the ranking.
- Wickets taken in playoff matches also count.
IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008–2025)
| Year | Player | Team | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings | 24 |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings | 24 |
| 2023 | Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 28 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 27 |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 32 |
| 2020 | Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals | 30 |
| 2019 | Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings | 26 |
| 2018 | Andrew Tye | Punjab Kings | 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 |
Most Purple Caps in IPL History
Some bowlers have won the Purple Cap multiple times in IPL history.
Players like Dwayne Bravo and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have dominated the Purple Cap race in different seasons.
These bowlers consistently delivered match-winning bowling performances.
Highest Wickets in a Single IPL Season
The record for the most wickets in a single IPL season is held by Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel, who both took 32 wickets in a season.
This incredible achievement highlights the dominance of these bowlers during their respective IPL seasons.
Top Contenders for IPL 2026 Purple Cap
Several world-class bowlers are expected to compete for the Purple Cap in IPL 2026.
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Rashid Khan
- Mohammed Shami
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Kagiso Rabada
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Arshdeep Singh
These bowlers have consistently performed well in the IPL and are strong contenders for the Purple Cap.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 Purple Cap race will once again be one of the most exciting competitions during the tournament.
As matches begin, bowlers from different teams will compete to become the highest wicket taker of the season.
The leaderboard will be updated throughout the tournament as bowlers continue to take wickets in every match.
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