The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world. Since its inception in 2008, the tournament has witnessed some of the best bowling performances from around the world. The Purple Cap is awarded to the bowler with the most wickets in the tournament. Only Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo have received the Purple Cap two times. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only player in history to have won the Purple Cap in two consecutive seasons, taking 23 and 27 wickets in 2016 and 2017. It will interesting to watch out who will the Purple Cap Holder in IPL 2023. In this article, we will take a look at the list of Purple Cap holders from 2008-2022.
1. Sohail Tanvir (2008)- 22 Wickets
Sohail Tanvir, the Pakistani left-arm fast-medium bowler, made history in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 by becoming the first-ever Purple Cap holder.
Tanvir was a relatively unknown player in the IPL auction, but Rajasthan Royals (RR) picked him up for $100,000. The decision to pick him up turned out to be a masterstroke as Tanvir went on to become the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 22 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 12.09 and an economy rate of 6.46.
What made Tanvir’s performances even more remarkable was the fact that he bowled with an unorthodox action, with a unique slingy bowling action that made it difficult for the batsmen to pick his deliveries. He swung the ball both ways, and his variations in pace and length made him a difficult bowler to face.
Tanvir’s best performance in the tournament came against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Jaipur, where he picked up 6 wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs, which remains the best bowling figures in the IPL. He picked up 22 wickets in 11 matches and because of that Rajasthan Royals lifted the inaugural IPL trophy.
2. RP Singh (2009)- 23 Wickets
India’s fast bowler RP Singh, who was playing for the Deccan Chargers (DC), won the Purple Cap in the league’s second edition.
In the 2009 season of the IPL, Singh won the Purple Cap, becoming the second player to do so after Sohail Tanvir in 2008. Singh picked up 23 wickets in 16 matches for Deccan Chargers at an average of 18.13 and an economy rate of 6.98. He played a crucial role in DC’s campaign, helping them win their first IPL title.
RP Singh’s ability to swing the ball both ways and his skillful use of variations made him a tough bowler to face for any batsman. He had a successful international career as well, playing for India in all three formats of the game.
3. Pragyan Ojha (2010)- 21 Wickets
Pragyan Ojha is a former Indian cricketer who played as a left-arm orthodox spinner. He won the Purple Cap in the 2010 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for the Deccan Chargers (DC).
Ojha picked up 21 wickets in 16 matches with an average of 20.42 and an economy rate of 7.29. His best performance in the tournament came against the Mumbai Indians(MI), where he picked up 3 wickets for just 26 runs in his four overs.
Ojha’s performances in the 2010 season of the IPL were crucial to the Deccan Chargers’ campaign, as they finished in 4th place in the tournament. He had a remarkable ability to outfox the batsmen with his variations in pace and flight, which made him a difficult bowler to face.
After retiring from cricket, Pragyan Ojha has been involved in coaching and mentoring young cricketers. He has also been a part of various cricketing analysis panels and has shared his knowledge and expertise with the cricketing fraternity.
4. Lasith Malinga (2011)- 28 Wickets
Lasith Malinga is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who played as a right-arm fast bowler. He won the Purple Cap in the 2011 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for the Mumbai Indians. Malinga was instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ title-winning campaign in 2011, where he picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches with an average of 13.39 and an economy rate of 5.95.
Malinga’s best bowling figures for the 2011 IPL season came against the Delhi Daredevils, where he picked up 5 wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs. He had a unique action and a mastery of the yorker, which made him a difficult bowler to face for any batsman.
Malinga was a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians over the years, picking up wickets at crucial junctures and putting the brakes on the opposition’s scoring rate. He retired from international cricket in 2019 and from franchise cricket in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the IPL.
5. Morne Morkel (2012)- 25 Wickets
Morne Morkel is a former South African cricketer who played as a right-arm fast bowler. He won the Purple Cap in the 2012 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for the Delhi Daredevils. Morkel was the leading wicket-taker in the 2012 season, picking up 25 wickets in 16 matches with an average of 18.12 and an economy rate of 7.19.
Morkel’s best bowling figures for the 2012 IPL season came against the Kings XI Punjab, where he picked up 4 wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. He had a tall and imposing presence on the field, which made him a difficult bowler to face for any batsman.
Morkel’s performances in the 2012 season of the IPL were crucial to 6.the Delhi Daredevils’ campaign, as they finished in 3rd place in the tournament. He had a successful international career as well, playing for South Africa in all three formats of the game.
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6. Dwayne Bravo (2013)- 32 Wickets
Dwayne Bravo is a former West Indian cricketer who played as an all-rounder. He won the Purple Cap in the 2013 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for the Chennai Super Kings. Bravo was the leading wicket-taker in the 2013 season, picking up 32 wickets in 18 matches with an average of 15.53 and an economy rate of 7.95.
Bravo’s best bowling figures for the 2013 IPL season came against the Mumbai indians, where he picked up 4 wickets for just 42 runs in his four overs. He had a variety of slower balls and was particularly effective at the death overs.
Bravo’s performances in the 2013 season of the IPL were crucial to the Chennai Super Kings’ campaign, as they finished as the runners-up in the tournament. He was known for his flamboyant style on and off the field, and was a crowd favorite in the IPL.
7. Mohit Sharma (2014)- 23 wickets
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a tournament that showcases some of the world’s best cricketing talent. Every year, fans look forward to the performances of their favorite players and teams. One of the most coveted awards in the tournament is the Purple Cap, which is awarded to the leading wicket-taker of the season. In the 2014 season of the IPL, it was Mohit Sharma who won the Purple Cap.
Mohit Sharma was a key member of the Chennai Super Kings’ bowling attack in the 2014 season. The Indian pacer was in superb form and used his variations to great effect, picking up 23 wickets in 16 matches with an average of 19.65 and 8.39 economy rate. His performances were crucial to the team’s success that season. However, despite his impressive performances, Mohit’s career slowly declined over the years. He finds himself without an IPL contract and hasn’t played for India in the last six years. Nonetheless, his achievements in the 2014 season will always be remembered by fans of the tournament.
8. Dwane Bravo (2015)- 26 wickets
Dwayne Bravo is a name that is synonymous with success in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The West Indian all-rounder won the Purple Cap in the 2013 season, and in 2015, he became the first bowler in IPL history to win the coveted award twice.
Bravo was in outstanding form in the 2015 season, picking up 26 wickets in 17 matches for the Chennai Super Kings. His performances included two four-wicket hauls and he had an impressive economy rate of 8.39. Despite his heroics, the Super Kings narrowly missed out on the trophy, losing to the Mumbai Indians in the final.
Bravo’s best bowling figures for the 2015 IPL season came against the Kolkata Knight riders, where he picked up 3 wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs. He was particularly effective at the death overs and his variations proved to be too much for the opposition.
Overall, Bravo’s contributions to the IPL have been immense. He is one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament’s history and has been a vital cog in the Chennai Super Kings wheel for many years. His performances in the 2015 season will always be remembered as one of the highlights of his career.
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016)- 23 Wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an Indian cricketer who played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL) and emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the season with 23 wickets in 17 matches, with an average of 21.30. His economy rate was 7.42. He is known for his accurate line and length, swing bowling, and ability to take wickets at crucial moments.
Kumar’s best figures in the 2016 IPL season came in a match against the Gujrat Lions, where he picked up 4 wickets for just 29 runs in his four overs. This performance earned him the Man of the Match award and helped his team to secure a victory by 7 wickets.
Kumar’s success in the 2016 IPL season was not limited to his wicket-taking abilities. He also played a crucial role in the powerplay overs by keeping the opposition batsmen under control and not allowing them to score freely. His ability to swing the ball both ways also made him a challenging bowler to face for the opposition batsmen.
Overall, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a consistent performer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and has been one of the key players in their success over the years. His ability to take wickets in crucial moments has helped his team to win several matches, and he is considered one of the best swing bowlers in the world.
Also Read- Bhuvneshwar Kumar Retirement
10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2017)- 26 Wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an Indian cricketer who played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) and became the first bowler to win the Purple Cap in two consecutive seasons. The Purple Cap is awarded to the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, and Kumar’s impressive performance in the 2017 IPL earned him this prestigious award.
Kumar took the most number of wickets in the 2017 IPL season, picking up 26 wickets in 14 matches with an impressive economy rate of 7.05. His wickets included the likes of Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers, and he was the backbone of the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack.
Kumar’s ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl with accuracy made him a tough bowler to face for the opposition batsmen. He consistently took wickets in the powerplay overs and also bowled well in the death overs, making him a valuable asset for his team.
In addition to his wicket-taking abilities, in a few matches, Kumar also played a vital role as a captain in the absence of David Warner. He led the team well and made some smart decisions on the field, which helped his team to reach the playoffs that season.
11. Andrew Tye (2018)- 24 Wickets
Australian fast bowler Andrew Tye had a phenomenal season in 2018, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and won the prestigious Purple Cap. Tye was playing for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and his consistent performances helped him take 24 wickets in just 14 matches, with an economy rate of 8.00.
Tye’s best performance came against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in a match held in Indore, where he took an impressive 4 wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs, which included a hat-trick in the final over of the innings. He went on to become the first ever player to take three 4 wicket-haul in a single season of the IPL.
Despite Tye’s exceptional performances, KXIP failed to qualify for the playoffs and finished in the 7th spot in the IPL 2018 points table. However, Tye’s impressive display with the ball was lauded by cricket experts and fans alike, as he proved to be a crucial asset for the team throughout the season.
In conclusion, Andrew Tye’s remarkable form in the IPL 2018 season was a standout performance, as he picked wickets consistently and played a vital role in KXIP’s campaign. His ability to take wickets in crucial moments of the game, coupled with his economical bowling, made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the tournament.
12. Imran Tahir (2019)- 26 Wickets
Imran Tahir has undoubtedly established himself as one of the greatest T20 spinners of all time, and his performances in the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season further cemented his position as one of the best. Tahir played a crucial role in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) campaign in IPL 2019, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, winning the coveted Purple Cap.
Tahir’s remarkable form in the tournament saw him pick 26 wickets in 17 matches, with an economy rate of 6.69. His best figures in the season came against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he took four wickets for just 27 runs in his four overs, helping his team to secure a crucial victory. He also had notable performances against Delhi capitals and RCB, where he picked up three wickets each.
Despite Tahir’s brilliant efforts, CSK could not clinch the title, as they were defeated by Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final. However, Tahir’s consistent performances with the ball throughout the season were instrumental in CSK’s success, as the team reached the final for the eighth time in their IPL history.
In conclusion, Imran Tahir’s exceptional form in IPL 2019 season further solidified his position as one of the greatest T20 spinners of all time. His consistent performances with the ball and his ability to pick wickets at crucial moments of the game were the key factors behind CSK’s success in the tournament. His contribution to the team’s campaign was immense, and he played a vital role in taking the team to the final.
13. Kagiso Rabada (2020)- 30 Wickets
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has been one of the most consistent bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in recent years, and his performances in the 2020 season further solidified his position as one of the best in the tournament. Rabada played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals’ (DC) journey to the final, where they narrowly missed out on the title.
Rabada emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament in IPL 2020, winning the prestigious Purple Cap, with a total of 30 wickets in just 17 matches. His average and economy was 18.26 and 8.34. His best performance came against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he took an impressive 4 wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs, which helped DC secure a crucial victory in the league stage. He also had notable performances against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite Rabada’s heroics with the ball, DC lost to Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final, which was a heartbreaking end to their campaign. However, Rabada’s consistent performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in DC’s success, as the team reached the final for the first time in their IPL history.
In conclusion, Kagiso Rabada’s exceptional form in IPL 2020 further established him as one of the best bowlers in the tournament. His ability to pick wickets consistently and his economical bowling were the key factors behind DC’s success in the tournament. His contribution to the team’s campaign was immense, and he played a vital role in taking the team to the final.
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14. Harshal Patel (2021)- 32 Wickets
Harshal Patel had a sensational season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, where he emerged as one of the standout performers for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Patel picked up a staggering 32 wickets in just 15 games at an impressive average of 14.34, which was the joint-highest number of wickets in a single IPL season, equalling the record set by Dwayne Bravo in 2013.
Patel’s best bowling figures came against Mumbai Indians, where he picked up an incredible five wickets for just 27 runs in his four overs, which helped RCB secure a crucial victory in the league stage. He also had notable performances against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, where he took three wickets each.
Despite Patel’s heroics with the ball, RCB failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing the season at the third spot in the points table. However, Patel’s consistent performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in RCB’s success, as the team won several crucial matches due to his impressive bowling.
In conclusion, Harshal Patel’s remarkable season in IPL 2021 further established him as one of the best pacers in the tournament. His ability to pick wickets consistently and his economical bowling were the key factors behind RCB’s success in the tournament. His contribution to the team’s campaign was immense, and he played a vital role in taking the team to the brink of the playoffs.
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15. Yuzvendra Chahal (2022)- 27 Wickets
Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of the most consistent performers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. The leg-spinner has been the leading wicket-taker in the last 8 IPL seasons, picking up an impressive 154 wickets from 2015 to 2022, which is 17 more than the second-best bowler in the same period.
Chahal’s outstanding performances with the ball have been crucial for his team’s success in the tournament. However, it was not until the 2022 season that Chahal won his first purple cap, as he picked up 27 wickets for Rajasthan Royals at an economy of 7.75 and an average of 19.51. Chahal is the only bowler to have a hat-trick in the IPL 2022. Both of these achievements occurred in a league match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Brabourne Stadium, with career-best bowling figures of 4-0-40-5.
Despite Chahal’s heroics with the ball, RR could not clinch their second IPL title, finishing as runners-up in the season. Nevertheless, Chahal’s consistent performances throughout the tournament played a significant role in his team’s success, and his maiden purple cap was a fitting reward for his efforts.
Having said that, Chahal may lose his top wicket-taking spot in this match to Royals all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga, who is only a wicket behind Chahal, will be looking to reclaim the Purple Cap by going past him.
In conclusion, Yuzvendra Chahal has been a standout performer in the IPL, consistently picking up wickets and playing a crucial role in his team’s success. His first purple cap in the tournament in the 2022 season was a testament to his exceptional bowling skills and his contributions to the game of cricket.
In conclusion, the IPL has witnessed some outstanding performances from bowlers over the years, and the Purple Cap is a coveted prize that recognizes the best bowler in each season. From the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2008 to the latest season in 2022, the Purple Cap has been won by a variety of bowlers.
The likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo have won the Purple Cap multiple times, highlighting their consistency in the tournament. The award has also been won by spinners such as Imran Tahir, and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have been crucial in their respective teams’ success over the years.
It is worth noting that the Purple Cap does not always translate to team success, as some of the leading wicket-takers have played for teams that have not performed well in the tournament. However, it is still an important recognition of individual brilliance and serves as a testament to the skill and hard work of the bowlers who have won it.
Overall, the Purple Cap holders’ list from 2008-2022 reflects the depth of talent in bowling in the IPL and the exciting battles between bowlers to be crowned the best in each season.
