In T20 cricket, where boundaries and sixes often steal the spotlight, a group of unsung heroes silently script their tales of mastery—the bowlers. The Purple Cap in the Indian Premier League refers to the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. Batters win matches, while bowlers win tournaments. This famous phrase is the base for why bowlers determine IPL betting odds.
From the inaugural season 2008 to the latest edition in 2023, let’s explore the annals of IPL history, unraveling the stories of those who wore the coveted Purple Cap, defying the notion that T20 cricket is solely a batsman’s game. With their skill and game-changing performances, these bowlers have carved their niche in the heart of IPL history.
Complete List of Purple Cap Winners (IPL 2008- 2023)
Check out the list of players who hold the purple cap from IPL 2008 to IPL 2023 –
Year Winner Team Matches Wkts
2023 Mohammad Shami Gujarat Titans 17 28
2022 Yuzvendra Chahal Rajasthan 17 27
2021 Harshal Patel Bangalore 15 32
2020 Kagiso Rabada Delhi 17 30
2019 Imran Tahir Chennai 17 26
2018 Andrew Tye Punjab 14 24
2017 Bhuvneshwar Kumar Hyderabad 14 26
2016 Bhuvneshwar Kumar Hyderabad 17 23
2015 Dwayne Bravo Chennai 17 26
2014 Mohit Sharma Chennai 16 23
2013 Dwayne Bravo Chennai 18 32
2012 Morne Morkel Delhi 16 25
2011 Lasith Malinga Mumbai 16 28
2010 Pragyan Ojha Deccan 16 21
2009 RP Singh Deccan 16 23
2008 Sohail Tanvir Rajasthan 11 22
Players with Purple Cap – 2008 to 2023
Here’s a list of players winning the prestigious Purple Cap title in the IPL history from 2008 to 2023 –
IPL 2008: Sohail Tanvir
The inaugural season of the IPL set the stage for the Purple Cap legacy. In 2008, Sohail Tanvir, the Pakistani pacer representing the Rajasthan Royals, etched his name in history by claiming 22 wickets in 11 matches. His standout performance included a mesmerizing spell of 6/14 against the Chennai Super Kings, which will be remembered for a long.
IPL 2009: RP Singh
RP Singh donned the Purple Cap in 2009 while playing for the Deccan Chargers. With 23 wickets in 16 matches, Singh’s excellent bowling played a pivotal role in Deccan Chargers lifting the IPL trophy that season.
IPL 2010: Pragyan Ojha
In 2010, Pragyan Ojha, a spinner from Deccan Chargers, showcased his mastery by claiming 21 wickets in 16 matches. Ojha’s impactful bowling earned him the Purple Cap, proving that spinners could be as deadly as their pace counterparts in the T20 format.
IPL 2011: Lasith Malinga
Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga holds IPL 2011 with 28 wickets for the Mumbai Indians. Malinga’s contribution and excellent bowling skills earned him the Purple Cap.
IPL 2012: Morne Morkel
In 2012, South African pacer Morne Morkel emerged as the leading wicket-taker playing for the Delhi Daredevils. His haul of 25 wickets played a pivotal role in Daredevils’ campaign, and Morkel claimed the Purple Cap.
IPL 2013: Dwayne Bravo
The West Indies’ dynamic all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, left an indelible mark in IPL 2013, claiming 32 wickets for the Chennai Super Kings. Bravo’s all-round brilliance showcased the impact a versatile player could have in a T20 tournament.
IPL 2014: Mohit Sharma
Chennai Super Kings’ Mohit Sharma donned the Purple Cap in 2014 with 23 wickets in 16 matches. His consistent performances played a crucial role in CSK’s journey in the tournament.
IPL 2015: Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo’s encore in 2015 made him the first player to win the Purple Cap twice. His 26 wickets for CSK highlighted his consistency and prowess in the shortest format.
IPL 2016-17: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar made history by becoming the first bowler to win the Purple Cap in successive seasons, achieving the feat in 2016 and 2017. His cumulative tally of 49 wickets over the two seasons showcased his mastery in bowling.
IPL 2018: Andrew Tye
In 2018, Australian all-rounder Andrew Tye set the IPL ablaze with 24 wickets for Kings XI Punjab.
IPL 2019: Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir in 2019 took 26 wickets for Chennai Super Kings. His guile and experience were pivotal in CSK’s journey to the final.
IPL 2020: Kagiso Rabada
In the 2020 season, we witnessed a fierce battle for the Purple Cap between Mumbai Indians’ Jasprit Bumrah and Delhi Capitals’ Kagiso Rabada. Rabada’s stellar performance of 30 wickets edged him past Bumrah, securing the coveted cap.
IPL 2021: Harshal Patel
In 2021, Harshal Patel emerged as the purple cap holder, claiming 32 wickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Patel’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs in crucial situations made him the deserving recipient of the Purple Cap.
IPL 2022: Yuzvendra Chahal
In 2022, Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin magic earned him the Purple Cap with 27 wickets.
IPL 2023: Mohammed Shami
In the last edition of IPL, Mohammed Shami’s lethal pace and unwavering precision propelled him to the top of the wicket-taking charts. With an outstanding tally of 28 wickets in 17 matches, Shami claimed the coveted Purple Cap.
Concluding Thoughts
The Purple Cap winners from IPL 2008 to 2023 narrate a compelling story of bowlers overcoming the odds in a batsman-dominated format. These heroes, with their skill, determination, and match-winning performances, have left an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of IPL history. The Purple Cap, a symbol of bowling excellence, continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers to rise and shine in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.
