The Indian Premier League (IPL) celebrates batting prowess with the Orange Cap Winners, but equally prestigious is its Purple Cap Winners – a symbol of bowling excellence awarded to the season’s highest wicket-taker.
Since 2008, this coveted award has highlighted exceptional bowling performances that have shaped the tournament’s history. This article explores Purple Cap winners from 2008 to 2024, examining their remarkable achievements and the impact they made in their winning seasons.
Purple Cap Winners (2008-2024)
The Purple Cap has traveled across teams and nations, resting on the heads of both pace bowlers and spinners.
Here’s a comprehensive look at every winner since the IPL’s inception:
| Year | Player | Team | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Sohail Tanvir | Rajasthan Royals | 11 | 22 |
| 2009 | RP Singh | Deccan Chargers | 16 | 23 |
| 2010 | Pragyan Ojha | Deccan Chargers | 16 | 21 |
| 2011 | Lasith Malinga | Mumbai Indians | 16 | 28 |
| 2012 | Morne Morkel | Delhi Daredevils | 16 | 25 |
| 2013 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 18 | 32 |
| 2014 | Mohit Sharma | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 23 |
| 2015 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 26 |
| 2016 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 17 | 23 |
| 2017 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 26 |
| 2018 | Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab | 14 | 24 |
| 2019 | Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings | 17 | 26 |
| 2020 | Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals | 17 | 30 |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 15 | 32 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 27 |
| 2023 | Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 17 | 28 |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings | 14 | 24 |
2008: Sohail Tanvir
The inaugural IPL season saw Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir create history with Rajasthan Royals. His left-arm pace proved lethal as he grabbed 22 wickets in just 11 matches. Tanvir’s bowling average of 12.09 remained impressive throughout the tournament. His spectacular figures of 6/14 against Chennai Super Kings stood as an IPL record for over a decade.
2009: RP Singh
RP Singh led the Deccan Chargers’ bowling attack with distinction in South Africa. The left-arm pacer picked up 23 wickets in 16 matches, playing a crucial role in his team’s championship victory. Singh maintained an economy rate of 6.98 while consistently taking wickets in the powerplay overs.
2010: Pragyan Ojha
Pragyan Ojha became the first spinner to win the Purple Cap. The left-arm spinner collected 21 wickets in 16 matches for Deccan Chargers. His ability to contain runs while taking regular wickets made him particularly effective in the middle overs.
2011: Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga’s yorkers terrorized batsmen as he claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches for Mumbai Indians. The Sri Lankan speedster combined accuracy with pace, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.30. His ability to strike in both powerplay and death overs made him especially valuable.
2012: Morne Morkel
South African paceman Morne Morkel used his height and bounce to great effect for Delhi Daredevils. He grabbed 25 wickets in 16 matches, consistently troubling batsmen with his steep bounce and variation. His economy rate of 7.19 showed his ability to contain runs while taking wickets.
2013: Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo set a new record with 32 wickets in 18 matches for Chennai Super Kings. The Caribbean all-rounder’s clever variations and death bowling expertise made him particularly effective. His record stood unchallenged for eight years.
2014: Mohit Sharma
Chennai Super Kings’ Mohit Sharma emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps in 16 matches. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl effective slower deliveries in the death overs made him a complete package. Sharma maintained an economy rate of 8.39 throughout the season.
2015: Dwayne Bravo
Bravo claimed his second Purple Cap with 26 wickets in 16 matches for Chennai Super Kings. He became the first bowler to win the cap twice, showcasing his consistency and adaptability. His death bowling skills remained crucial to CSK’s campaign.He is one of the best all-rounders in IPL history.
2016: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing bowling earned him 23 wickets in 17 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His accuracy and ability to move the ball both ways made him lethal with the new ball. Kumar’s performances helped Hyderabad win their first IPL title.
2017: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Kumar retained the Purple Cap with 26 wickets in 14 matches, becoming the second bowler to win it twice. His economy rate of 7.05 highlighted his effectiveness in all phases of the game. Kumar’s consistency across seasons showcased his evolution as a complete bowler.
2018: Andrew Tye
Australian Andrew Tye claimed 24 wickets in 14 matches for Kings XI Punjab. His arsenal of variations, particularly the knuckleball, made him difficult to score against. Tye maintained an impressive strike rate while picking up crucial wickets throughout the tournament.
2019: Imran Tahir
At 40, Imran Tahir became the oldest Purple Cap winner with 26 wickets in 17 matches for Chennai Super Kings. His leg-spin proved particularly effective in the middle overs. Tahir’s energy and enthusiasm matched his wicket-taking ability.
2020: Kagiso Rabada
South African speedster Kagiso Rabada dominated the UAE edition with 30 wickets in 17 matches for Delhi Capitals. His pace and accuracy proved crucial in all phases of the game. Rabada’s ability to take wickets consistently helped Delhi reach their first final.
2021: Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel equaled Bravo’s record with 32 wickets in 15 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His clever variations and death bowling expertise made him particularly effective. Patel’s economy rate of 8.14 showed his ability to contain runs while taking wickets.
2022: Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal’s leg-spin earned him 27 wickets in 17 matches for Rajasthan Royals. His ability to outthink batsmen and take wickets in the middle overs proved crucial. He is one of the best bowlers in IPL history. Chahal’s economy rate of 7.75 highlighted his control throughout the tournament.
2023: Mohammed Shami
Gujarat Titans’ Mohammed Shami claimed 28 wickets in 17 matches with his precise seam bowling. His new ball skills and ability to take wickets in the powerplay set him apart. Shami maintained an impressive economy rate of 7.00 throughout the season.
2024: Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel claimed his second Purple Cap with 24 wickets in 14 matches for Punjab Kings. His variations and death bowling expertise once again proved decisive. Patel became the first bowler to win the cap with different teams.
Conclusion: Purple Cap Winners In IPL Over The Years
The Purple Cap has highlighted exceptional bowling performances across 17 IPL seasons. From Sohail Tanvir’s inaugural triumph to Harshal Patel’s recent success, these bowlers have shown that wicket-taking ability remains crucial in T20 cricket.
The diversity of winners – including pacers and spinners from various nations – reflects the IPL’s global appeal and competitive nature. Each winner has brought their unique skills and strategies, enriching the tournament’s legacy and inspiring future generations of bowlers.
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