While batters chase the Orange Cap, bowlers have their own prize: the Purple Cap, awarded to the IPL season’s highest wicket-taker.
What Is the Purple Cap in IPL?
Introduced alongside the Orange Cap in IPL 2008, the Purple Cap is worn by the tournament’s current leading wicket-taker and awarded to the season’s top wicket-taker at the end.
Purple Cap Winners List (All Seasons)
- 2008 — Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals) — 22 wickets
- 2009 — R.P. Singh (Deccan Chargers) — 23 wickets
- 2010 — Pragyan Ojha (Deccan Chargers) — 21 wickets
- 2011 — Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians) — 28 wickets
- 2012 — Morne Morkel (Delhi Daredevils) — 25 wickets
- 2013 — Dwayne Bravo (CSK) — 32 wickets (all-time record)
- 2014 — Mohit Sharma (CSK) — 23 wickets
- 2015 — Dwayne Bravo (CSK) — 26 wickets
- 2016 — Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) — 23 wickets
- 2017 — Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) — 26 wickets
- 2018 — Andrew Tye (KXIP) — 24 wickets
- 2019 — Imran Tahir (CSK) — 26 wickets
- 2020 — Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals) — 30 wickets
- 2021 — Harshal Patel (RCB) — 32 wickets (equalled record)
- 2022 — Yuzvendra Chahal (RR) — 27 wickets
- 2023 — Mohammed Shami (GT) — 28 wickets
- 2024 — Harshal Patel (PBKS) — 24 wickets
- 2025 — Prasidh Krishna (GT) — 25 wickets
Purple Cap Records
- Most wickets in a single season — 32, by Dwayne Bravo (2013) and Harshal Patel (2021)
- Most Purple Caps — Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel (2 each)
- Back-to-back winners — Dwayne Bravo (2014–15) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016–17)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the first Purple Cap?
Sohail Tanvir of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2008, with 22 wickets.
What is the record for most wickets in an IPL season?
32 wickets — shared by Dwayne Bravo (2013) and Harshal Patel (2021).
Who has won the most Purple Caps?
Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel — two each.
Final Summary
The Purple Cap honours the bowlers who thrive in T20’s toughest conditions. From Tanvir’s unorthodox 2008 to Bravo and Harshal’s record 32-wicket seasons, it celebrates the wicket-takers who decide tournaments.
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
