All parts of the game underwent radical change with the introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. It provided a fantastic platform for the budding cricketers to work with the seasoned players and establish their names. Since its inception, the league has played a significant role in changing the direction of Indian cricket and contributing to increased success at major tournaments worldwide.
Players have been encouraged to stretch their boundaries and provide their finest work, thanks to the intense competition in the lucrative T20 league. It has helped athletes perform more effectively and resolutely while facing up against opposing teams. The IPL developed a series of awards to recognise the players' accomplishments throughout the competition.
Purple Cap: IPL Bowlers' Dream
The top-tier league presents the "Purple Cap" as a gift of appreciation for the bowlers. The bowler with the most wickets throughout the given season receives it. A player that is in the running for the award dons a temporary purple cap while fielding during the IPL games, similar to the "Orange Cap."
The player with the most wickets taken during the season is formally awarded the Purple Cap following the conclusion of the IPL Finals. The honour is given officially during the post-game presentation of the league final, and it rotates till the end of the season.
In 2008, Sohail Tanvir of Pakistan was the first bowler to receive the IPL Purple Cap. He played for Rajasthan Royals that season and grabbed 22 wickets in 11 games. On the list of Purple Cap winners, only bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar won it back-to-back in 2016 and 2017.
Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel have taken 32 wickets between them, which is the most in an IPL season. In 2009, RP Singh became the first cricketer from India to win the honour for the Deccan Chargers (now defunct). In 2022, Yuzvendra Chahal held the record with 27 wickets in 17 games for the Rajasthan Royals.
Here is a list of all Purple Cap Winners:
YEAR | PLAYER | TEAM | WICKETS |
2008 | Sohail Tanvir | Rajasthan Royals | 22 |
2009 | RP Singh | Deccan Chargers | 23 |
2010 | Pragyan Ojha | Deccan Chargers | 21 |
2011 | Lasith Malinga | Mumbai Indians | 28 |
2012 | Morne Morkel | Delhi Daredevils | 25 |
2013 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 32 |
2014 | Mohit Sharma | Chennai Super Kings | 23 |
2015 | Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 26 |
2016 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 23 |
2017 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 26 |
2018 | Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab | 24 |
2019 | Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings | 26 |
2020 | Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals | 30 |
2021 | Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 32 |
2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 27 |
2023 | --- | --- | -- |