Top 5 bowlers who never won the Purple Cap in Indian Premier League

In the illustrious history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), several skilled bowlers have come close to the pinnacle of individual success—the Purple Cap—only to fall short. These unsung heroes, despite delivering stellar performances and contributing significantly to their team's success, have never had the opportunity to adorn themselves with the prestigious Purple Cap.

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Their tales resonate with the spirit of the IPL, where bowlers strive to outshine their peers in a tournament that celebrates both batting and bowling prowess. These individuals, while not crowned as the leading wicket-taker of a season, remain integral to the narrative of the IPL, showcasing their resilience, skill, and determination on the cricketing stage. Here are the top 5 players who failed to don the purple cap.

#5. Harbhajan Singh

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Harbhajan Singh, the seasoned off-spinner, has left an indelible mark in the IPL. He has represented teams like the Chennai Super Kings, the Kolkata Knight Riders, and the Mumbai Indians. Renowned for his guile and cricketing acumen, Harbhajan has consistently perplexed batters with his clever variations.

His knack for containing runs in the middle overs and capturing vital wickets has been pivotal to his team's success. With a remarkable tally of 150 wickets from 163 matches in the IPL, Bhajji's enduring contributions showcase his enduring value and mastery in the realm of T20 cricket.

#4. Ravichandran Ashwin

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Ravichandran Ashwin, the astute off-spin maestro, has left an indelible mark in the IPL, representing various franchises like the Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Rising Pune Supergiant, and Rajasthan Royals. With a diverse skill set and cricket acumen, Ashwin has consistently outwitted top-order batsmen in the tournament.

His knack for controlling the game in the middle overs and capturing crucial wickets has proven invaluable for his teams. Despite his prolific performances in 197 IPL games, Ashwin, surprisingly, has never clinched the coveted Purple Cap, showcasing the unpredictable nature of individual accolades in the fiercely competitive T20 extravaganza.

#3. Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra, the seasoned leg spinner, has been a stalwart for the Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Renowned for his flighted deliveries and deceptive variations, Mishra has consistently contributed to his team's success.

His ability to take crucial wickets under pressure and control the run rate in the middle overs makes him a valuable asset. With 173 wickets in 161 matches, Mishra has left an indelible mark, solidifying his status as a spin legend in the IPL.

#2. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spin sensation, has left an indelible mark in the IPL with his mesmerising bowling skills. Whether representing Sunrisers Hyderabad or Gujarat Titans, Rashid has consistently baffled batsmen with his variations, pinpoint accuracy, and impeccable control.

Renowned as one of the tournament's premier spinners, he excels at bowling tight overs in the middle and claiming crucial wickets. Despite amassing an impressive tally of 139 wickets in 109 matches, Rashid Khan has eluded the coveted Purple Cap, highlighting the competitive nature of the IPL's bowling accolades.

#1. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, the linchpin of the Mumbai Indians' bowling unit, is celebrated for his lethal yorkers, crafty slower balls, and precision. His unorthodox bowling action and versatility in all-match situations make him a formidable force, particularly in the death overs. Recognised for his ability to handle pressure, Bumrah consistently delivers wickets, establishing himself as a top-tier fast bowler in the IPL.

Despite amassing an impressive tally of 145 wickets from 120 games, the Yorker maestro has yet to claim the coveted position as the season's highest wicket-taker in the IPL. His impactful contributions remain integral to the Mumbai Indians' success in the tournament.