Wickets galore – All the Purple Cap winners in the IPL so far
Often in cricket, people discuss contributions of the batsmen and their heroics. On very few occasions, the achievements of the bowlers are recognised. But the Purple Cap in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one such acknowledgement and appreciation that the bowlers get. T20 cricket is quite a cruel format if you are a bowler. Thus, the bowlers who perform significantly well must be recognised.
The Purple Cap is, therefore, a wonderful initiative. In the last 12 seasons of the league, bowlers from various teams and countries have come up with some terrific performances. It is never easy to maintain the consistency for an entire season, considering the fatigue that comes with all the travel. However, some of these bowlers have done a tremendous job in the league.
Tanvir kick starts
In the first edition, Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir was on fire. He picked up 22 wickets in 11 matches with an economy rate just over 6. Until very recently, he also held the record for the best bowling figures in the IPL. Another left-arm pacer won the Purple Cap in IPL 2009. India’s RP Singh was instrumental in helping the Deccan Chargers lift their maiden title. He picked up 23 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.
Another Deccan Chargers bowler, Pragyan Ojha, won the award in 2010. He picked up 21 wickets in 16 matches and provided the Chargers with some of the most crucial breakthroughs. The Purple Cap then moved to the Mumbai Indians. Lasith Malinga was brilliant with 28 wickets in 16 games. Even though he bowled in the powerplay and at the death, his economy rate was under 6.
In IPL 2012, Delhi Capitals’ Morne Morkel won the Purple Cap. The South African pacer picked up 25 wickets in 16 matches at a strike rate of 15. Dwayne Bravo was from an entirely different league in IPL 2013. He became the first-ever bowler to breach the 30-wickets mark in a season when he picked up 32 wickets in 18 games at an economy rate under 8. Mohit Sharma then took over the next season with a fabulous show where he picked up 23 wickets from 16 games. His economy rate, though, was over 8.
Bravo, Bhuvi create history
Dwayne Bravo bounced back in IPL 2015 and became the first bowler ever to win the Purple Cap twice. In the season, he bowled in 16 innings and picked up 26 wickets. His economy rate was just over 8 runs per over. Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the Purple Cap for the first time in 2016 where he played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 17 matches, he picked up 23 wickets. From there on, he grew to be one of the most important bowlers for the franchise.
By winning the Purple Cap in 2017 as well, Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first bowler ever to win it in consecutive seasons. He picked up 26 wickets from 14 games in the 2017 edition of the tournament. Moreover, his economy rate was just slightly over 7. He even picked up a 5-wicket haul that season.
Andrew Tye is the first Australian bowler to win the Purple Cap in the IPL. In IPL 2018, he was brilliant with the ball for Kings XI Punjab and picked up 24 wickets from 14 games. His economy rate was 8. Another Chennai Super Kings’ bowler won the Purple Cap in IPL 2019. Imran Tahir picked up 26 wickets from 17 matches at an economy rate under 7. However, his efforts weren’t enough to help his side win the title.
