The IPL Purple Cap Winners List is a testament to the consistent brilliance and match-winning abilities of bowlers in the Indian Premier League. Introduced in 2008, the Purple Cap in IPL is awarded to the highest wicket-taker of each season. Unlike the Orange Cap, which rewards run-makers, the Purple Cap Holder is recognized for their lethal bowling and the ability to turn games around with a single spell.
Let’s take a journey through IPL history and spotlight the bowlers who have earned the prestigious Purple Cap in IPL.
IPL Purple Cap Winners List: From 2008 to 2025
|
Season |
Player | Team | Matches | Wickets |
| 2008 | Sohail Tanvir | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 11 |
22 |
|
2009 |
RP Singh | Deccan Chargers (DC) | 16 | 23 |
| 2010 | Pragyan Ojha | Deccan Chargers (DC) | 16 |
21 |
|
2011 |
Lasith Malinga | Mumbai Indians (MI) | 16 | 28 |
| 2012 | Morne Morkel | Delhi Daredevils (DD) | 16 |
25 |
|
2013 |
Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 18 | 32 |
| 2014 | Mohit Sharma | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 16 |
23 |
|
2015 |
Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 16 | 26 |
| 2016 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 17 |
23 |
|
2017 |
Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 14 | 26 |
| 2018 | Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) | 14 |
24 |
|
2019 |
Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 17 | 26 |
| 2020 | Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals (DC) | 17 |
30 |
|
2021 |
Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | 15 | 32 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 17 |
27 |
|
2023 |
Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans (GT) | 17 | 28 |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 14 |
24 |
|
2025 |
Josh Hazlewood | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | 10 |
18 cont. |
2008 – Sohail Tanvir (RR)
The inaugural season of the IPL saw Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir take center stage with his unorthodox action and sharp swing. Tanvir claimed 22 wickets in just 11 matches for Rajasthan Royals, making him the first-ever Purple Cap Holder.
2009 – RP Singh (DC)
In the second season held in South Africa, RP Singh of Deccan Chargers picked up 23 wickets and played a crucial role in his team’s title-winning campaign. His performances cemented his name in the IPL Purple Cap Winners List.
2010 – Pragyan Ojha (DC)
Continuing Deccan Chargers’ strong bowling legacy, Pragyan Ojha topped the charts in 2010 with 21 wickets. As a spinner, his consistent line and flight earned him the Purple Cap in IPL, making him a rare slow bowler among a pace-dominated list.
2011 – Lasith Malinga (MI)
No discussion about bowling in the IPL is complete without Lasith Malinga. In 2011, he was at his lethal best, bagging 28 wickets. The Sri Lankan legend’s toe-crushing yorkers were a nightmare for batters, securing his place as the Purple Cap Holder that season.
2012 – Morne Morkel (DD)
The tall South African pacer Morne Morkel terrorized batsmen in 2012 with pace and bounce, collecting 25 wickets for Delhi Daredevils. His performances stood out and earned him a spot in the IPL Purple Cap Winners List.
2013 – Dwayne Bravo (CSK)
A star in every sense, Dwayne Bravo brought flair and variety to death bowling. In 2013, he claimed a then-record 32 wickets, topping the Purple Cap in IPL charts in style for Chennai Super Kings.
2014 – Mohit Sharma (CSK)
Another CSK bowler followed Bravo’s lead, as Mohit Sharma became the Purple Cap Holder in 2014 with 23 wickets. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs made him MS Dhoni’s go-to bowler.
2015 – Dwayne Bravo (CSK)
Bravo returned to the top of the IPL Purple Cap Winners List in 2015, matching his previous tally of 26 wickets. His signature celebrations were a common sight that season.
2016 & 2017 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar made history by winning the Purple Cap in IPL in back-to-back seasons. With 23 wickets in 2016 and 26 in 2017, his swing bowling and precise yorkers were key to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s success.
2018 – Andrew Tye (KXIP)
Australian pacer Andrew Tye impressed everyone in 2018 with 24 wickets. His clever slower balls and disciplined death bowling made him a deserving Purple Cap Holder.
2019 – Imran Tahir (CSK)
The veteran South African spinner Imran Tahir was a revelation in 2019. He bagged 26 wickets with his energetic celebrations and sharp leg-breaks, adding his name to the illustrious IPL Purple Cap Winners List.
2020 – Kagiso Rabada (DC)
In a pandemic-affected season, Kagiso Rabada led the charge with 30 wickets. His fiery pace and ability to strike at crucial times earned him the Purple Cap in IPL for 2020.
2021 – Harshal Patel (RCB)
Harshal Patel had a breakout season in 2021, grabbing 32 wickets – equaling Bravo’s record for most wickets in a single season. He was the most dominant Purple Cap Holder of that edition.
2022 – Yuzvendra Chahal (RR)
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal finally claimed the top spot with 27 wickets in 2022. Known for his clever variations, Chahal stood tall among fast bowlers in the IPL Purple Cap Winners List.
2023 – Mohammed Shami (GT)
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami showed why experience matters. With 28 wickets in 2023, he became the Purple Cap Holder, showcasing control and aggression in equal measure.
2024 – Harshal Patel (PBKS)
Returning to form in 2024, Harshal Patel once again claimed the Purple Cap in IPL. With another stellar season, he joined the elite club of multiple-time winners, securing his legacy in the IPL Purple Cap Winners List.
Notably, Dwayne Bravo and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the only bowlers to have won the Purple Cap twice. Harshal Patel joined this elite group in 2024, becoming one of only three bowlers to win the award twice.
Final Words
Over the years, the Purple Cap in IPL has recognized not just skill but also consistency and impact. From Malinga’s searing yorkers to Chahal’s magic with the ball, every Purple Cap Holder has carved their name in IPL history, inspiring the next generation of bowlers to aim for the coveted cap.
