Wickets win matches in the IPL, and the Purple Cap is the ultimate recognition for the tournament’s best bowler each season. From toe-crushing yorkers to deceptive slower balls, the bowlers who win this cap leave a massive impact on the league.
Kagiso Rabada claimed the Purple Cap in IPL 2026 with 29 wickets for Gujarat Titans, becoming the fourth bowler to win it twice.
This is the complete Purple Cap winners list from 2008 to 2026, covering every season’s top wicket-taker, their team, records, and trend analysis.
What is the Purple Cap in the IPL?
The Purple Cap is awarded to the highest wicket-taker of each IPL season. Introduced in the inaugural edition in 2008, it has become one of the most prestigious individual awards in T20 cricket.
Award Criteria:
- Given to the player with the most wickets in a season
- If tied, the bowler with the better economy rate wins
- Worn during the tournament by the current top wicket-taker
IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008 to 2026)
Here’s a full IPL Purple Cap List by season, including each year’s highest wicket-taker, their team, and total wickets.
| Year | Purple Cap Winner | Team | Wickets Taken |
| 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 | Punjab Kings | 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 | Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 28 |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings | 24 |
| 2025 | Prasidh Krishna | Gujarat Titan | 25 |
| 2026 | Kagiso Rabada | Gujarat Titans | 29 |
This list shows just how much variety the IPL has seen—pace, swing, spin, and even cutters dominating the charts.
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Players with the Most Purple Caps in IPL
Some bowlers haven’t just won it once—they’ve ruled over multiple seasons with their consistency.
Most Purple Cap Winners – By Player
| Player | Purple Caps Won | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Bravo | 2 | 2013, 2015 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 2 | 2016, 2017 |
| Harshal Patel | 2 | 2021, 2024 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 2 | 2020, 2026 |
| Sohail Tanvir | 1 | 2008 |
| RP Singh | 1 | 2009 |
| Pragyan Ojha | 1 | 2010 |
| Lasith Malinga | 1 | 2011 |
| Morne Morkel | 1 | 2012 |
| Mohit Sharma | 1 | 2014 |
| Andrew Tye | 1 | 2018 |
| Imran Tahir | 1 | 2019 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 1 | 2022 |
| Mohammed Shami | 1 | 2023 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 1 | 2025 |
🏆 Want to know which team won the IPL? Check the full IPL Winner List here.
While Bravo and Bhuvneshwar have each claimed the Purple Cap twice, many others have made a one-season impact with stunning performances.
Who has won the Purple Cap twice in IPL?
Four bowlers have won the Purple Cap twice in IPL history: Dwayne Bravo (2013 and 2015), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016 and 2017), Harshal Patel (2021 and 2024), and Kagiso Rabada (2020 and 2026).
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only bowler to win the Purple Cap in back-to-back seasons. He claimed 23 wickets in 2016 and followed it up with 26 wickets in 2017, both for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Rabada is the latest addition to this list. He first won the Purple Cap in 2020 with 30 wickets for Delhi Capitals, then added a second with 29 wickets for Gujarat Titans in 2026. His second win was settled on the final ball of the IPL 2026 final.
Lasith Malinga, despite being one of the greatest IPL bowlers ever, won the Purple Cap only once in 2011 with 28 wickets for Mumbai Indians.
Purple Cap winners by team in IPL
Chennai Super Kings lead all franchises with four Purple Cap winners across IPL history.
| Team | Purple Caps | Winners (Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 4 | Dwayne Bravo (2013), Mohit Sharma (2014), Dwayne Bravo (2015), Imran Tahir (2019) |
| Gujarat Titans | 3 | Mohammed Shami (2023), Prasidh Krishna (2025), Kagiso Rabada (2026) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2017) |
| Delhi Daredevils/Capitals | 2 | Morne Morkel (2012), Kagiso Rabada (2020) |
| Punjab Kings | 2 | Andrew Tye (2018), Harshal Patel (2024) |
| Deccan Chargers | 2 | RP Singh (2009), Pragyan Ojha (2010) |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2 | Sohail Tanvir (2008), Yuzvendra Chahal (2022) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 1 | Harshal Patel (2021) |
| Mumbai Indians | 1 | Lasith Malinga (2011) |
Gujarat Titans have produced three Purple Cap winners in their first four seasons. No other active franchise has matched that rate. CSK still leads overall, but GT's bowling pipeline is the strongest in current IPL cricket.
Best Bowling Figures by Purple Cap Winners
Purple Cap holders don’t just collect wickets—they also deliver spellbinding performances that change games.
Notable Bowling Spells by Purple Cap Winners:
- Sohail Tanvir (2008) – 6/14 vs CSK
- Dwayne Bravo (2013) – 4/42 in final overs
- Harshal Patel (2021) – 5/27 vs MI
- Mohammed Shami (2023) – 4/11 in Qualifier 1
- Harshal Patel (2024) – 3/11 vs Delhi Capitals
- Prasidh Krishna (2025) – 5/21 vs Delhi Capitals
- Kagiso Rabada (2026): 3/25 vs CSK
These match-winning spells weren’t just about stats—they turned the momentum and helped shape the outcome of key games.
Check out the Orange Cap Winners List in IPL to see who scored the most runs.
Interesting Purple Cap Records
Here are some jaw-dropping Purple Cap records that every IPL fan should know:
All-Time IPL Bowling Stats
Most wickets in a single season:
- Dwayne Bravo (CSK): 32 wickets (2013)
- Harshal Patel (RCB): 32 wickets (2021)
- Kagiso Rabada (DC): 30 wickets (2020)
- Kagiso Rabada (GT): 29 wickets (2026)
- Lasith Malinga (MI): 28 wickets (2011)
- Mohammed Shami (GT): 28 wickets (2023)
Most career IPL wickets (as of 2026):
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 233 wickets (188 matches)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 222 wickets
- Dwayne Bravo: 183 wickets (161 matches, retired)
- Ravichandran Ashwin: 187 wickets (retired in August 2025)
- Jasprit Bumrah: 165+ wickets
Also read: Asia Cup Winners List
Only back-to-back Purple Cap winner:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016 & 2017)
Most Purple Cap wins by a franchise:
- Chennai Super Kings: 4 times (2013, 2014, 2015, 2019)
- Gujarat Titans: 3 times (2023, 2025, 2026)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: 2 times (2016, 2017)
- Delhi Daredevils/Capitals: 2 times (2012, 2020)
- Punjab Kings: 2 times (2018, 2024)
- Deccan Chargers: 2 times (2009, 2010)
- Rajasthan Royals: 2 times (2008, 2022)
Best economy rates (among Purple Cap winners):
- Lasith Malinga – 5.95 (2011)
- Imran Tahir – 6.69 (2019)
- Mohammed Shami – 7.30 (2023)
These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re signs of dominance and control in a format ruled by batters.
Conclusion
The Purple Cap is a badge of honour for bowlers who brave the storm in T20 cricket. Year after year, these match-turning spells and wicket-taking machines hold the key to victory.
From Tanvir's mystery in 2008 to Rabada's Purple Cap winning spell in the 2026 final, the purple cap winners list is filled with names that made a lasting impact on IPL history.
Every run you score and every wicket you take deserves a record. Start logging your matches on CricHeroes and let your stats tell the story your team already knows.
Let us know in the comments: Who’s your all-time favorite IPL bowler?
FAQs – Purple Cap in IPL
Who won the Purple Cap in IPL 2026?
Kagiso Rabada from Gujarat Titans won the IPL 2026 Purple Cap with 29 wickets in 17 matches. This was his second Purple Cap after winning it in 2020 with Delhi Capitals. He edged Bhuvneshwar Kumar by one wicket, with the race decided in the IPL 2026 final.
Who won the Purple Cap in IPL 2024?
Harshal Patel from Punjab Kings won the Purple Cap with 24 wickets in 14 matches.
Which player has won the most Purple Caps in IPL?
Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Kagiso Rabada have each won the Purple Cap twice. No bowler has won it three times. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only bowler to win it in consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017).
Which team has produced the most Purple Cap holders?
Chennai Super Kings lead with four Purple Cap wins (2013, 2014, 2015, 2019). Gujarat Titans are second with three wins (2023, 2025, 2026), all coming in the franchise's first four IPL seasons.
Which player has not won the Purple Cap twice in IPL history?
Among Lasith Malinga, Harshal Patel, Dwayne Bravo, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the answer is Lasith Malinga. He won the Purple Cap only once, in 2011, with 28 wickets for Mumbai Indians. The other three have each won it twice.
Which cricket player won the Purple Cap award in IPL 2022?
Yuzvendra Chahal of Rajasthan Royals won the Purple Cap in IPL 2022 with 27 wickets in 17 matches. He took a hat-trick during that season and broke Imran Tahir's record for the most wickets by a spinner in a single IPL edition.
How many times did Lasith Malinga win the Purple Cap?
Lasith Malinga won the Purple Cap once, in IPL 2011, with 28 wickets for Mumbai Indians at a best economy of 5.95 among all Purple Cap winners. Despite being one of IPL's greatest bowlers, he never topped the wicket charts in any other season.
How many Purple Caps does CSK have?
Chennai Super Kings have four Purple Cap wins, the most by any franchise. Dwayne Bravo won it twice (2013, 2015), while Mohit Sharma (2014) and Imran Tahir (2019) won it once each. All four winners were overseas or uncapped Indian bowlers at the time of their wins.
What is the Purple Cap in IPL?
The Purple Cap is awarded to the highest wicket-taker in each IPL season. The leading bowler wears the cap during matches throughout the tournament. If two bowlers finish tied on wickets, the one with the better economy rate wins the award. The Purple Cap has been awarded every season since IPL 2008.
Does the Purple Cap winner always play for the winning team?
No, many Purple Cap winners played for teams that didn’t win the title. It’s about individual brilliance.
What’s the reward for winning the Purple Cap?
Along with recognition, the winner gets a cash prize (₹10 lakhs in 2024) and a cap symbolizing their dominance.
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Manan Joshi is a cricket writer & content strategist at CricHeroes who covers the game from the ground up — rules, technique, player development, grassroots tournaments, and IPL. His writing is shaped by real insights drawn from millions of live-scored matches, giving him a perspective on recreational cricket that few writers have access to. CricHeroes is the #1 Cricket Scoring App globally, with 4 crore+ cricketers using it to live score their local matches and tournaments. For cricket apparel and accessories, visit the CricHeroes Store.
