Players With Most Purple Caps in IPL History (2008 to 2025)

Since 2008, IPL has revolutionized the game of cricket with its star power and unmatched competition. While batsmen are the centre of attention with their long sixes, bowlers are the true game-changers in this fast-paced format. To honour their skills, IPL has introduced the Purple Cap Award which recognises the bowler who takes the most wickets in a single season.
From fire pacers to spinners, the Purple Cap has been adorned by some of the best bowlers in world cricket. Let’s take an in-depth look at the players who have won the most Purple Caps in IPL history (2008-2025) and the journey behind this amazing cap.

What is the IPL Purple Cap?

The IPL Purple Cap is an award and is given to the bowler who takes the most wickets in a season. Introduced in 2008, it showcases consistency, accuracy and match-winning performance with the ball. During the tournament, the current leading wicket-taker wears the Purple Cap while fielding. This makes it one of the most visible honours in cricket.

If two or more bowlers take the same number of wickets, the winner is decided by the best economy rate. Over the years, the Purple Cap has become a symbol of bowling prowess, much like the Orange Cap for batsmen.

Complete list of IPL Purple Cap winners (2008–2025)

Players with the most Purple Caps in the IPL

Dwayne Bravo: 2 Purple Caps (2013, 2015)

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is known for his death bowling in the IPL. Representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Bravo became the first bowler to win two Purple Caps in 2013 and 2015.

• 2013: Bravo took a record 32 wickets in 18 matches.
• 2015: He had another great season, taking 26 wickets in 16 matches.

His slow delivery, yorkers and variations made him a nightmare for batsmen in the final overs. Bravo’s enthusiastic celebrations and influence in clutch moments made him a CSK legend and a T20 icon worldwide.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2 Purple Caps (2016, 2017)

India’s swing master Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first Indian bowler to win consecutive Purple Caps. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Bhuvneshwar’s consistency and control were key to SRH’s success.

• 2016: Took 23 wickets and played a key role in leading SRH to their maiden IPL title.
• 2017: Re-established his dominance by taking 26 wickets in just 14 matches.

His ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl yorkers at will made him one of the most fearsome Indian bowlers in the IPL.

Harshal Patel: 2 Purple Caps (2021, 2024)

Harshal Patel’s IPL journey has been one of rugged endurance. As a player of his age, he came into the limelight with RCB in 2021, and equalled Bravo’s record of 32 wickets in a season.

• 2021: Took 32 wickets in 15 matches, including a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians.
• 2024: Won the Purple Cap again with Punjab Kings (PBKS), becoming the first player to win it for two different franchises.

Harshal’s smart variations, slow cutters and accuracy at the death have made him the go-to bowler in pressure situations.

Honorable Mentions

While these three legends hold two Purple Caps, many others have made a lasting impact:

• Lasith Malinga (MI, 2011): 28 wickets in a season.
• Kagiso Rabada (DC, 2020): 30 wickets, leading Delhi Capitals to their first IPL final.
• Yuzvendra Chahal (RR, 2022): First Indian leg-spinner to win the Purple Cap.
• Mohammed Shami (GT, 2023): Outstanding performer against Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack.

Development of Purple Cap winners (2008-2025)

Early years: Indian and Pakistani dominance

• Sohail Tanvir (2008): Set the tone for RR by taking 22 wickets in the opening season.
• RP Singh (2009) and Pragyan Ojha (2010) marked the rise of Indian bowlers in T20 cricket.

2011-2015: Foreign fast bowlers shine

• Malinga’s 28 wickets in 2011 and Bravo’s double success (2013, 2015) defined this era.
• His tactical genius and control under pressure raised the bar for bowling in T20 leagues.

2016-2021: Rise of Indian bowlers

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s consistent wins ushered in a new era.
• Harshal Patel’s 2021 performances put Indian fast bowlers firmly on the global map.

2022-2025: Diversity and consistency

• Spinners like Chahal, fast bowlers like Shami and all-rounders like Harshal proved that IPL bowling is moving at a fast pace.

Statistical summary

Records and Trivia

• Most wickets in a single season: 32, Dwayne Bravo (2013) and Harshal Patel (2021)
• Most Purple Caps by team: Chennai Super Kings (4), Bravo (2), Mohit (1), Tahir (1)
• Most consecutive wins: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016 and 2017)
• First spinner to win: Pragyan Ojha (2010)
• First overseas winner: Sohail Tanvir (2008)

Conclusion

From Tanvir’s brilliant bowling in 2008 to Patel’s consistency in 2024, the IPL Purple Cap has celebrated the best bowling performances year after year. Bowlers like Bravo, Bhuvneshwar and Harshal have proven that performing under pressure is the key to success in the T20 league. As IPL 2025 unfolds, the race for the Purple Cap promises to bring more thrilling performances, dramatic finishes and new records. It is also ensuring that bowlers in cricket actually win matches.

Also Read: Players With Most Orange Caps in IPL History (2008 to 2025)

FAQs

Q1. Who has won the most Purple Caps in IPL history?

As of 2025, three players share the record for the most Purple Caps, Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel, each having won it twice. Their achievements emphasize longevity, consistency and adaptability in the high-pressure tournament.

Q2. Which team has produced the most Purple Cap winners?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) leads the list with four Purple Cap winners, Dwayne Bravo (2013, 2015), Mohit Sharma (2014) and Imran Tahir (2019).

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