The IPL 2026 season has started with a bang. Fans are cheering loud and supporting their favourite teams. The game is one of the most thrilling formats that was introduced in 2008 and since that it has been building the right pressure, and offering high octane clashes for the sports enthusiasts worldwide.
The Indian Premier League is not just about big sixes, or thrilling chases as it is also a platform for bowlers to show off their skills and consistency.
While fans do look for IPL live score, or IPL points table, there is another aspect of the game that keeps the fans hooked, which is the race for the Purple Cap. It captures the players who have taken the most wickets during an IPL season.
This list highlights the performances of some of the finest bowlers in the world who have consistently delivered match-winning spells under pressure. From experienced international stars to emerging talents, the Purple Cap race reflects how important bowlers are in a format that is often considered batsman-friendly.
Moreover, the Purple Cap leaderboard keeps changing with every match. A single outstanding performance can push a bowler to the top, making the competition intense and unpredictable.
The importance of the Purple Cap goes beyond just numbers. It represents consistency, accuracy, and the ability to perform in crucial moments. Whether it is defending a low total, breaking partnerships, or delivering in the death overs, Purple Cap winners have often played a key role in their team’s success.
Here is a detailed list of IPL Purple Cap winners from 2008 to 2026. You will get a simple overview of the bowlers who have dominated each season. It not only showcases their wicket-taking ability but also gives insight into how the game has evolved over the years. From the early seasons of the IPL to the latest editions, this list is a perfect way to understand the legacy of bowling excellence in one of the world’s biggest cricket leagues.
READ| Most Runs in IPL (2008 to 2026)
IPL Purple Cap Winners List [2006 to 2026]
As the 2026 season progresses, it will be really fun to see who will emerge as the top wicket taker in this season. As of now here is the record as per the IPL website:
| Season | Player | Wickets | Matches |
| 2025 | Prasidh Krishna (GT) | 25 | 15 |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel (PBKS) | 24 | 14 |
| 2023 | Mohammed Shami (GT) | 28 | 17 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal (RR) | 27 | 17 |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel (RCB) | 32 | 15 |
| 2020 | Kagiso Rabada (DC) | 30 | 17 |
| 2019 | Imran Tahir (CSK) | 26 | 17 |
| 2018 | Andrew Tye (KXIP) | 24 | 14 |
| 2017 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) | 26 | 14 |
| 2016 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) | 23 | 17 |
| 2015 | Dwayne Bravo (CSK) | 26 | 16 |
| 2014 | Mohit Sharma (CSK) | 23 | 16 |
| 2013 | Dwayne Bravo (CSK) | 32 | 18 |
| 2012 | Morne Morkel (DD) | 25 | 16 |
| 2011 | Lasith Malinga (MI) | 28 | 16 |
| 2010 | Pragyan Ojha (DC) | 21 | 16 |
| 2009 | RP Singh (DC) | 23 | 16 |
| 2008 | Sohail Tanvir (RR) | 22 | 11 |
These players have shown consistent top of the line performance when it comes to bowling.
IPL 2026: List of Top Wicket Takers
The IPL 2026 season has just started and with 2 matches already being completed, Jacob Duffy from Royal Challengers Bengaluru currently leads the chart. Here is the list of the top 10 wicket takers for this season:
| Position | Player | Team | Wickets | Matches |
| 1 | Jacob Duffy | RCB | 3 | 1 |
| 2 | Shardul Thakur | MI | 3 | 1 |
| 3 | Romario Shepherd | RCB | 3 | 1 |
| 4 | David Payne | SRH | 2 | 1 |
| 5 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB | 1 | 1 |
| 6 | Suyash Sharma | RCB | 1 | 1 |
| 7 | Jaydev Unadkat | SRH | 1 | 1 |
| 8 | Harsh Dubey | SRH | 1 | 1 |
| 9 | Abhinandan Singh | RCB | 1 | 1 |
| 10 | Hardik Pandya | MI | 1 | 1 |
