Purple Cap Winners from IPL 2008 to IPL 2025: Mohammed Shami to Yuzvendra Chahal, Where Are They Now?

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Purple Cap Winners from IPL 2008 to IPL 2025: The Indian Premier League has long been regarded as a batter’s paradise, showcasing thrilling sixes and towering scores. However, amidst the batting blitzkrieg, bowlers have emerged as unsung heroes, consistently altering the course of matches.

The Purple Cap, awarded to the tournament's highest wicket-taker, symbolises bowling dominance in this batter-heavy format. Over the years, legends like Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, and Lasith Malinga have proven that bowlers can shine just as brightly.

Winning the Purple Cap is more than just leading the wicket charts – it signifies resilience, skill, and the ability to thrive under relentless pressure. It’s a testament to a bowler's consistency in taking crucial wickets, often shifting the momentum of matches.

Since its inception in 2008, the Purple Cap has become one of the most coveted awards, with only a select few bowlers, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo, winning it multiple times.

From the unorthodox brilliance of Sohail Tanvir to Harshal Patel’s recent exploits, each Purple Cap winner has left an indelible mark on the tournament. Here’s a look at the journey of each winner and where they are now:

Sohail Tanvir (2008 – Rajasthan Royals)

The left-arm pacer stunned batsmen with his unique action, taking 22 wickets in the inaugural season. After IPL, he played across various T20 leagues and represented Pakistan until 2017. Now retired from international cricket, Tanvir continues playing in franchise leagues, including the Pakistan Super League.

RP Singh (2009 – Deccan Chargers)

RP Singh claimed 23 wickets to help Deccan Chargers win their first IPL title. After retiring in 2018, he transitioned into a commentary role and serves as a cricket expert on various media platforms.

Pragyan Ojha (2010 – Deccan Chargers)

The wily left-arm spinner took 21 wickets in 2010. He last played competitive cricket in 2015 and has since become a well-respected commentator and analyst.

Lasith Malinga (2011 – Mumbai Indians)

Malinga's 28 wickets in 2011 set a benchmark for fast bowlers. Post-retirement, the "Yorker King" has taken up coaching roles, currently serving as the bowling coach for Rajasthan Royals.

Morne Morkel (2012 – Delhi Daredevils)

The tall South African pacer bagged 25 wickets in 2012. Now retired, Morkel works as a coach and cricket analyst, recently taking up coaching assignments in Australia.

Dwayne Bravo (2013 & 2015 – Chennai Super Kings)

Bravo’s 32 wickets in 2013 remain unmatched for a single season. The West Indies all-rounder retired as the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket and currently serves as CSK’s bowling coach.

Mohit Sharma (2014 – Chennai Super Kings)

Mohit scalped 23 wickets in 2014. After a dip in form and injuries, he made a strong comeback with Gujarat Titans in recent IPL seasons.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2016 & 2017 – Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Bhuvneshwar won back-to-back Purple Caps, taking 23 and 26 wickets. Still an active player, he continues to be a pivotal figure for Sunrisers Hyderabad and India in limited-overs cricket.

Andrew Tye (2018 – Kings XI Punjab)

The Australian pacer claimed 24 wickets in 2018. He remains active in T20 leagues worldwide, including the Big Bash League.

Imran Tahir (2019 – Chennai Super Kings)

At 40, Tahir became the oldest Purple Cap winner with 26 wickets. Though retired from international cricket, he continues to play in T20 leagues globally.

Kagiso Rabada (2020 – Delhi Capitals)

Rabada’s 30 wickets in 2020 showcased his lethal pace. He remains a key figure for South Africa and the Punjab Kings.

Harshal Patel (2021 & 2024 – Royal Challengers Bangalore & Punjab Kings)

Patel equalled Bravo's record with 32 wickets in 2021. After a brief slump, he returned strongly, winning the 2024 Purple Cap with Punjab Kings.

Yuzvendra Chahal (2022 – Rajasthan Royals)

Chahal’s 27 wickets in 2022 reaffirmed his status as India’s premier leg-spinner. He continues to excel for Rajasthan Royals and the national team.

Mohammed Shami (2023 – Gujarat Titans)

Shami’s 28 wickets in 2023 cemented his place among IPL’s top bowlers. Currently recovering from an injury, he remains a crucial asset for India.

IPL 2025 – To Be Seen

The IPL 2025 Purple Cap race promises to be a fierce battleground, with some of the world's best bowlers lining up for their franchises. From fiery pacers who can rattle stumps at lightning speed to cunning spinners capable of turning games on their head, the season is set to witness thrilling bowling duels. As teams push for dominance, expect a gripping contest for the coveted Purple Cap, where every wicket will matter and legends will be made.