The Race for the Purple Cap in IPL 2026
The T20 format is often seen as a haven for batters, but every season brings with it bowlers who shine brighter than their counterparts. As the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, the opportunity to claim the Purple Cap—awarded to the leading wicket-taker—has once again sparked interest.
Last season, Gujarat Titans’ Prasidh Krishna topped the charts with 25 wickets. The record for the most wickets in a single season stands at 32, shared by Dwayne Bravo in 2013 and Harshal Patel in 2021. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the potential candidates for the 2026 Purple Cap.
1. Sai Kishore (Gujarat Titans)
Sai Kishore has emerged as one of the most reliable left-arm spinners in the league. His ability to restrict scoring while taking wickets makes him a key player for the Gujarat Titans. With the team’s bowling strategy focused on applying pressure, Kishore often benefits from batters taking risks against him.
If conditions favor spin, he could climb up the rankings quickly. This will be his fourth season in the IPL, and he aims to build on his breakout performance last year, where he took 19 wickets at a strike rate of 13.4.
2. Jacob Duffy (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Ranked 20th in the world in T20I cricket, Jacob Duffy is set to make his IPL debut in 2026. The New Zealand seamer brings a skill set well-suited for T20 cricket, with swing and accuracy at the death being two of his key strengths.
Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he is expected to take the new ball regularly, giving him early opportunities to take wickets and build momentum.
3. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)
Jasprit Bumrah is almost always part of any Purple Cap discussion. As the Mumbai Indians’ spearhead, he remains one of the most complete all-format bowlers in the game. Whether at the start or the death, Bumrah’s control and variations can dismantle batting lineups.
If he plays a full season, which he missed in 2025 due to injury, it would not be surprising to see him challenge the 30-wicket mark.
4. Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Eshan Malinga, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, has been making waves with his slingy action and yorker-heavy approach. At Sunrisers Hyderabad, he could be entrusted with key overs at the death, where wickets often come in clusters.
His debut season in the IPL saw him take 13 wickets from seven games at a strike rate of 12.3. If he gets a full set of fixtures, he could find himself near the top of the wicket-takers’ chart.
5. Lungi Ngidi (Delhi Capitals)
Lungi Ngidi is known for his strike rate in T20 cricket. Representing Delhi Capitals, his role revolves around breaking partnerships. His strength lies in hitting hard lengths and extracting bounce, which is effective on Indian surfaces.
Ngidi also has variations, particularly his slower ball, which is among the best in the game. Fitness will be crucial, but if he maintains consistency, he could be among the leaders.
6. Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings)
Arshdeep Singh has become synonymous with composure under pressure. For Punjab Kings, he is the go-to bowler in crunch situations, especially at the death. His ability to nail yorkers and force mistakes makes him a consistent wicket-taking threat.
With experience now firmly on his side, this could be the season he converts promise into a Purple Cap push. His best return in a single IPL season came in 2025 when he took 21 wickets.
7. Blessing Muzarabani (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Blessing Muzarabani, the towering Zimbabwean quick, adds a different dimension with his height and bounce. At Kolkata Knight Riders, he could be used aggressively in both the powerplay and middle overs.
His steep bounce often forces batters into errors, particularly on surfaces with extra carry. If he adapts quickly to IPL conditions, Muzarabani has the tools to be a breakout star.
He showed his potential in Indian conditions during the recently completed World Cup, where he was a standout performer.
