Top 5 Bowlers Who Can Win Purple Cap in IPL 2026
With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup now over, the focus shifts to the Indian Premier League (IPL). T20 cricket usually helps batters, but bowlers are still very important. They take key wickets, stop runs, and change the game. The best bowler of the season wins the Purple Cap, given to the player with the most wickets.
Mitchell Starc - Delhi Capitals
Mitchell Starc joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 as the most expensive player in IPL history. He struggled at first but performed well in the playoffs, winning Player of the Match in the qualifier and final as KKR won their third title. Now with Delhi Capitals, Starc is in great form after taking 31 wickets in the The Ashes. His early wickets will be important for Delhi as they aim to do better this season.
Kuldeep Yadav - Delhi Capitals
Kuldeep Yadav has improved with every IPL season and is now one of India’s main spinners in all formats. At Delhi Capitals, he forms a strong spin pair with captain Axar Patel. Though he has moved in and out of India’s T20 team, Kuldeep has always performed when given a chance. In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, he took 15 wickets with an excellent economy of 7.08, troubling batters with his variations. Delhi started well last season but missed the playoffs. Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability will be key to helping the team stay consistent and improve this year.
Varun Chakravarthy - KKR
Varun Chakravarthy finished as joint-highest wicket-taker with Jasprit Bumrah in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. He took 14 wickets in nine matches, but had a mixed tournament, as some teams attacked him and increased his economy rate. His best performance was 4/28. Even with this, Chakravarthy remains a strong wicket-taking bowler who can deliver at important moments. At Kolkata Knight Riders, he forms a powerful spin duo with Sunil Narine. Together, they control the middle overs by stopping runs and taking key wickets. KKR will hope Chakravarthy finds his best form again and performs consistently in the coming season.
Jasprit Bumrah - MI
Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in T20 cricket. He took 14 wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and had an excellent economy rate of 6.21, making it hard for batters to score. Since joining Mumbai Indians in 2013, Bumrah has become a key player for both his team and India in all formats. Mumbai Indians will depend on him to perform well as they look to beat their rivals Chennai Super Kings and win the most IPL titles.
Gudakesh Motie - LSG
Gudakesh Motie, the left-arm mystery spinner with a unique action, will now play for Lucknow Super Giants. He chose the IPL over the Pakistan Super League and joined as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga. Even though West Indies cricket team did not reach the semifinals or final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Motie performed well. He took 10 wickets in 7 matches with a good economy rate of 7.86. Lucknow will hope he continues this form and makes a strong impact this season.
