Most Wickets in IPL 2025 : The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a global cricketing spectacle, celebrated for its high-octane batting displays and nail-biting finishes. However, amidst the flurry of sixes and fours, bowlers play an equally vital role, often turning matches with their skill and strategy. The Purple Cap, awarded to the bowler with the most wickets in a single IPL season, is a testament to their brilliance in the T20 format. In IPL 2025, the race for this prestigious award is heating up, with several bowlers showcasing exceptional performances. This article dives deep into the current standings, profiles the top contenders, explores the historical significance of the Purple Cap, and provides insights into what might determine the winner. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or new to the IPL, this comprehensive guide will keep you updated on the thrilling Purple Cap race.
Most Wickets in IPL 2025 : Current Standings
As of May 28, 2025, the Purple Cap race is led by Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) young Afghan spinner, Noor Ahmad, who has claimed 24 wickets. Gujarat Titans’ (GT) Prasidh Krishna is a close second with 23 wickets, making the competition incredibly tight. Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Trent Boult holds the third spot with 19 wickets, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Josh Hazlewood and Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) Arshdeep Singh, both with 18 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah, also from MI, is sixth with 17 wickets, keeping him in the hunt.
The following table summarizes the top six bowlers in the IPL 2025 Purple Cap race:
Rank | Player | Wickets | Team |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Noor Ahmad | 24 | CSK |
2 | Prasidh Krishna | 23 | GT |
3 | Trent Boult | 19 | MI |
4 | Josh Hazlewood | 18 | RCB |
5 | Arshdeep Singh | 18 | PBKS |
6 | Jasprit Bumrah | 17 | MI |
These standings, sourced from reputable outlets like Hindustan Times and Live Mint, reflect the dynamic nature of the race, where a single match can shift the leaderboard.
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Profiles of Top Contenders
The IPL 2025 Purple Cap race features a diverse mix of bowlers, from young spinners to seasoned pacers. Let’s take a closer look at the top five contenders and what makes them stand out.
Noor Ahmad (CSK)
Noor Ahmad, a 19-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner from Afghanistan, has been a revelation for CSK. With 24 wickets, he leads the Purple Cap race, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His ability to deceive batsmen with googlies and wrong’uns has been pivotal, particularly in the middle overs. Ahmad’s standout performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he took 4/18, breaking the backbone of their batting lineup. His fearless approach and clever variations have made him CSK’s go-to bowler, earning praise from fans and analysts alike. If Ahmad maintains his form, he could become one of the youngest Purple Cap winners in IPL history.
Prasidh Krishna (GT)
Prasidh Krishna, a towering Indian pacer for Gujarat Titans, is just one wicket behind Ahmad with 23 scalps. Known for generating steep bounce, Krishna has been effective with both the new ball and in the death overs. His best figures of 4/41 against Kolkata Knight Riders highlight his ability to deliver under pressure. Krishna’s consistent line and length, combined with his pace, have anchored GT’s bowling attack. With GT still in the playoff race, Krishna has a golden opportunity to overtake Ahmad and claim the Purple Cap.
Trent Boult (MI)
Trent Boult, the experienced New Zealand left-arm pacer, has been a cornerstone of Mumbai Indians’ bowling unit. With 19 wickets, Boult’s swing bowling in the powerplay has troubled many opening batsmen. His economy rate of under 7 runs per over, as noted by News18, underscores his control. Boult’s best performance of 4/26 against Punjab Kings showcased his match-winning potential. As MI pushes for the playoffs, Boult’s experience could see him climb higher in the standings.
Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler, has been a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking 18 wickets. His accuracy and ability to bowl tight lines have restricted opposition scoring rates, making him a vital cog in RCB’s attack. Hazlewood’s best figures of 3/13 against Delhi Capitals demonstrate his dominance on favorable pitches. Partnered with Mohammed Siraj, Hazlewood has formed one of the IPL’s most potent pace attacks. If RCB advances to the playoffs, Hazlewood could add to his tally and challenge for the top spot.
Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)

Arshdeep Singh, Punjab Kings’ left-arm pacer, has also claimed 18 wickets, tying with Hazlewood. Known for his death bowling skills, Arshdeep’s variations, including slower balls and yorkers, have deceived many batsmen. His standout performance of 4/29 against Delhi Capitals helped PBKS defend a modest total. Arshdeep’s left-arm angle provides a unique challenge, and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes him a dark horse in the Purple Cap race.
Historical Context
The Purple Cap, introduced in 2008, has become a symbol of bowling excellence in the IPL. The inaugural winner, Sohail Tanvir of Rajasthan Royals, claimed 22 wickets, setting the stage for a legacy of remarkable bowling performances. Over the years, the award has been won by both pacers and spinners, reflecting the diverse skills required to succeed in T20 cricket.
Notable Purple Cap winners include:
- 2008: Sohail Tanvir (22 wickets, Rajasthan Royals)
- 2011: Lasith Malinga (28 wickets, Mumbai Indians)
- 2013: Dwayne Bravo (32 wickets, Chennai Super Kings)
- 2015: Dwayne Bravo (26 wickets, Chennai Super Kings)
- 2016: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (23 wickets, Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- 2017: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (26 wickets, Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- 2021: Harshal Patel (32 wickets, Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- 2022: Yuzvendra Chahal (27 wickets, Rajasthan Royals)
- 2023: Mohammed Shami (28 wickets, Gujarat Titans)
Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel share the record for the most Purple Caps, each winning it twice. The highest wicket tally in a single season is 32, achieved by Bravo in 2013 and matched by Patel in 2021, as noted by Olympics.com. This year’s race, with Ahmad and Krishna approaching 25 wickets, could see a new benchmark if the top bowlers maintain their form.
Analysis and Insights
The IPL 2025 season has been a balanced contest between bat and ball, with no single team dominating. This has created a highly competitive Purple Cap race, where every bowler has had their moment to shine. The Impact Player rule, allowing teams to bring in specialist bowlers, may have contributed to higher wicket tallies this season. For instance, CSK’s strategic use of Ahmad in the middle overs has paid dividends, while GT’s reliance on Krishna’s pace has been equally effective.
Pitch conditions have played a significant role in 2025. Venues like Chennai have favored spinners, giving Ahmad an edge, while faster tracks in Bengaluru have suited pacers like Hazlewood. According to Times of India, the season has seen bowlers dominate with “toe-crushing yorkers” and “deceptive slower balls,” adding to the excitement.
With CSK having two league matches left and GT one, as reported by Business Standard, Ahmad and Krishna have a slight advantage. However, MI, RCB, and PBKS also have matches remaining, giving Boult, Hazlewood, and Singh opportunities to close the gap. Historically, 25-30 wickets have been enough to win the Purple Cap, but with the current competition, the winner might need closer to 30 wickets, potentially challenging the record of 32.
Spinners have had a notable impact this season, with Ahmad leading the pack. This could be due to pitches offering more turn or teams employing spinners strategically in the middle overs. However, pacers like Krishna and Boult have been equally effective, particularly in the powerplay and death overs, highlighting the balance in bowling styles.
FAQs
What is the Purple Cap?
The Purple Cap is an award given to the bowler who takes the most wickets in an IPL season. It’s a prestigious honor that recognizes the top wicket-taker’s contribution to their team.
How is the Purple Cap Awarded?
The bowler with the highest number of wickets at the end of the season wins the Purple Cap. During the season, the leading wicket-taker wears the cap during matches, but the final winner is confirmed after the tournament concludes.
Who Has Won the Most Purple Caps?
Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel have each won the Purple Cap twice, making them the most successful bowlers in this category.
What is the Highest Number of Wickets in a Single IPL Season?
The record for the most wickets in a single IPL season is 32, achieved by Dwayne Bravo in 2013 and Harshal Patel in 2021.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 Purple Cap race is one of the most exciting in recent memory, with Noor Ahmad and Prasidh Krishna locked in a tight battle at the top. With just a few matches remaining, every wicket counts, and bowlers like Trent Boult, Josh Hazlewood, and Arshdeep Singh are still in contention. The mix of young talent and seasoned campaigners has made this season a treat for bowling fans, showcasing the skill and strategy required to succeed in T20 cricket. Whether it’s Ahmad’s spin wizardry or Krishna’s fiery pace, the race for the Purple Cap is far from over. As the IPL heads toward its climax, fans can expect more thrilling performances, with the final winner earning their place in IPL history through sheer determination and skill.