IPL 2026 Purple Cap: Kagiso Rabada bowled Bhuvneshwar Kumar to finish as the leading wicket-taker

Kagiso Rabada Gujarat Titans (ANI Photo) Kagiso Rabada ended IPL 2026 with the Purple Cap, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker despite Gujarat Titans falling short in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The South African fast bowler enjoyed another excellent campaign, taking 29 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 9.68. While GT’s title hopes ended in a five-wicket defeat in Ahmedabad, Rabad’s consistency with the ball throughout the season ensured they finished top of the wicket-taking charts. This achievement marks the second Purple Cap of Rabada in IPL career. He previously won the award in 2020 while representing Delhi Capitals when he finished with 30 goals. Rabad’s closest challenger was RCB veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who pushed him all the way to the final. Bhuvneshwar finished with 28 wickets in 16 matches and was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful title defence. While narrowly missing out on the Purple Cap, Bhuvneshwar boasted the best economy rate among the top five wickets with just 7.95 runs per over. His best figures of 4 for 23 highlighted a season in which he repeatedly provided crucial breakthroughs with the new ball and at the death. Rajasthan Royals quick Jofra Archer completed the top three after another impressive campaign. Archer picked up 25 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 9.31, with best figures of 3 for 17. His pace and hostility remained one of RR’s biggest strengths throughout the tournament. The fourth spot belonged to Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan, who finished with 21 wickets in 17 matches at an economy of 9.08. Notably, Rashid was the only player in the top 10 wicket takers this season, underscoring his value in a tournament dominated by fast bowlers. Chennai Super Kings pacer Anshul Kamboj completed the top five. The young fast bowler emerged as one of the breakout players of IPL 2026 as he took 21 wickets in just 14 matches. Although his economy rate of 10.52 was the highest among the top five, his ability to strike regularly helped him finish level with Rashid for the wickets.

IPL 2026 Purple Cap Standings

RankingPlayerTeamMatchesWicketsEconomyTop Characters1Kagiso RabadaGujarat Titans17299.683/252Bhuvneshwar KumarRoyal Challengers Bengaluru16287.954/233Jofra ArcherRajasthan Royals16259.313/16259.313/16259.313 Titans17219.084/335Anshul KambojChennai Super Kings142110.523/22