Kagiso Rabada sealed the IPL Purple Cap 2026, finishing the season as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 29 scalps from 17 matches for Gujarat Titans. The South African pacer edged out Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one of the breakout bowlers of the season, who claimed 28 wickets in just 16 matches. It marked Rabada’s second Purple Cap, having first claimed the honour in 2020 with Delhi Capitals, when he picked up 30 wickets. Interestingly, his individual triumph came even as Gujarat Titans themselves fell agonisingly short, going down to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final. Here’s a closer look at how the race for this year’s Purple Cap unfolded, along with the full list of IPL 2026’s leading wicket-takers.
IPL Purple Cap 2026 List (Top 10 Wicket Takers)
| Player | Mat | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR |
| Kagiso Rabada (GT) | 17 | 29 | 3/25 | 21.58 | 9.68 | 13.37 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) | 16 | 28 | 4/23 | 17.89 | 7.95 | 13.5 |
| Jofra Archer (RR) | 16 | 25 | 3/17 | 22.36 | 9.31 | 14.4 |
| Rashid Khan (GT) | 17 | 21 | 4/33 | 24.57 | 9.07 | 16.23 |
| Anshul Kamboj (CSK) | 14 | 21 | 3/22 | 25.23 | 10.52 | 14.38 |
| Eshan Malinga (SRH) | 15 | 20 | 4/32 | 25.35 | 9.33 | 16.3 |
| Mohammed Siraj (GT) | 17 | 19 | 3/26 | 29.57 | 9.06 | 19.57 |
| Rasikh Salam (RCB) | 12 | 19 | 4/24 | 21.31 | 9.45 | 13.52 |
| Kartik Tyagi (KKR) | 14 | 18 | 3/22 | 27.66 | 9.76 | 17 |
| Jason Holder (GT) | 11 | 17 | 4/24 | 17.05 | 7.56 | 13.52 |
IPL Purple Cap 2026
1. Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
Kagiso Rabada emerged as the top wicket-taker in the IPL 2026 season with 29 scalps in 17 games for Gujarat Titans. The South African top bowler was a consistent performer in the tournament and had a significant contribution to Gujarat’s robust bowling line-up. Rabada kept coming up with magic shots when it mattered most, both with the new ball and when under pressure in the death overs. Even the top hitters in the tournament were rattled by his speed, bounce as well as his movement.
Rabada took a pitfall by conceding 626 runs from 64.4 overs with an average of 21.58. His strike rate of 13.37meant he picked up a wicket almost every two overs, reflecting his remarkable consistency. His best season was when he registered his best bowling numbers (3/25) but he went much beyond just showing his stuff on match days. Rather than make one outstanding catch, Rabada had a consistent year on the ball and is well deserving of winning the Purple Cap.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Gujarat Titans |
| Matches | 17 |
| Wickets | 29 |
| Best Bowling | 3/25 |
| Average | 21.58 |
| Economy | 9.68 |
| Strike Rate | 13.37 |
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar had one of his top IPL seasons to date as he was second in the top wicket category with 28 wickets in 16 matches. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowler was yet again a great example of why he is one of the finest swing bowlers in T20 cricket. He was hard to score on all season long, with his ability to yard and bowlers out accurate and to change pace.
Bhuvneshwar was among the top wicket takers with an excellent bowling average of 17.89 and his economy rate was 7.95, one of the lowest of IPL 2026 top wicket takers. He has also shown his bowling prowess in the form of 4/23, which is his best performance, in which he crushed the batting line-up in pressure. He also recorded a four wicket-earning haul in the tournament, showcasing his match-winning skills.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Matches | 16 |
| Wickets | 28 |
| Best Bowling | 4/23 |
| Average | 17.89 |
| Economy | 7.95 |
| Strike Rate | 13.50 |
3. Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)
Jofra Archer, meanwhile, bounced back to his devastating form in IPL 2026, share the No. 3 spot on the wicket-taking list with 25 wickets in 16 games for the Rajasthan Royals. Archer was well known for his quick bowling and the fact that he bowled with them under pressure, putting the ball on the goire, and varying the type of yorkers with some brilliant balls. He was the spearhead of Rajasthan Royals’ bowling line-up throughout the tournament with his performances.
Archer bowled to an average of 22.36 and an economy rate of 9.31, finishing off with his best bowling performance of 3/17. He didn’t manage to put together a four-wicket economy, but his consistency meant he was one of the finest bowlers all season long. He has the talent to bust the big shots early, which could benefit Rajasthan Royals in the powerplay.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Rajasthan Royals |
| Matches | 16 |
| Wickets | 25 |
| Best Bowling | 3/17 |
| Average | 22.36 |
| Economy | 9.31 |
| Strike Rate | 14.40 |
4. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)
Once again, Rashid Khan made it evident that he is one of the greatest T20 spinners in the world. The Afghan spinner was instrumental in the Gujarat Titans, picking up 21 wickets in 17 matches, which puts him fourth in the list of wicket takers for IPL 2026. He was one of the most valuable bowlers of the season due to his remarkable economy despite his ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs. Rashid always caused problems for the opposition as he frequently broke key pairings with his sharp googlies, leg breaks and his control.
During the tournament, he bowled 56.5 overs giving up 516 runs with an average of 24.57 and an economy rate of 9.07. He bowled well in a match as he flattened the middle order with some brilliant variations and exceptional accuracy, his best figures being 4/33. Rashid also picked up one four-wicket haul in the season, further demonstrating his match winning prowess.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Gujarat Titans |
| Matches | 17 |
| Wickets | 21 |
| Best Bowling | 4/33 |
| Average | 24.57 |
| Economy | 9.07 |
| Strike Rate | 16.23 |
5. Anshul Kamboj (Chennai Super Kings)
Young Indian bowler Anshul Kamboj was one of the biggest IPL 2026 surprises. He was playing for the Chennai Super Kings, and was able to claim 21 wickets in only 14 matches, which was the same number as Rashid Khan after playing less. Kamboj’s impressive pace, accuracy and fearless attitude against some of the best batters in the world impressed the cricket fans. He quickly became one of the brightest fast bowling prospects of India with his consistent bowling in difficult situations.
Kamboj’s bowling average of 25.23 and 14.38 strike rate proved his ability to take wickets regularly. His new ball statistics of 3/22 with the ball showed how effective he was, but his playing style in the middle overs was often very aggressive, causing pressure on the opposition. His economy rate of 10.52 was a bit higher than other bowlers but his wicket taking ability was one of the best for Chennai Super Kings.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Chennai Super Kings |
| Matches | 14 |
| Wickets | 21 |
| Best Bowling | 3/22 |
| Average | 25.23 |
| Economy | 10.52 |
| Strike Rate | 14.38 |
6. Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Eshan Malinga, the Sri Lankan pacer, had an outstanding season in his IPL debut season with Sunrisers Hyderabad as he picked up 20 wickets in 15 matches. Malinga was also a man of mystery with his slower balls, a master of the yorker, and an expert at finding creative ways to get the ball in the target for the death over. His steady demeanor and on-camera performance under pressure have enabled him to save Sunrisers Hyderabad in a few crucial contests.
Malinga bowled 54.2 overs, giving up 507 runs, and a bowling average of 25.35 and economy rate of 9.33. He had his best bowling results of 4/32 to showcase his match winning potential and also had one four wicket partnership in the tournament. His impressive form against great batting lineups made him one of the most promising overseas fast bowlers in the IPL 2026 tournament.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Matches | 15 |
| Wickets | 20 |
| Best Bowling | 4/32 |
| Average | 25.35 |
| Economy | 9.33 |
| Strike Rate | 16.30 |
7. Mohammed Siraj (Gujarat Titans)
After joining Gujarat Titans, Mohammed Siraj has been in the form again in IPL 2026, having picked up 19 wickets in 17 matches. The Indian bowler was also a key member of the team that made important breakthroughs with the white ball, as well as in the middle overs, alongside Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan. Siraj’s high competitive spirit, speed and precision provided him with the edge to become a dependable bowler for Gujarat Titans.
His tournament bowling average was 29.57, his economy rate 9.06 and his strike rate 19.57. He was able to do so in a crucial league game, picking off a number of high-scoring batsmen and helping his side to limit the opposition to a below-par total, with his team dominating his best effort of 3/26. He did not register a four wicket haul, but consistently picked up key wickets throughout the season.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Gujarat Titans |
| Matches | 17 |
| Wickets | 19 |
| Best Bowling | 3/26 |
| Average | 29.57 |
| Economy | 9.06 |
| Strike Rate | 19.57 |
8. Rasikh Salam (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Rasikh Salam has impressed with his excellent bowling performance to become one of the surprise bowlers of IPL 2026. The young fast bowler, in just 12 matches, managed to pick up 19 wickets, a performance identical to Mohammed Siraj’s in five fewer matches. He was able to bowl with pace, bounce and deliver the accurate slower balls, making him a tough bowler to face in every facet of an innings. But Rasikh delivered when it mattered the most in middle and death overs, crucial moments when RCB was able to defend competitive totals.
He bowled 42.5 overs and took 405 runs, his bowling average being 21.31. His strike rate of 13.52 was one of the best in the tournament, showing his wicket taking consistency. Rasikh’s best performance was in a match-winning display when he laid 4/24 in disciplined fast bowling. In addition he struck out one, and took one four-wicket spell which showed how he could turn a game on its head on his own.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Matches | 12 |
| Wickets | 19 |
| Best Bowling | 4/24 |
| Average | 21.31 |
| Economy | 9.45 |
| Strike Rate | 13.52 |
9. Kartik Tyagi (Kolkata Knight Riders)
While playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, Kartik Tyagi had one of the best IPL seasons in his career. The right arm quick bowler has taken 18 wickets in 14 matches, making him one of the most reliable bowlers for KKR. Tyagi is always on the quick and his yorkers were always accurate, and he bowled tough overs at some of the best batting line-ups in the tournament. His fearless approach and attack making ability kept Kolkata Knight Riders in the game all through the season.
Tyagi delivered 51 overs and allowed 498 runs with a bowling average of 27.66 and economy rate of 9.76. His best results of 3/22 were in a crucial league match, where he had to remove key batters in consecutive overs. He did not make a four-wicket stand, but he was a very consistent performer during the entire tournament and was one of the most consistent Indian pacers in the league.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Matches | 14 |
| Wickets | 18 |
| Best Bowling | 3/22 |
| Average | 27.66 |
| Economy | 9.76 |
| Strike Rate | 17.00 |
10. Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans)
The veteran West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder then added his name to the list of top 10 wicket takers in the history of IPL 2026 after going all out for Gujarat Titans and bagging 17 wickets in only 11 matches during the tournament. Although he didn’t bowl as much as many in the top 10, Holder was incredibly reliable with the new ball and at the death. He was a valuable asset to Gujarat Titans this season with his height, bounce and accuracy with slower deliveries.
It was an outstanding average for the top wicket takers in the world, with Holder finishing with 17.05. He also had an excellent economy rate of 7.56, which is the lowest in the top 10 bowlers and also recorded his best bowling figures of 4/24. His strike rate of 13.52 was another testament to his value on the field, even when he had limited opportunities. Holder also had one four wicket haul, reiterating his influence when he was in the field.
| Details | Information |
| Team | Gujarat Titans |
| Matches | 11 |
| Wickets | 17 |
| Best Bowling | 4/24 |
| Average | 17.05 |
| Economy | 7.56 |
| Strike Rate | 13.52 |
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 Purple Cap race featured some highly talented Indian and international bowlers. Kagiso Rabada topped the tournament with 29 wickets and Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the only other bowler in the top three.Jofra Archer rounded off the top three with 26 wickets, while Kagiso Rabada had 29. Spinners Rashid Khan scored freely in the middle order while a host of promising bowlers, like Anshul Kamboj and Rasikh Salam, made their mark in the highest T20 match. Gujarat Titans had the most potent bowling line up having four wicket takers in the top 10 of the wicket takers list. In conclusion, IPL 2026 has demonstrated that quality bowling is just as crucial as explosive batting, as these bowlers were instrumental in creating match-winning moments that influenced the results of the tournament.
FAQs
A1. Kagiso Rabada took 29 wickets to win the Purple Cap.
A2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the runner up with 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
A3. Gujarat Titans had 4 bowlers in the top 10: Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj and Jason Holder.
A4. The best bowling average was Jason Holder with 17.05.
Also Read: Who Hit the Longest Six in IPL 2026? Top 10 Biggest Sixes List with Distance, Players and Teams
, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (28 wkts), Jofra Archer (25 wkts) Rashid Khan (21 wkts), Anshul Kamboj (21 wkts).){kind=link}