What is the Purple Cap in IPL? List of winners in Indian Premier League history ahead of 2023 tournament

With the 2023 IPL season now upon us, projections and predictions have begun: not just for the title, but for all the honours and awards across the 14-matchday stretch.

One of the most prestigious honours in the IPL is the Purple Cap, awarded to the player with the most wickets taken in the league.

So, who could be in line to receive the award this year, who has won it in the past, and how exactly is the winner decided?

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What is the Purple Cap in IPL?

The IPL's Purple Cap is given to the leading wicket-taker in the competition. The award was first announced in 2008 following the introduction of the Orange Cap for leading run-scorer.

During the season, the bowler with the most IPL wickets wears the Purple Cap while fielding. The top wicket-taker at the end of the competition is officially presented with the prize.

If two bowlers tie, the Purple Cap is awarded to the player with the better economy rate.

Who will win the IPL Purple Cap in 2023?

There are a number of players who will be sure to be in contention for the honour.

Yuzvendra Chahal will be a popular pick, the 2022 winner looking to continue his hot form from last year, but he won't be without company.

Jofra Archer will mount a challenge for the award, the England bowler now expected to complete the full IPL season with the Mumbai Indians, and Afghanistan T20I captain Rashid Khan will be another with his eyes on the prize.

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Who has won the most IPL Purple Caps?

Only two bowlers have ever won the Purple Cap twice: Dwayne Bravo was the winner in 2013 and 2015, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar went back-to-back in 2016 and 2017.

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Who has the most wickets in an IPL season?

The most wickets taken in an IPL season is 32, a feat achieved by two players: Dwayne Bravo in 2013, and Harshal Patel in 2021.

Full list of IPL Purple Cap winners