The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off on March 22, bringing another action-packed season of the world’s most popular T20 league. As cricket’s biggest stars prepare for battle, fans are eagerly waiting to witness thrilling contests, jaw-dropping performances, and intense rivalries. In IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their third IPL title, thanks to a formidable bowling attack where five bowlers grabbed 17 or more wickets. With the Purple Cap—awarded to the tournament's leading wicket-taker—up for grabs again, this season’s competition is expected to be just as fierce as the title race. More than just a statistical accolade, the Purple Cap symbolizes bowling excellence in the high-intensity T20 format. Historically, Purple Cap winners have played a crucial role in their team's success, often steering them into the playoffs or even lifting the trophy. With the best bowlers in IPL 2025 ready to showcase their skills, the Purple Cap race promises to be one of the most exciting narratives of the season. Here are 10 bowlers to watch in the race for the IPL 2025 Purple Cap: (Image: PTI)
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1. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians) – The Yorker King Returns Jasprit Bumrah remains one of the deadliest death-over specialists in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers and deceive batters with unpredictable variations makes him a nightmare for even the best hitters. After a spectacular comeback in IPL 2024, Bumrah is a top contender for the Purple Cap in IPL 2025. (Representative Image: AFP)
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2. Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – The Powerplay Specialist Shami's ability to swing the ball both ways and strike early has troubled top-order batters season after season. The IPL 2023 Purple Cap winner (28 wickets in 17 matches) will be looking to reclaim the crown for SRH. If he maintains his wicket-taking form, he could dominate the IPL 2025 wicket-takers list. (Representative Image: AFP)
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3. Yuzvendra Chahal (Punjab Kings) – The Spin Wizard Chahal, a proven match-winner, has a knack for breaking crucial partnerships and controlling the middle overs. The IPL 2022 Purple Cap winner, now with Punjab Kings, is expected to make a significant impact in IPL 2025. (Representative Image: PTI)
4. Varun Chakravarthy (Kolkata Knight Riders) – The Mystery Spinner KKR's mystery spinner has established himself as a major force in T20 cricket. His stellar performances in the Champions Trophy 2025, where he took nine wickets in just three matches, highlight his match-winning ability. If he finds his rhythm, he could be a dark horse in the Purple Cap race. (Representative Image: AFP)
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5. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) – CSK’s X-Factor Dubbed "Baby Malinga", Pathirana has already made a name for himself with his slingy action, raw pace, and pinpoint accuracy. A key weapon for Chennai Super Kings, he could emerge as a top wicket-taker in IPL 2025. (Representative Image: AFP)
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6. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – The Swing Master A two-time Purple Cap winner (2016 & 2017), Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to be a class act. His ability to swing the ball, control the run rate, and deliver clutch performances makes him a crucial asset for RCB. If he rediscovers his prime form, a third Purple Cap could be within reach. (Representative Image: AFP)
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7. Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings) – The Death Over Specialist Arshdeep Singh has gained recognition as one of India’s best death-over pacers, known for his fearless yorkers. With the ability to strike at key moments, he is a strong Purple Cap contender for IPL 2025. (Representative Image: AFP)
8. Harshit Rana (Kolkata Knight Riders) – The Rising Star KKR’s young pacer Harshit Rana is fast, aggressive, and full of energy. After a promising 2024 season, he could be one of IPL 2025’s breakout stars. (Representative Image: AFP)
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9. Mohammed Siraj (Gujarat Titans) – The Speed Demon With his move to Gujarat Titans, Siraj has a point to prove. His raw pace and ability to generate movement make him a constant wicket-taking threat. If he gets going early, he could lead the Purple Cap standings. (Representative Image: AFP)
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10. Harshal Patel (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – Back-to-Back Purple Cap Winner? Harshal Patel is a wicket-taking machine who thrives under pressure. After winning the Purple Cap in IPL 2021 and again in IPL 2024, he has proven his ability to dominate the bowling charts. Now with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he will aim to become just the second player in IPL history to win consecutive Purple Caps. Can he achieve this rare feat? (Representative Image: AFP)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
![5. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) – CSK’s X-Factor Dubbed "Baby Malinga", Pathirana has already made a name for himself with his slingy action, raw pace, and pinpoint accuracy. A key weapon for Chennai Super Kings, he could emerge as a top wicket-taker in IPL 2025. (Representative Image: AFP)](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/03/20250312121456_6.jpg "5. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) – CSK’s X-Factor Dubbed "Baby Malinga", Pathirana has already made a name for himself with his slingy action, raw pace, and pinpoint accuracy. A key weapon for Chennai Super Kings, he could emerge as a top wicket-taker in IPL 2025. (Representative Image: AFP)")
