Purple Cap in IPL 2025: Updated list of players with most wickets after Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals
The upcoming match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 21st at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai could see Trent Boult add to his tally and potentially leapfrog Krishna.
Alpha Desk
May 21, 2025 / 00:20 IST
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IPL 2025: Updates list of Purple Cap
Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 wickets in a high-scoring affair at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on May 20, 2025. RR chased down CSK's 187/8 with ease, setting the stage for an intense week of playoff contention. But amidst the battle for team supremacy, another individual accolade is heating up: the race for the Purple Cap.
As we approach the business end of IPL 2025, the battle for the Purple Cap – awarded to the tournament's highest wicket-taker – is tighter than a Jasprit Bumrah yorker. Prasidh Krishna of Gujarat Titans (GT) currently sits atop the leaderboard with 21 wickets in 12 matches, but a host of bowlers are breathing down his neck. Let's dive into the numbers and analyze the frontrunners.
Krishna's Consistency vs. Ahmad's Strike Rate
Prasidh Krishna's 21 wickets have come at an impressive average of 17.57 and an economy of 7.85. His strike rate of 13.42 indicates his knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures. However, he's closely followed by Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) Afghan spinner, Noor Ahmad, also with 21 wickets in 13 games. Ahmad's slightly higher average (18.42) and economy (8.41) are offset by a marginally better strike rate of 13.14. The difference? Ahmad has two 4-wicket hauls compared to Krishna's one, showcasing his ability to turn the game single-handedly.
Hazlewood and Boult: The Overseas Pace Threat
RCB's Josh Hazlewood and MI's Trent Boult bring international pedigree to the Purple Cap race. Hazlewood, with 18 wickets in just 10 matches, boasts the best average (17.27) and strike rate (12.27) among the top five, proving his effectiveness when available. However, his participation in remaining matches remains uncertain due to international commitments. Boult, a seasoned campaigner for MI, has also taken 18 wickets in 12 games, with an average of 19.88 and an economy of 8.49. His experience in pressure situations makes him a formidable contender.
Chakaravarthy: The Spin King in the Shadows
Varun Chakaravarthy of KKR rounds out the top five with 17 wickets in 12 matches. While he might be slightly behind in terms of wickets, his economy rate of 7.00 is the best among the leading contenders. This highlights his ability to contain runs and build pressure, often leading to wickets for his teammates. His strike rate of 16.58 suggests he might not be the most aggressive wicket-taker, but his consistency is invaluable.
The Road Ahead: Who Will Don the Purple?
With the playoffs looming, every match is crucial. The upcoming match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 21st at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai could see Trent Boult add to his tally and potentially leapfrog Krishna. Similarly, Hazlewood's availability will be a key factor for RCB. Ultimately, the Purple Cap race is a marathon, not a sprint, and the bowler who can maintain consistency and perform under pressure will emerge victorious.
