Purple Cap in IPL 2025: Updated list of players with most wickets after Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants
Purple Cap in IPL 2025: As we approach the business end of IPL 2025, the Purple Cap race is tighter than a Jasprit Bumrah yorker.
Alpha Desk
May 23, 2025 / 02:07 IST
DisclaimerThis is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sourcesDisclaimer
Purple Cap in IPL 2025: Updated list of players with most wickets after Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants (BCCI Photo)
Purple Cap in IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), led by Rishabh Pant, defeated Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT) by 33 runs in the most recent IPL clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. LSG posted a formidable 235/2, a total GT fell short of, managing only 202/9 in their 20 overs. While the match provided plenty of excitement, the focus now shifts to the intense battle for the coveted Purple Cap, awarded to the tournament's highest wicket-taker.
As we approach the business end of IPL 2025, the Purple Cap race is tighter than a Jasprit Bumrah yorker. Two bowlers are currently locked at the top with 21 wickets apiece: Gujarat Titans' Prasidh Krishna and Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) Afghan spinner, Noor Ahmad. While they share the same number of wickets, their journeys to the top and their bowling styles offer a fascinating contrast.
Prasidh Krishna: Pace and Bounce Leading the Charge
Prasidh Krishna, the Indian speedster, has been the spearhead of the GT attack, claiming 21 wickets in 13 matches. His bowling average of 19.66 and an economy of 8.09 showcase his ability to strike regularly without being overly expensive. Krishna's strike rate of 14.57 indicates that he picks up a wicket almost every other over, a valuable asset in the T20 format. His best figures of 4/41 demonstrate his capacity to dismantle batting lineups. With two 3-wicket hauls and one 4-wicket haul, he has consistently delivered crucial breakthroughs for his team.
Noor Ahmad: The Spin Wizard from Afghanistan
Hot on Krishna's heels is Noor Ahmad, the young Afghan spinner making waves for CSK. Ahmad has also taken 21 wickets in 13 games, but his slightly superior average of 18.42 gives him a marginal edge. While his economy is a touch higher than Krishna's at 8.41, his strike rate of 13.14 is impressive, suggesting he can be a game-changer in the middle overs. Ahmad's best figures of 4/18 highlight his potential to run through batting orders, and his three 3-wicket hauls and two 4-wicket hauls show his consistency in picking up wickets.
The Chasing Pack: Boult, Hazlewood, and Chakaravarthy
While Krishna and Ahmad lead the pack, the race is far from over. Trent Boult of Mumbai Indians (MI) is breathing down their necks with 19 wickets in 13 matches. The Kiwi speedster's experience and ability to swing the new ball make him a constant threat. Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is also in contention with 18 wickets in just 10 matches. His impressive average of 17.27 and strike rate of 12.27 make him a strong contender if RCB makes it to the playoffs. And let's not forget Varun Chakaravarthy of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who has 17 wickets in 12 matches. His impressive economy of 7.00 makes him a valuable asset in restricting runs and picking up crucial wickets.
Krishna vs. Ahmad: A Statistical Face-Off
Here's a quick comparison of the top two contenders:
Wickets: Krishna, Ahmad - 21
Average: Ahmad (18.42) edges out Krishna (19.66)
Economy: Krishna (8.09) is slightly better than Ahmad (8.41)
Strike Rate: Ahmad (13.14) has a better strike rate than Krishna (14.57)
While Krishna relies on pace and bounce, Ahmad uses his variations and guile to deceive batsmen. With both bowlers having played the same number of matches, the Purple Cap battle promises to be a thrilling one.
What's Next?
The race for the Purple Cap will intensify as the league stage nears its end. Every match becomes crucial, and the bowlers will be eager to add to their wicket tally. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on May 23, all eyes will be on Pat Cummins. The conditions in Lucknow could favor the bowlers, making it an exciting contest. Ultimately, the bowler who can maintain consistency and deliver under pressure will likely emerge as the Purple Cap winner of IPL 2025.
