Kagiso Rabada of Gujarat Titans (ANI Image)
Kagiso Rabada finished off the IPL 2026 with the Purple Cap, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament despite Gujarat Titans’ failure in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The South African fast bowler enjoyed another impressive campaign, taking 29 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 9.68.
While GT’s title hopes ended in a five-wicket defeat in Ahmedabad, Rabada’s consistency with the ball throughout the season ensured he finished top of the wicket-taking charts.
The feat marks the second purple cap of Rabada’s IPL career. He previously won the award in 2020 while representing Delhi Capitals, when he finished with 30 wickets. Rabada’s closest rival was RCB veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who pushed him all the way to the final. Bhuvneshwar finished with 28 wickets in 16 matches and was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful title defense. Although he narrowly missed out on the Purple Cap, Bhuvneshwar boasted the best economy rate among the top five wicket-takers at just 7.95 runs per over. His best figures of 4 for 23 highlighted a season in which he repeatedly provided crucial breakthroughs with the new ball and at the death. Rajasthan Royals pace bowler Jofra Archer completed the top three after another impressive campaign. Archer has collected 25 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 9.31, with best figures of 3 for 17.
His speed and aggression remained one of RR’s biggest strengths throughout the tournament. Fourth place went to the Gujarat Titans player
Rashid Khan
Who finished with 21 wickets in 17 matches at an economy of 9.08. It is worth noting that Rashid was the only player among the top 10 wicket takers this season, underscoring his value in a tournament largely dominated by fast bowlers. Completing the top five was Chennai Super Kings pacer Anshul Kamboj. The young fast bowler has emerged as one of the standout players in IPL 2026, taking 21 wickets in just 14 matches. Although his economy rate of 10.52 was the highest among the top five, his ability to bat regularly helped him finish level with Rashid on the wicket.
IPL 2026 purple cap Ranking
| Rank | player | a team | Matches | Wicket | economy | Best numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kagiso Rabada | Gujarat Titans | 17 | 29 | 9.68 | 3/25 |
| 2 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 16 | 28 | 7.95 | 4/23 |
| 3 | Jofra Archer | Rajasthan Royals | 16 | 25 | 9.31 | 3/17 |
| 4 | Rashid Khan | Gujarat Titans | 17 | 21 | 9.08 | 4/33 |
| 5 | Anshul Kamboj | Chennai Super Kings | 14 | 21 | 10.52 | 3/22 |