Cricket News

IPL Purple Cap 2024: 5 Players who can win Purple Cap in upcoming season

The new year rings in not just a fresh calendar, but a bounty of cricket for fans and pundits to devour. June brings the electrifying T20 World Cup, contested in the vibrant Caribbean and the dynamic US. But before the global cricketing showdown unfolds, the Indian Premier League returns for its 17th season, a testament to its enduring allure. The recent auction promises a fresh crop of cricketing gems, particularly in the bowling department, ready to illuminate the IPL’s grand stage.

On that note, here’s a look at 5 bowlers who could win the coveted ‘Purple Cap’ in 2024:

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasbrit Bumrah, the yorker sultan, needs no introduction. His pinpoint accuracy, deceptive swing, and lethal toe-crushers have terrorized batting lineups for years. He was unavailable for last year’s IPL because of an injury but champions like him, love to make grand comebacks and hence, a big season could well be on the cards.

Bumrah will spearhead the MI attack this season, his hunger for redemption fueled by IPL 2023’s disappointment. Given his skills and repertoire, it is shocking that he hasn’t won the Purple Cap yet. However, that is bound to happen sooner than later and considering factors like his skill, experience and also the fact that he has a point to prove, 2024 could be the year in which we see the best of Bumrah.

Rashid Khan

The 25-year-old Afghan enigma, Rashid Khan is already a legend of T20 cricket, having picked up 556 wickets in the shortest format. His economy rate of 6.45 is as good as you can get in T20s. Khan has been outstanding in the IPL too and has picked up 139 wickets in the tournament over the last seven seasons.

The Purple Cap, however, has eluded the leg-spinner from Afghanistan, but that could change this year. This could be the year where he finally finishes atop the wicket-taking chart. He has all the skills to do so but above all, it’s Rashid’s unwavering focus and relentless drive that set him apart. He doesn’t crumble under pressure, instead thriving in high-octane situations. This mental toughness is crucial for claiming the Purple Cap, where every wicket counts.

Yuzvendra Chahal

With a tally of 187 wickets to his name, Yuzvendra Chahal is the highest-wicket taker in the grand history of the Indian Premier League. He owns that record for a reason. The reason being his skill, craftiness, deception and guile. Chahal’s arsenal is packed with subtle variations in pace, flight, and spin. His googly is a batsman’s nightmare, while his top-spinner can extract sharp turns from even the flattest tracks. This unpredictability makes him difficult to read and consistently pick.

He has done well consistently and if he sticks to his basics, it should be no different in 2024. Having won the Purple Cap in 2022, he couldn’t defend it even though he had another stellar season so, Chahal will be determined to earn it back this time around.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami, the Indian fast bowler, has consistently delivered world-class performances over the years. His pace, swing, and seam control make him a constant threat to any batting lineup. In 2024, several factors align to make him a strong contender to defend his Purple Cap, having won it in 2023.

Shami has been in sensational form of late as we saw in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. He picked up 24 wickets in just 7 games in the quadrennial event, including a match-winning seven-wicket haul in the semi-final against New Zealand. His returns played a major role in India’s brilliant run before they eventually lost to Australia in the Final. Shami’s experience, composure and recent hauls will hold him in good stead in IPL 2024.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, is returning to the Indian Premier League after a nine-year absence. He was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a record price of 24.75 Crores. When he last played in the IPL in 2015, Starc was a lanky pacer who terrorized batters with his raw skills. Now, he returns as an experienced campaigner who has achieved a lot for his country.

Starc’s pedigree in international cricket is undeniable. He’s a two-time World Cup winner (2015, 2023), a pace spearhead for Australia, and possesses a potent arsenal of swing, pace, and bounce. His left-arm angle adds another dimension, troubling even the most established batsmen. As such, Starc could go on to have a stellar season, perhaps even challenging for the Purple Cap.