T20 World Cup
Gujarat Titans fast bowler Kagiso Rabada finished IPL 2026 as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, securing the Purple Cap for the second time in his career despite his team falling short in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The South African speedster claimed 29 wickets in 17 matches and ended the season at the top of the bowling charts. With this achievement, Rabada became only the fourth bowler in IPL history to win the Purple Cap more than once.
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Rabada previously won the award in IPL 2020 while representing Delhi Capitals, when he picked up 30 wickets during the season. His latest triumph places him alongside some of the league’s greatest bowlers.
The exclusive list of multiple Purple Cap winners includes Dwayne Bravo, who won the award in 2013 and 2015, Bhuvneshwar Kumar in 2016 and 2017, Harshal Patel in 2021 and 2024, and now Rabada with victories in 2020 and 2026.
Throughout IPL 2026, Rabada delivered consistent performances for Gujarat Titans, finishing with 29 wickets at an economy rate of 9.68. His ability to take wickets at crucial stages of matches played a major role in GT’s run to the final.
RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished as Rabada’s closest challenger in the race for the Purple Cap. The experienced seamer took 28 wickets in 16 matches and was instrumental in helping RCB successfully defend their IPL title.
Bhuvneshwar also recorded the best economy rate among the top five wicket-takers, conceding runs at just 7.95 per over. His best bowling figures of 4/23 highlighted another impressive campaign with both the new ball and in the death overs.
Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Jofra Archer secured third place on the wicket-taking list. Archer claimed 25 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 9.31 and registered best figures of 3/17 during a strong individual season.
In the IPL 2026 final, Gujarat Titans struggled after being put in to bat by RCB captain Rajat Patidar. GT managed 155/8 in their 20 overs, with Washington Sundar leading the resistance with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 runs.
RCB’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Rasikh Dar Salam starred with figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 2/29 and Josh Hazlewood claimed 2/37.
Chasing 156, RCB got off to a flying start through Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli, who added 62 runs for the opening wicket. Although Gujarat fought back and reduced RCB to 132/5, Kohli remained in control of the chase.
The former RCB captain produced a match-winning unbeaten 75 from 42 deliveries, striking nine fours and three sixes, to guide his side to victory with two overs remaining.
The win secured RCB’s second IPL title and completed a successful title defence. It also marked the franchise’s fourth major Indian cricket trophy overall, including its two Women’s Premier League titles.
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