With the Indian Premier League 2021 set to begin from 9 April, we have made an early prediction on who may end up winning the Purple Cap this year. The award is given to the leading wicket taker of the IPL season. In case of a tie between two players, the Purple Cap is given to that bowler who has a better economy rate. We have done an in depth analysis on players who can win this season’s purple cap. So let’s have a look at the top three contenders for Purple cap in this season.
1. Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad):
The Afghanistan spinner has been a consistent performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Ranked no.2 in the T20I bowler rankings at present, Rashid has proved his mettle in T20 leagues across the world and is one of the top contenders for the Purple Cap in IPL 2021. Rashid had picked up 20 wickets in 15 matches last season to finish as the sixth-highest wicket-taker. Rashid can bowl the flighted leg-spinners, the googly’s, flippers and other variations as well. He can bowl successive dot balls which irritates the batsman and results in losing the wicket.
He will be gunning for the Purple cap this year.
2. Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals):
Kagiso Rabada of Delhi Capitals won the Purple Cap in the last season. He took 30 wickets in 17 matches. He also took 2 four-wicket hauls in that season. He has the ability to adapt to different conditions and make the best use of his variations. Although his economy is on a higher side (8.34 rpo) his main role in the team is that of a wicket-taker, which he does efficiently. His prolific wicket-taking ability can help him to win the Purple cap consecutively.
3. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians):
The death overs specialist and perhaps the best T20 bowler around the world right now, Bumrah can pick wickets at will. His economy rate of 7.42 in 92 IPL matches is commendable considering he bowls most of his overs either in the powerplay or in the death. He has the ability to bowl pinpoint Yorkers. He was the second highest wicket taker behind Rabada with 27 wickets. Bumrah is Mumbai Indians’ backbone in the bowling attack. If he performs his best then no one can stop him from seizing his first Purple Cap.
