VIVO Indian Premier League 2018 kicked off on April 8th and has given us enough close contests that each of them looks no less than an edge of the seat thrillers. All thanks to the bowlers clinching wickets at crucial junctures.  IPL was always known as batsmen's game but over the years, the bowlers have chipped in by dishing out variations in their spells which often surprise the batsmen.  Like the batters who get an Orange Cap for highest runs, the bowlers are bestowed with the Purple Cap. The holders keep changing as the tournament progresses but the highest wicket-taker keeps the Purple Honour for rest of the year.

So far in the IPL 2018, we have had Mayak Markande from Mumbai Indians, Chris Woakes who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore and a few others who have taken the Purple Cap. As mentioned, the holders will keep changing and by the end of the IPL 2018, we will get to know who walks away with the honor home. But for now, let's have a look at the 10 Purple Cap holders from 2008 of the cash-rich league till date.

Sohail Tanvir – Rajasthan Royals (2008)

 

Pakistani pacer Sohail Tanvir who then played for Rajasthan Royals, snapped 22 wickets in 11 matches. Bowling at the economy of 6.46, he became the first Purple Cap holder of the IPL. His best bowling figures were 6/14, which still remains the best bowling figures in the IPL

Rudra Pratap Singh- Deccan Chargers (2009)

Rudra Pratap Singh (Facebook/Indiacricketfans)

India’s medium pacer Rudra Pratap Singh for his consistent bowling in IPL 2009. His performance also helped Deccan Chargers get crowned in 2009. In 16 matches, RP Singh claimed 23 wickets at the economy rate of 6.98.

Pragyan Ojha – Deccan Charges (2010)

Once again a team member from Deccan Chargers went on to win the Purple Cap. This time it was spinner Pragyan Ojha bagged the cap for snapping 21 wickets in 16 outings. The left arm spinner bowled at the economy of 7.29.

Lasith Malinga – Mumbai Indians (2011)

We all remember Sri Lanka’s pace battery, Lasith Malinga taking on the opponents with his lethal line and length. The right-arm fast bowler played 16 matches for the Mumbai Indians and claimed 28 wickets by bowling at the economy of 5.95.

Morne Morkel- Delhi Daredevils (2012)

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 13: Morne Morkel (R) of the Daredevils celebrates capturing the wicket of Brendon McCullum (not pictured) of the Knight Riders during the Karbonn Smart CLT20 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) and Delhi Daredevils (IPL) at SuperSport Park on October 13, 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

The South African Morne Morkel who represented Delhi Daredevils proved to be dangerous with his deliveries. Morne Morkel bagged 25 wickets in 16 matches at the economy of 7.19. His best performance came against Kings Xi Punjab where he snapped 4 wickets giving away 20 runs.

Dwayne Bravo - Chennai Super Kings (2013 & 2015)

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Caribbean all-rounder Dwayne Bravo became a vital part of the team Chennai Super Kings. By snapping 32 wickets in 18 matches, Bravo bowled at the economy of 7.95. His record remains intact till date.  Bravo wore a Purple Cap once again in 2015 when he claimed 26 wickets from 17 outings despite a mediocre economy of 8.14.

Mohit Sharma – Chennai Super Kings (2014)

Mohit Sharma (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/whistleduarmy)

After Bravo, the Purple Cap was donned by Mohit Sharma, another member of Chennai Super Kings as he snapped 23 wickets in 16 matches and an economy of 8.39. Mohit went past Lasith Malinga from Mumbai Indians and Yuzvendra Chahal from Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar -Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016 & 2017)

The Indian pacer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar proved to be a nightmare for the batsmen in 2016. Despite the falling economy of 7.42, Bhuvi snapped 23 wickets in 17 matches and this surely helped the side win the crown for the second time.  Bhuvi carried his form in the IPL in 2017 as well and wore the Purple Cap once again. He scalped 26 wickets in 14 matches with an average of 7.05.

Talking about the IPL 2018, the exciting season of T 20 cricket will begin on April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. MS Dhoni’s men Chennai Super Kings will lock horns with Mumbai Indians on the Day 1. The tickets for the upcoming match has already gone online.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 19, 2018 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).