With the T20 World Cup now in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on the 19th edition of the IPL, the ultimate stage for T20 cricket. While many see the IPL as a “batter’s game,” bowlers play a crucial role, consistently taking wickets and keeping the opposition at bay. The coveted Purple Cap goes to the bowler who claims the most wickets by the end of the season, making it the top honor for bowlers. 

Mitchell Starc made quite a splash when he signed with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, becoming the highest-paid player in IPL history. It took him a little while to hit his stride, but he truly came alive during the playoffs, delivering standout performances in both the first qualifier and the final, helping KKR clinch their third IPL trophy. 

Now donning the colors of the Delhi Capitals, Starc is fresh off a sensational Ashes series, where he bagged 31 wickets against England. Known for his knack for taking early wickets, Starc will be a key player for Delhi as they look to bounce back from a tough previous season. 

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The 2026 T20 World Cup was a tough challenge for Varun Chakravarthy, who ended up with 14 wickets while facing some aggressive batting. Still, he’s a dependable wicket-taker who can deliver those crucial breakthroughs when needed. 

At KKR, Chakravarthy built a strong partnership with Sunil Narine, effectively controlling the middle overs by limiting runs and snagging key wickets. After a mixed bag at the World Cup, KKR will be counting on him to bring his A-game this IPL season. 

Jasprit Bumrah is a powerhouse in T20 cricket. Tying for the most wickets in the T20 World Cup with 14 and boasting an impressive economy rate of 6.21, Bumrah not only takes wickets but also makes it tough for batters to score. 

Since his IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians in 2013, Bumrah has become a linchpin of India’s bowling lineup across all formats. The Mumbai Indians will be relying on him to deliver consistently as they aim to outshine their rivals, the Chennai Super Kings, and secure the most IPL titles.