Holding the Purple Cap in the IPL is the dream of every player who bowls. The BCCI introduced the concept of orange and purple-colored caps back in 2008, with the aim of honoring the player with the most runs and most wickets in the competition.
The race for the caps starts after each and every team has played at least one match. After that, the cap keeps on changing hands as the number of matches increase and the wicket-takers at the top change. In the end, the bowler with the most wickets takes it home along with a cheque.
While most of the fans would remember that Lasith Malinga, Morne Morkel, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Mohit Sharma and others have won this cap, here’s a look at five players you may not know once held the cap.
1. Hardik Pandya once held the Purple Cap in 2018
Hardik Pandya was once the leading wicket-taker of the tournament in IPL 2018. While playing for Mumbai Indians, he had 14 wickets, which was highest at one point of time, and he got the cap for it.
2. Vinay Kumar once held the Purple Cap in 2013
RCB Hall of Famer Vinay Kumar also held this cap during the 2013 season. A picture of him and Virat Kohli wearing the Orange Cap had gone viral on the internet at that time.
3. Mayank Markande
In 2018, Mayank Markande held the cap for a short time. It was his debut season for Mumbai Indians, and he impressed straightaway with huge number of wickets in the initial games.
4. Andre Russell
Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell is very underrated as a bowler. He has held the cap on multiple occasions, but he has never taken it home.
5. Pravin Tambe
Uncapped leg-spinner Pravin Tambe started his career in 2014 at an age where most players retire. He was so impressive that he was at the top of the wickets’ leaderboard and even got the cap.
