The IPL is back, and while big hitters and six-fests grab the headlines, cricket pundits, including those from Cricket Expert, are predicting another season where bowlers reign supreme. Last year, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal led their attacks to victory, and this year promises more of the same. Pitches are expected to remain batting-friendly, but with two new teams in the mix, the strategic element of bowling will be crucial. Captains will rely on their pace attackers to take early wickets during the powerplay overs, while spinners will need to control the middle overs and exploit any weaknesses in batting technique.
The IPL auction saw teams prioritize proven wicket-takers, highlighting the importance of bowlers in this high-pressure tournament. Every year there are few speculations on which name will rise and shine and will win the purple cap. Here are 5 bowlers who can win the purple cap in IPL 2024.
1) Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Pat Cummins, the Australian pace machine, needs no introduction. His express pace, lethal swing bowling, and knack for picking up crucial wickets make him a nightmare for batsmen. In the IPL 2023 auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services with a hefty price tag, recognizing his match-winning abilities. With 45 wickets in just 42 IPL outings, Cummins boasts an impressive strike rate and the ability to extract bounce from any surface. His experience in international cricket and IPL seasons past makes him a frontrunner for the Purple Cap in 2024.
2) Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)
Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, is a magician with the ball. His repertoire of googlies, sliders, and variations bamboozles even the best batsmen. Having been instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ maiden IPL victory in 2023, Rashid is a proven match-winner. His ability to control the flow of runs and pick up wickets at crucial junctures makes him a valuable asset. In his IPL career, he has already bagged 139 scalps in just 109 matches, showcasing his wicket-taking prowess. With his experience and guile, Rashid Khan will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the race for the Purple Cap.
3) Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Mitchell Starc, the left-arm pacer from Australia, has a reputation for dismantling batting lineups with his raw pace and lethal yorkers. While injuries hampered his IPL participation in recent seasons, Kolkata Knight Riders secured his services for a record-breaking sum in the 2024 auction. Starc’s ability to swing the new ball and bowl searing deliveries at the death makes him a potent weapon. He possesses the X-factor to turn the tide of a match single-handedly. If he can stay fit throughout the tournament, Mitchell Starc has the potential to be a serious contender for the Purple Cap.
4) Yuzvendra Chahal (Rajasthan Royals)
Yuzvendra Chahal, the wily leg-spinner from India, is a proven performer in the IPL. His ability to change pace, fly the ball, and deceive batsmen in flight has earned him the moniker “Chahal the magician.” In IPL 2022, he donned the Purple Cap with a remarkable haul of 27 wickets. His success stems from his exceptional control and ability to adapt his bowling to suit different conditions. Having established himself as a spin-bowling mainstay for Rajasthan Royals, Chahal will be eyeing another Purple Cap in IPL 2024.
5) Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)
Jasprit Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians pace spearhead, is a strong contender to claim the Purple Cap in IPL 2024. Missing the 2023 season due to injury, Bumrah returns with a point to prove. His return to form in the World Cup and Asia Cup showcased his lethal yorkers and impeccable line & length. Bowling both new ball and death overs, Bumrah’s wicket-taking ability is unmatched. With the T20 World Cup following the IPL, expect him to be at his fiery best, making him a serious threat in the race for the coveted Purple Cap.
*The opinions expressed in this article are purely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of TFI Media. The content should be taken as the sole perspective of the writer.