IPL 2026 Purple Cap: Latest wicket-takers list, standings and playoff race updates

With the IPL 2026 league stage nearing its conclusion and the playoffs set to intensify competition further, the race for the Purple Cap has become one of the biggest talking points of the season. Several bowlers remain in contention for the award given to the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, with consistent performances from pacers and spinners shaping the leaderboard throughout the campaign.

IPL 2026 Purple Cap race latest updated list

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently sits at the top of the Purple Cap standings alongside Gujarat Titans fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, with both players claiming 26 wickets this season.

Bhuvneshwar holds a slight advantage due to his superior bowling average of 18.15 and an economy rate of 8.00. Rabada, meanwhile, has maintained the best strike rate among the top contenders with a wicket every 13.30 deliveries.


Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer remains close behind with 24 wickets, while Chennai Super Kings bowler Anshul Kamboj has emerged as one of the standout Indian pacers this season with 21 scalps.

IPL 2026 Playoffs impact on Purple Cap race

The playoff stage could significantly influence the final Purple Cap standings, with bowlers from qualifying teams receiving additional opportunities to improve their tally.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans bowlers remain strongly placed due to their teams’ continued presence in the tournament. Rashid Khan could also emerge as a late challenger if Gujarat progress deep into the playoffs.

Jofra Archer’s chances may depend on Rajasthan Royals extending their campaign, while Sunil Narine’s economical performances continue to keep him among the most effective bowlers despite having fewer wickets than the leading group.

Leads Purple Cap race

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s consistency with the new ball and during death overs has made him one of the most effective bowlers of IPL 2026. His ability to maintain control while striking regularly has placed him ahead in the standings.

Rabada has matched him wicket for wicket through aggressive pace bowling, while Archer’s attacking spells have frequently delivered breakthroughs for Rajasthan Royals in pressure situations.

Among spinners, Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine have remained key performers for their respective franchises with economical bowling and timely wickets.

IPL 2026 highest wicket takers list today

Rank	Player	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate
1	B Kumar (RCB)	26	18.15	13.61
2	K Rabada (GT)	26	21.03	13.30
3	JC Archer (RR)	24	21.41	14.00
4	A Kamboj (CSK)	21	25.23	14.38
5	E Malinga (SRH)	20	25.35	16.30
6	Rashid Khan (GT)	19	23.47	16.05
7	Kartik Tyagi (KKR)	18	27.66	17.00
8	Mohammed Siraj (GT)	17	28.47	19.05
9	Prince Yadav (LSG)	16	28.68	19.50
10	Rasikh Salam (RCB)	16	23.62	14.56
11	SP Narine (KKR)	15	22.60	20.40