Rabada Holds Purple Cap Lead After GT's Win Over RR

Kagiso Rabada remained atop the IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings with 18 wickets from 11 matches, despite Gujarat Titans' focus shifting to their comprehensive 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. The South African pacer claimed two key dismissals as RR were bowled out for 152 in 16.3 overs while chasing 230.

Rashid Khan boosted his tally to 15 wickets with a 4 for 33 performance, moving into a tie for sixth place with RR's Jofra Archer, who also has 15. The Afghanistan leg-spinner dismantled RR's middle order, reinforcing GT's dominance after their 229 for four, powered by Shubman Gill's 84 and Sai Sudharsan's 55.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the chase among Rabada's closest rivals with 17 wickets from 10 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Chennai Super Kings' Anshul Kamboj is third with the same tally but a higher economy rate. Lucknow Super Giants' Prince Yadav and Sunrisers Hyderabad's Eshan Malinga follow with 16 wickets each.

The competition for the leading wicket-taker award is intensifying as the league phase enters its final stretch. The next round of matches will be critical, with several bowlers within striking distance of the top position.