Remember these unsung heroes – the bowlers who weave their magic with the ball, even if the spotlight sometimes shines elsewhere.
The IPL glitters with big sixes, acrobatic catches, and nail-biting finishes. But amidst the batting fireworks, a different kind of magic unfolds: the art of taking wickets. While the Purple Cap, awarded to the season's leading wicket-taker, is a coveted prize, there are exceptional bowlers who consistently deliver without ever reaching that pinnacle.
These are the unsung heroes of the IPL, the bowling stalwarts whose skill and dedication have been instrumental in their teams' triumphs. Let's meet five such legends who never donned the Purple Cap but whose contributions deserve a standing ovation.
Harbhajan Singh, fondly known as Bhajji, is a name synonymous with experience and guile. He's donned the jerseys of some of the biggest franchises: the Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Mumbai Indians.
His bag of tricks—the doosra, the carrom ball, and his sharp mind—have bamboozled batters for years. He's a master of controlling the flow in the middle overs, stifling run flow, and picking up crucial wickets. With a staggering 150 wickets in 163 matches, Bhajji's impact on the IPL is undeniable.
Another maestro of the off-break, Ravichandran Ashwin, has graced teams like the Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Rajasthan Royals. His ability to read the batsman's mind and set clever traps has earned him the reputation of a chess master on the field.
He's a vital cog in the middle overs, controlling the game's tempo and taking big wickets. Despite a remarkable 197 appearances and a loyal fan following, the Purple Cap has remained elusive for Ashwin, highlighting the fierce competition for bowling honours in the IPL.
Amit Mishra, the veteran leg-spinner, has been a pillar for the Delhi Capitals, Lucknow SuperGiants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His repertoire of flight, googly, and sharp leg breaks has consistently troubled batsmen. He's a specialist at picking up crucial wickets under pressure and restricting the flow of runs. With a mind-boggling 173 scalps in 161 matches, Mishra has cemented his place as a spin legend in the IPL.
The young Afghan sensation, Rashid Khan, has taken the IPL by storm with his mesmerising leg spin. Whether playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad or Gujarat Titans, he left batsmen bewildered with his variations, pinpoint accuracy, and exceptional control.
He's a nightmare in the middle overs, delivering tight spells and picking up key wickets. Despite a phenomenal 139 wickets in just 109 matches, Rashid Khan hasn't been able to clinch the Purple Cap, a testament to the high standards of IPL bowling.
Jasprit Bumrah is the undisputed leader of the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack. His lethal yorkers at the death, deceptive slower balls, and raw pace make him a nightmare for batsmen.
His unorthodox bowling action adds another layer of mystery, making him a true match-winner. Bumrah thrives under pressure, consistently delivering wickets and showcasing his skills as a world-class fast bowler. While he boasts a remarkable 145 wickets from just 120 matches, the Purple Cap has eluded him so far.
These bowlers may not have the Purple Cap, but their contributions to the IPL are undeniable. They are the silent warriors, the ones who lay the groundwork for their teams' victories.
