IPL 2026 Purple Cap: Bhuvneshwar Kumar surges ahead after record-breaking spell
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's exceptional 3-wicket haul for 5 runs propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a dominant victory over Delhi Capitals. This stellar performance saw him claim the IPL 2026 Purple Cap with 14 wickets. The match was largely decided by a devastating powerplay spell from Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood, which reduced DC to 13 for 6.
NEW DELHI: Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a performance for the ages, not only powering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crushing win over Delhi Capitals but also storming to the top of the Purple Cap standings in IPL 2026. His sensational spell of 3 for 5 in three overs marked his 20th three-wicket haul in the IPL, making him only the second pacer after Jasprit Bumrah to achieve the milestone. With this effort, Bhuvneshwar took his tally to 14 wickets from eight matches, drawing level with Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Eshan Malinga.
However, his superior economy rate of 7. 61 — compared to Kamboj’s 8. 56 and Malinga’s 9.
44 — helped him snatch the Purple Cap. Rajasthan Royals’ Jofra Archer and Lucknow Super Giants’ Prince Yadav follow closely with 13 wickets each. Latest IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings Rank Player Wickets Matches Overs Econ.
Ave. 1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) 14 8 31. 0 7.