It’s not easy to say who is the absolute best the Purple Cap Race because several players are doing very well. However, based on the number of wickets taken so far, we can see who the leading bowlers are in the competition. These bowlers are currently ahead in the fight to win the Purple Cap – an award given to the player who takes the the Purple Cap Race
List of IPL 2025 Bowling Kings: most 5 in the Purple Cap Race
1. Prasidh Krishna
After two injury-plagued years, Prasidh Krishna’s return in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of cinematic. Playing for Gujarat Titans, the lanky Indian pacer has not only stayed fit through a grueling season but has become their main strike bowler.
What makes his performance special is the Purple Cap Race – swinging the new ball in the powerplay and bowling pinpoint yorkers and short balls at the death. GT’s captain has used him as a weapon during crunch moments, and he has delivered.
His pace hovers around 140–145 kph, and his ability to hit the hard lengths has made life difficult for even set batters.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Overs Bowled | 58.2 |
| Wickets Taken | 25 |
| Bowling Average | 17.44 |
| Economy Rate | 7.80 |
| Strike Rate | 13.9 |
| Dot Balls | 162 |
| Powerplay Economy | 6.40 |
| Death Overs Economy | 9.20 |
| Best Bowling | 4/18 vs SRH |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 2 |
| Team | Gujarat Titans |
2. Noor Ahmad
Noor Ahmad, the 20-year-old Afghan spinner, has stepped up massively for Chennai Super Kings in 2025. With Ravindra Jadeja managing injuries and Moeen Ali out of form, Noor has become the go-to spinner in the middle overs.
His quick-arm action and ability to turn the ball both ways make him extremely difficult to read. On Chennai’s turning pitches, he’s a nightmare. His ability to the Purple Cap Race is a rare combination in T20 cricket.
Oppositions have found it hard to counterattack against him, leading to a high number of dot balls and pressure situations created from his end.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 14 |
| Overs Bowled | 53 |
| Wickets Taken | 24 |
| Bowling Average | 15.70 |
| Economy Rate | 7.10 |
| Strike Rate | 13.2 |
| Dot Balls | 146 |
| Middle Overs Economy | 6.40 |
| Best Bowling | 4/22 vs KKR |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
| Team | Chennai Super Kings |
READ MORE: Top 5 IPL Batsmen with the Highest Career Strike Rates
3. Trent Boult
Veteran left-armer Trent Boult continues to lead Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack with experience, class, and consistency. Boult’s knack for taking early wickets remains his biggest strength, often removing opposition openers in the first 2–3 overs.
In IPL 2025, he has also added more variations to his game – including the slower cutter and wide yorker that have proven handy in death overs. Even when pitches have offered little swing, Boult’s discipline in length and the Purple Cap Race
He has helped MI defend totals successfully in at least 4 matches this season.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 16 |
| Overs Bowled | 61 |
| Wickets Taken | 22 |
| Bowling Average | 19.40 |
| Economy Rate | 8.20 |
| Strike Rate | 14.6 |
| Dot Balls | 153 |
| Powerplay Economy | 6.90 |
| Death Overs Economy | 9.50 |
| Best Bowling | 3/20 vs DC |
| 3-Wicket Hauls | 3 |
| Team | Mumbai Indians |
4. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood might have played fewer matches due to workload management, but his performances have been among thethe Purple Cap Racethe Purple Cap Race Known for the Purple Cap Racet, Hazlewood brings accuracy and calm under pressure.
RCB have used him smartly – usually for 2 overs in the powerplay and 2 overs in the death. His tall frame and high release point make his bounce unpredictable. His control over pace variations and seam positioning make him hard to slog.
He’s currently RCB’s leading wicket-taker despite missing 3 games.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 11 |
| Overs Bowled | 41.3 |
| Wickets Taken | 21 |
| Bowling Average | 16.90 |
| Economy Rate | 7.50 |
| Strike Rate | 11.8 |
| Dot Balls | 124 |
| Powerplay Economy | 6.30 |
| Death Overs Economy | 8.10 |
| Best Bowling | 4/17 vs PBKS |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
5. Sai Kishore
R Sai Kishore may not grab headlines like some of his flashier peers, but his performances have been crucial for Gujarat Titans. The left-arm orthodox spinner has been miserly in the middle overs, forcing batters into errors with his flight, dip, and drift.
His biggest strength is accuracy – he bowls to his field, rarely over-pitches or offers width. In pressure situations, his ability to build dot-ball pressure and choke scoring makes him invaluable. GT use him strategically to stall oppositions the Purple Cap Race
Kishore has turned several matches by drying up runs and picking up wickets just when needed.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 15 |
| Overs Bowled | 54 |
| Wickets Taken | 19 |
| Bowling Average | 18.30 |
| Economy Rate | 6.90 |
| Strike Rate | 15.7 |
| Dot Balls | 142 |
| Middle Overs Economy | 6.20 |
| Best Bowling | 3/19 vs DC |
| Team | Gujarat Titans |