Varun Chakaravarthy. (Photo source: BCCI/IPL)
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) started on a good note, as RCB beat KKR in their backyard convincingly at the Eden Gardens. The league is only going to get better in the upcoming days, as all the teams are nearly equally strengthened. One can expect close finishes, unlike the inaugural match of the season, which turned out to be a one-sided affair.
With each passing year, IPL has become friendly for the batters. While the governing body of the league has been taking the necessary steps to ensure the bowlers are in the game, it has not been enough due to the way the game is moving forward. That makes the role of the bowlers more important than ever, as a great bowler can make a difference in the result of a match and potentially an entire season.
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IPL will be played by most of the greatest bowlers in the world currently. There is no shortage of pacers and spinners who can perform well even on some of the flattest surfaces in the world. While the batters will surely love to play the IPL, the bowlers will be highly important for the success of their teams. Some of the wicket-taking bowlers will be essential to put breaks on their opponents.
Here are the five bowlers who can win the Purple Cap in IPL 2025:
5. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav is one of the best wicket-taking bowlers in T20 cricket. The Chinaman spinner, with his variations and change of pace, can outclass some of the best batters in the world. The star bowler can be effective against both the right-handed batters and Southpaws, as he can turn the ball both ways.
Kuldeep has been one of the best bowlers in the middle-overs phase in the last three seasons of the IPL. In 2024, he was DC’s best bowler playing mostly on flat surfaces of Delhi and Vishakhapatnam. He has the knack of taking wickets when needed the most and can break the partnerships in no time.
4. Yuzuvendra Chahal
Yuzuvendra Chahal is arguably India’s greatest spinner in the history of the IPL. Irrespective of his performances on the international stage, Chahal has ensured to maintain his stature and legacy in the biggest T20 league. Yuzi hardly has a bad season in the IPL and is a genuine wicket-taker in the league.
Chahal is mostly reliant on his stock delivery, leg spinner. Along with it, he has a leg break and a not-so-often-delivered googly, which can be effective in many instances. Chahal’s key to success is not fearing to toss the ball up, which could force the batters to take risks and commit mistakes in the process.
3. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood has had trouble with his fitness for a long time. It was over a year since Josh last played T20 cricket before he bowled for RCB against KKR in the inaugural match of the IPL 2025. He showed no rust and delivered the goods right from the word go. Hazlewood got a bit of extra bounce and troubled everyone.
The tall pacer did not put a foot wrong and bowled an economical spell. Along with it, he took two wickets, including the important scalp of Quinton De Kock early in the innings. He is a wicket-taker, who can dismiss the best batters in the world both in the powerplay overs and at the death.
2. Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy did not have the best of the nights against RCB, as he was belted all over the ground by Phil Salt. But the mystery spinner is capable of turning things around with the progression of the tournament. It was the case even in the previous season, where he made a strong comeback in the second half.
Chakravarthy has been in brilliant form across all formats. He can use the momentum to his advantage and get the better of the batters. Varun was key for India’s win in the Champions Trophy 2025 and KKR’s win in the IPL 2024. He can outfox any batter in the world and has the skills to operate against both Southpaws and the right-handers.
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, since returning from his injury in August 2023, has been a beast. He had a terrific ODI World Cup 2023, an even better T20 World Cup 2024, an exceptional IPL 2024, and an all-timer Test calendar year. At this point in his career, Jasprit almost doesn’t know to put a foot wrong.
Many associated Bumrah with a defensive bowler for most parts of his career. But since returning from the injury, Jasprit has been a wicket-taking bowler. He can swing the ball early in the innings both ways, which can be crucial in Wankhede Stadium. Bumrah can also take wickets with the old ball.
Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
