Ahmedabad: Kagiso Rabada may have ended on the losing side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final, but the Gujarat Titans pacer achieved a significant personal milestone by winning the Purple Cap and entering an elite group of bowlers in tournament history.

Rabada finished the season as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 29 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 9.68. His exceptional consistency throughout the campaign ensured he secured the Purple Cap for the second time in his IPL career, having previously won it in 2020.

Rabada joins elite multi-time Purple Cap winners

With his latest achievement, Rabada became only the fourth bowler in IPL history to win the Purple Cap more than once. He now joins a distinguished list that includes Dwayne Bravo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel.

Bravo had earlier secured the award in 2013 and 2015, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar achieved back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2017. Harshal Patel also entered the list with his performances in 2021 and 2024.

Rabada’s feat underlines his status as one of the most lethal fast bowlers in T20 cricket, consistently delivering breakthroughs across different phases of the game.

Stellar season highlights Rabada’s dominance

The 2026 season saw Rabada lead Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack with authority. His ability to strike with the new ball as well as during the death overs proved crucial in guiding GT to the final.

His tally of 29 wickets placed him just ahead of his closest competitor, Bhuvneshwar Kumar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches.

While Rabada topped the wicket charts, Bhuvneshwar stood out for his control and efficiency, recording the best economy rate among the top five bowlers at 7.95. His impactful spells, including a best of 4/23, played a vital role in RCB’s title-winning campaign.

Archer among top performers

Jofra Archer of Rajasthan Royals completed the list of top three wicket-takers this season. Archer picked up 25 wickets in 16 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.31 and delivering several match-winning spells.

His consistent performances added strength to Rajasthan Royals’ campaign, even though the team fell short of reaching the final.

Final match recap

In the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans struggled to post a competitive total after being put in to bat by RCB.

GT managed 155/8 in their 20 overs, with Washington Sundar top-scoring with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls. Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build substantial partnerships.

RCB’s bowling attack, led by Rasikh Salam Dar (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29), and Josh Hazlewood (2/37), ensured that GT never gained momentum.

In response, RCB chased down the target comfortably. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, guiding his team to victory with two overs to spare.

RCB’s continued dominance

The win marked Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s second consecutive IPL title, further cementing their dominance in recent years. It was also their fourth major franchise trophy, including two titles in the Women’s Premier League.

Despite the loss, Gujarat Titans can take pride in a strong season, highlighted by Rabada’s individual brilliance and their journey to the final.

Conclusion

Kagiso Rabada’s achievement stands out as one of the defining stories of IPL 2026. While Gujarat Titans fell short of the ultimate prize, Rabada’s inclusion in the elite list of multiple Purple Cap winners underscores his excellence and consistency.

His performance not only added to his growing legacy but also reaffirmed the importance of individual brilliance in shaping team success. As the IPL continues to evolve, Rabada’s feat will remain a benchmark for aspiring bowlers in the league.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)