Third Most Successful IPL Team, Yet No Purple Cap Winner
Kolkata Knight Riders, active since IPL's inaugural season in 2008, won titles in 2012, 2014, and 2024.
With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 set to begin on March 22, fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling season. Over the past 17 editions, it has often been observed that the tournament-winning team also has a player securing either the Orange or Purple Cap.
While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has never won the IPL but has produced multiple individual award winners, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stand out as a three-time champion that has never had a Purple Cap winner.
KKR's unfortunate Purple Cap record
Kolkata Knight Riders, active since IPL's inaugural season in 2008, won titles in 2012, 2014, and 2024. The franchise has consistently had top-tier bowlers, including Australian pacer Mitchell Starc last season.
However, despite their strong bowling lineups over the years, no KKR bowler has ever claimed the Purple Cap. The only major individual achievement in KKR's history remains Robin Uthappa's Orange Cap in 2014-the same year they won the title.
Bowlers who have won Purple Cap twice
The Purple Cap is awarded to the highest wicket-taker of the season. So far, only three bowlers have won it twice:
Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) – 2013, 2015
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 2016, 2017
Harshal Patel – 2021 (Royal Challengers Bangalore) & 2024 (Punjab Kings)
As IPL 2025 approaches, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to break this long-standing trend and finally add a Purple Cap winner to their legacy.
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The countdown to IPL 2025 is nearing its end, with fans eagerly awaiting the season opener. Defending champions KKR have undergone a major transformation, sporting a fresh look with Ajinkya Rahane taking over as captain and several new additions to the squad.
The first match will see KKR face RCB in a clash of two fan-favorite teams. KKR supporters will be keen to watch their revamped lineup in action.
Notably, last season's head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer are no longer part of the leadership setup. With Rahane now at the helm, all eyes will be on how he leads the team in this new era. The season kicks off on March 22.
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