IPL 2018: 5 potential candidates for the Purple Cap

With the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League right at the corner, the anticipation of the mega-event is unmatched at the moment.

The last edition of IPL saw some fantastic individual performances which kept the viewers occupied till the final delivery. The bowlers had made it no walk in a park for the batsman on the sub-continent pitches and the thrill of the game was increased five-fold.

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar deservedly grabbed the Purple Cap after ending the season as the tournament's leading wicket-taker.

The current stock of bowlers in this edition appears capable enough to snatch the credential from the Indian international.

That said, here is a look at the players who would be the potential candidates for the Purple Cap in the 11th edition of IPL.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Honorable mentions to Dwayne Bravo and Yuzvendra Chahal among other names who could not feature on the list.

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#5 Rashid Khan

The 19-year-old was retained by SRH in January.

Rashid Khan was a name which needed much introduction last season. However, the teenager announced himself on to the big stage in some fashion.

The Afghanistan International was the find of the season and took 17 wickets to justify his credentials in the competition.

He choked the opposition attacks with his trickery on the ball and was the man to watch out for all season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained the player for a mammoth Rs. 9 crores in this season's auction in a tug-of-war against KXIP.

The player is still much of an unknown commodity and would be greatly tipped to have a wonderful season this time around.

#4 Imran Tahir

Tahir has been in fine form for his country lately.

The South African is currently among the elite spinners in the business at the moment. His passionate runs across the field have engulfed the heart of cricket fans.

Tahir would be welcomed by Chennai Super Kings this season. The player would be wearing yellow as his previous franchise Rising Pune Super-Giants have been dissolved.

He ended his 2017 IPL with 18 wickets which were quite low by his standards. His economy stood at an impressive 7.85 for the season.

However, he was often replaced by Adam Zampa in the team which ultimately affected his numbers.

This edition of IPL would be a comeback event for the player as he would be brimming with confidence to tear the oppositions apart with his charm of the ball.

#3 Kuldeep Yadav

The spinner showcased his mettle last season.

If there is one player who made the heads turn significantly last year, it was the Kanpur boy, Kuldeep Yadav.

Little doubts were there when he displayed his potential at the youth level. However, it was not guaranteed if his Chinaman bowling would take him miles in his career.

The youngster silenced his critics after taking 12 wickets in 12 matches for KKR last season. The player is definitely the next big thing for Indian bowling department. KKR have retained him for Rs. 5.80 crores.

His bravery to loop the ball and invite the batsman to attack increases his economy often but turns him into a wicket-taker. He would be in the highest spirits after being handed the National team jersey.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has a true challenger for the top-spot in form of his compatriot.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah

The Indian pacer is one of the favourites to dethrone Bhuvi

Jasprit Bumrah, the bowler who has inherited it all from Lasith Malinga while in the squad for the Mumbai Indians. The 24-year-old has been a success story of late. He rose through the ranks to make his way into the IPL and eventually being a star player for his country.

The player bagged 20 wickets last season with an economy of 7.35 last season. His pace variation and precision with the yorkers made him an absolute nightmare for the batsman.

He is a bowler who the Mumbai Indians camp can rely upon whenever needed. Bumrah has been in blistering form for the country.

He would be crucial to Mumbai Indians' title hopes this season. Moreover, he is the likeliest player to give Bhuvneshwar Kumar an uneasy ride to the leading wicket-taker spot.

#1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Kumar is arguably the best Indian pacer at the moment.

No one would have bet a single penny if someone had claimed that Bhuvneshwar Kumar would become a death-over specialist.

His calibre with the new ball barely needs any introduction. What has improved the player, is his work-rate and death bowling which have given him yet another weapon in his arsenal.

The player currently holds the Purple Cap from the 10th edition of the IPL as he led the charts with 26 wickets with an economy of 7.05 (RPO). SRH have retained the player for the season.

Kumar was pinpoint with his wide yorkers and slower ones. He created severe dilemmas in the mind of the striker. Eventually, he turned himself into a lethal all-round bowler who can pick up wickets with both the new and old ball.

He would be fancying his chances to hold on the Purple Cap for yet another season. It is certainly going to be a thrill watching him bowl.