IPL 2020: 5 dark horses who could win the Purple Cap for the first time

#4 Trent Boult

Trent Boult was a shrewd acquisition by MI in the 2020 IPL auction

Trent Boult didn't get enough opportunities at both Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but burst onto the IPL scene with 18 wickets for the Delhi Capitals in the 2018 season.

Although the left-armer's last campaign yielded only 5 wickets in 5 games, he is certain to have an impact at his new franchise, the Mumbai Indians (MI).

With Lasith Malinga getting on in his career, Boult is expected to partner Jasprit Bumrah throughout the course of the tournament. The presence of quality pacers around him will take some of the pressure off his shoulders, and he can be trusted by captain Rohit Sharma to bowl with the new ball and at the death.

Boult's chances of featuring in the XI are quite high for the second time in his IPL career, and he could go one better than his first.

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#3 Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins became the most expensive overseas player ever in the 2020 IPL auction

Pat Cummins is back at his first IPL franchise, KKR, and is the leader of the pace attack that has young guns like Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti. Since he was signed for the highest price in the history of the IPL auction for an overseas player, he can be expected to play all games.

Cummins has had only one season in the IPL so far with a fair run of games, for the Delhi Capitals in 2017 (15 wickets in 12 games at an economy rate of 8.07). The Australian's ability at the death hasn't been proven yet, but he is all but guaranteed to take up the responsibility.

With searing pace and adequate variations in his arsenal, Cummins could well stake a claim for the Purple Cap.