IPL 2021: 5 dark horses who could win the Purple Cap for the first time

#3 Ravichandran Ashwin - Delhi Capitals

DC's Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin is a world-class bowler and is right up there with the leading wicket-takers in tournament history, but he hasn't been in the reckoning for the Purple Cap in recent years. The myriad of variations at his disposal and a tendency to overuse them has meant that the off-spinner has become a slightly defensive bowler.

But that could all change in IPL 2021. Ashwin is on the back of a stellar Test run with the Indian team, and he even took on the role of an attacking spinner for the Delhi Capitals in last year's tournament. Although he managed only 13 wickets in 15 games, his returns were comparable to almost every other spinner's - such was the quality of wickets on offer in the UAE.

Ashwin has spoken of a desire to return to the Indian white-ball setup, and an IPL campaign in which he is high up on the Purple Cap table would be more than ideal.

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#2 T Natarajan - Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH's T Natarajan

T Natarajan has become a household name now, but it's important to realise that he was an unknown mere months ago. Ahead of the start of IPL 2020, not many expected the left-armer to make the Sunrisers Hyderabad playing XI.

But now, Natarajan is one of the most important bowlers in the team with his lethal yorkers and subtle variations. Opposition batsmen will probably choose to play out his more illustrious teammates Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan, and a number of wickets could fall to Natarajan if they try to take him on.

Natarajan has been troubled by a few minor niggles in the recent past. If he manages to stay fit over the course of IPL 2021, he could win the Purple Cap in only his second full season.

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#1 Shardul Thakur - Chennai Super Kings

CSK's Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur is a major value addition to any team he is part of, and that's not only because of his handy lower-order batting. The Mumbai-born pacer has developed the ability to scalp wickets at any stage of the innings, and will be one of the Chennai Super Kings' primary death bowlers in IPL 2021.

Thakur is in a rich vein of form, having taken a truckload of wickets in the recent white-ball series against Australia and England. High on confidence and at the top of his game, the 29-year-old also has the faith of captain MS Dhoni.

It wouldn't come as a surprise if Thakur seriously contends for the Purple Cap in IPL 2021.