Rabada secured a total of 29 wickets throughout the tournament, consistently stepping up at crucial moments to bolster the Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit and finish the season at the pinnacle of the leaderboard.
In second place was Bhuvneshwar Kumar from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who took 27 wickets in 16 matches. His economy rate of 7.91 kept pressure on opposing batsmen, showcasing his disciplined bowling skills throughout the season.
Jofra Archer from Rajasthan Royals claimed the third spot, claiming 25 wickets across 16 matches in yet another notable campaign.
Rabada’s Purple Cap victory underscored his position as one of the premier fast bowlers in the league, delivering match-winning performances and maintaining exceptional consistency throughout the tournament.
Kohli made an impressive 75 not out off 42 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes, achieving his fastest IPL fifty in just 25 balls, leading RCB to chase down a modest target of 156 runs, finishing at 161 for five in 18 overs.
Rasikh Salam Dar took 3/27, while both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets each, restricting a top-heavy Titans side to 155 for eight during the first half.
RCB capitalized on a solid 62-run opening partnership between Venkatesh Iyer (32) and Kohli, who closed the game with a match-winning six.
In the earlier innings, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivered an exceptional all-round bowling effort to limit Gujarat Titans to 155/8.
A top-heavy GT lost their key batters early in the powerplay, and a questionable rearrangement of the batting order caused the 2022 champions to lose their grip on the match.
Washington Sundar was the top scorer for the Titans with an unbeaten 50, but the rest of their lineup struggled to make an impact.
Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 155 for 8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50 not out; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29, Josh Hazlewood 2/37, Rasikh Salam 3/27).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 161/5 in 18 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 32, Virat Kohli 75 not out; Rashid Khan 2/25).
(With PTI inputs)
