Kolkata Knight Riders finally produced a well-rounded team performance in the Indian Premier League after struggling in the first half of the league stage. The team’s excellent display with both bat and ball, combined with their superior fielding, led to their third win of the season. After the game, the Purple Cap has been doled to Mohammed Siraj, with a couple more changes in the list.
Tight competition between Siraj and Rashid
Mohammed Siraj picked up a wicket against the Kolkata Knight Riders in tonight’s encounter to get back to the top of the Purple Cap list. Even though he holds the Purple Cap right now, there is tough competition between him and Rashid Khan for the top spot, with Arshdeep and Varun Chakaravarthy also not too far behind.
Both Siraj and Rashid have 14 wickets to their name in the season. However, Siraj’s 14 wickets have come in 8 games whereas Rashid Khan’s 14 wickets have come in 7 games. Since Siraj has a better economy rate, he has ascertained the top spot. GT face KKR this Saturday and Rashid would be hoping to get his Purple Cap back from Siraj.
Chaakaravarthy’s spin bamboozles RCB
Varun Chakaravarthy played an important role in KKR’s victory over RCB tonight. Chakaravarthy was the pick of the bowlers in both teams tonight, having picked up 3 wickets in his 4 overs and giving away just 27 runs. His victims included Dinesh Karthik, Glenn Maxwell, and Mahipal Lomror. He has made a huge jump, from the 10th spot to the 3rd spot in the Purple Cap list. Chakaravarthy now has 13 wickets in 8 games and is currently KKR’s best bowler this season. He would be eying the Purple Cap as he is just one wicket away from glory.
Purple Cap list after RCB vs KKR Match 36:
| Rank | Bowler Name | Team | Matches Played | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
| 1. | Mohammed Siraj | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 8 | 14 | 4/21 | 7.31 |
| 2. | Rashid Khan | Gujarat Titans | 7 | 14 | 3/31 | 8.07 |
| 3. | Varun Chakaravarthy | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 | 13 | 4/15 | 8.05 |
| 4. | Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | 7 | 13 | 4/29 | 8.16 |
| 5. | Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 7 | 12 | 4/17 | 8.07 |
| 6. | Tushar Deshpande | Chennai Super Kings | 7 | 12 | 3/45 | 10.97 |
| 7. | Piyush Chawla | Mumbai Indians | 7 | 11 | 3/22 | 7.11 |
| 8. | Mark Wood | Lucknow Super Giants | 4 | 11 | 5/14 | 8.12 |
| 9. | Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings | 7 | 10 | 3/20 | 7.33 |
| 10. | Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 7 | 10 | 3/25 | 7.51 |
