Hazlewood Takes Purple Cap Lead After Stellar IPL Performance

CHENNAI, India — Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru shone brightly on Friday, securing three wickets against Punjab Kings, which propelled him into second place in the IPL 2025 Purple Cap standings. The match, held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, showcased Hazlewood’s exceptional bowling skills, reinforcing his status as a key player in the tournament.

As of April 14, Hazlewood’s impressive performance adds to his total of 12 wickets in seven matches, tying him with Chennai Super Kings‘ Noor Ahmad, who currently leads the standings despite not taking any wickets in his recent outing against Lucknow Super Giants. The race for the Purple Cap, awarded to the league’s top wicket-taker, is heating up as the tournament progresses.

The latest standings reveal that Hazlewood’s economy rate stands at 8.17, with an average of 16.91 and a best bowling figure of 3/14. Ahmad retains the top spot with an economy of 7.12 and an average of 14.25, highlighted by his best performance of 4/18. Kuldeep Yadav from Delhi Capitals sits in third place with 11 wickets, while Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians earned his place in fourth with 11 wickets as well.

In the concurrent match on Thursday, Pandya’s contribution was crucial as he took a wicket against Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcasing the layers of talent present in this year’s IPL. The ongoing competition among bowlers underscores the high stakes and intense rivalries driving the matches.

After eight days of fierce competition and thrilling encounters, Hazlewood’s rise in the standings adds excitement and anticipation for the upcoming matches. The dynamics of the league continue to evolve as teams vie not just for the championship but for individual accolades as well.

“It’s always great to contribute to the team’s success, and I’m looking forward to maintaining this momentum,” Hazlewood said after the match. “Every wicket counts, and we’re aiming for the top in every game.”

As the IPL heats up, spectators can expect high-stakes performances and possible record-breaking achievements as players like Hazlewood and Ahmad continue to battle for individual glory while pushing their teams closer to the championship.