New Delhi: Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a performance of a lifetime, which not only led Royal Challengers Bangalore to an emphatic win over Delhi Capitals but also climbed to the top of the Purple Cap standings in IPL 2026. His sensational spell of 3 for 5 in three overs earned him his 20th three-wicket haul in the IPL, becoming the second fastest bowler since. Jaspreet Bumrah To achieve the milestone.With this effort, Bhuvneshwar took his tally to 14 in eight matches, level with Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Ishan Malinga. However, his higher economy rate of 7.61 against Kamboj’s 8.56 and Malinga’s 9.44 helped him clinch the Purple Cap. Jofra Archer of Rajasthan Royals and Prince Yadav of Lucknow Supergiants took 13 wickets each.
Latest IPL 2026 Purple Cap Standings
| Rank | the player | Wickets | Matches | Overs | Econ | Ave. |
| 1 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) | 14 | 8 | 31.0 | 7.61 | 16.85 |
| 2 | Anshul Kamboj (CSK) | 14 | 8 | 27.4 | 8.56 | 16.92 |
| 3 | Ishan Malinga (SRH) | 14 | 8 | 27.0 | 9.44 | 18.21 |
| 4 | Jofra Archer (RR) | 13 | 8 | 29.0 | 8.03 | 17.92 |
| 5 | Prince Yadav (LSG) | 13 | 8 | 30.0 | 8.06 | 18.61 |
| 6 | Kagiso Rabada (GT) | 13 | 8 | 31.0 | 9.48 | 22.61 |
| 7 | Prasad Krishna (GT) | 12 | 7 | 26.0 | 10.34 | 22.41 |
| 8 | Ravi Bishnoi (RR) | 11 | 8 | 24.0 | 9.54 | 20.81 |
| 9 | Mohsin Khan (LSG) | 9 | 4 | 16.0 | 6.37 | 11.33 |
| 10 | Krunal Pandya (RCB) | 9 | 8 | 27.0 | 8.85 | 26.55 |
Powerplay carnage set up a huge win.The match was defined by a brutal spell with the new ball as Bhuvneshwar and Josh Hazlewood combined to decimate DC’s batting line-up. The hosts were bowled out for 13 for 6 in the powerplay, with Bhuvneshwar initially casting debutant Sahil Parikh and later removing Tristan Stubbs and skipper Akshar Patel.Hazlewood made up for it, returning with figures of 4 for 12 as DC slumped to 75 in 16.3 overs. Reflecting on his performance, Bhuvneshwar credited the conditions and early swing. “When the ball swings and you get some wickets in front, it becomes easier,” he said, adding that the team was a little surprised by the help on offer but took full advantage of it. He also joked about not pushing for an extra over due to fatigue and said he was “happy with three overs” given the heat.Chasing a modest target, RCB completed the task with ease in just 6.3 overs. Virat Kohli and Dev Dutt Padikal ensured there were no hiccups, with Kohli hitting back-to-back sixes to seal the win.
