3 top Australian fast-bowlers are set to compete for the Purple Cap in IPL 2025. With their pace, variations, and leadership, each bowler brings unique strengths to their teams, making them formidable contenders throughout the season for the prestigious award.
1. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, renowned for his lethal left-arm pace, excelled for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024 with his ability to swing the ball both ways, particularly in the powerplay. Despite his strong performance, KKR released him, paving the way for Starc’s move to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025. This transition marks a fresh opportunity for Starc to showcase his skills on a new stage and reaffirm his dominance in the IPL.
Starc’s Strategy for the Purple Cap:
Mitchell Starc’s move from Kolkata Knight Riders to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 offers a fresh platform to showcase his skills. Renowned for his lethal left-arm pace and swing, Starc is expected to spearhead Delhi’s bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways in the powerplay can dismantle top orders early, while his mastery of reverse swing makes him a threat in the death overs, crucial in T20 cricket where every over counts. Starc’s knack for taking wickets in clusters, often delivering match-winning spells when in rhythm, could position him as a strong contender for the Purple Cap.
However, the challenge lies in adapting to new team dynamics, leadership, and the Arun Jaitley Stadium’s conditions. Starc must balance his aggressive wicket-taking intent with an economical approach, especially against fearless openers. If he maintains consistency, Starc could become a pivotal force in Delhi Capitals’ pursuit of IPL glory.
2. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood’s pinpoint accuracy and mastery of the ideal length make him a critical component of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s attack for IPL 2025. Though his IPL performances have been steady rather than flashy, his ability to maintain pressure and deliver in crucial moments stands out. Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling and ability to exploit seam movement position him as a dark horse for the Purple Cap. If he finds his rhythm early, his consistent wicket-taking potential could be pivotal for RCB’s campaign and elevate his profile in the T20 format.
Hazlewood’s Approach to the Purple Cap:
Josh Hazlewood’s precision and ability to bowl tight lines make him a vital component of RCB’s pace attack in IPL 2025. His strategy revolves around restricting runs and inducing errors, particularly in the middle overs, where his knack for creating pressure can lead to crucial breakthroughs. While Hazlewood is not known for sheer pace, his consistent economy rate adds immense value in T20 cricket. The Chinnaswamy Stadium, with its small boundaries and batting-friendly conditions, will test his skills, requiring adjustments in pace and tactical variations to stay effective. If he can adapt to these challenges, Hazlewood could emerge as a strong contender for the Purple Cap, leveraging his strengths to outsmart batsmen and contribute significantly to RCB’s success.
3. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins, the Australian cricket team captain, rejoins Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2025, bringing exceptional leadership and bowling skills. His IPL career has had its highs and lows, but his recent triumph as Australia’s World Cup-winning captain underscores his capability to thrive under pressure.
Cummins’ Strategy for the Purple Cap:
Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, returns to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2025, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and bowling talent. Known for his pace variations and cutters, Cummins excels in the middle and death overs, making him a potent weapon in the latter part of the innings, particularly on Indian pitches. As captain, his challenge extends beyond personal performance to managing the team’s strategy, with his leadership likely to inspire the SRH bowling attack. However, the IPL’s grueling schedule demands careful workload management to avoid burnout. Cummins’ ability to adapt his game to varying pitch conditions, particularly in Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, will be crucial for his success. His skill set, combined with his leadership, makes him a strong contender for the Purple Cap. Alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, Cummins will add to the fierce competition for the award in IPL 2025.