2 weeks Ago By Moneycontrol
Bengaluru witnessed a thrilling encounter last night as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by Rajat Patidar, edged out Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 11 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB posted a competitive 205/5 in their 20 overs, while RR fought hard but fell short, managing 194/9.
Now, all eyes shift to Chennai as Ruturaj Gaikwad's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare to host Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium later tonight. But before that showdown, let's delve into the fascinating battle for the Purple Cap, where pace and spin are proving equally potent. The Battle for Supremacy: Who Will Don the Purple Cap? As we approach the halfway mark of IPL 2025, the race for the Purple Cap is intensifying, with Gujarat Titans' (GT) Prasidh Krishna and Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Josh Hazlewood currently leading the pack, both with 16 wickets.
However, the chasing pack is breathing down their necks, promising a thrilling contest in the weeks to come. Prasidh Krishna: The Indian Pace Sensation Prasidh Krishna has been a revelation for GT, spearheading their attack with pace and aggression. In 8 matches, he has bagged 16 wickets at an impressive average of 14.
12 and an economy of 7.29. His strike rate of 11.
62 indicates his ability to consistently pick up wickets. Krishna's best performance came with a 4/41 haul, showcasing his knack for taking crucial wickets at critical junctures. Two 3-wicket hauls further cement his consistency.
His ability to swing the ball at pace makes him a nightmare for batsmen, and he's quickly becoming a vital cog in Shubman Gill's GT setup. Josh Hazlewood: The Aussie Veteran Josh Hazlewood, the experienced Australian pacer, is giving Krishna a run for his money. Playing one more match than Krishna, Hazlewood also has 16 wickets but at a slightly higher average of 17.
18 and an economy of 8.37. His strike rate of 12.
31 is also marginally higher. Hazlewood's strength lies in his accuracy and ability to bowl tight lines and lengths, making him difficult to score against. His best figures of 4/33, along with three 3-wicket hauls, demonstrate his consistent wicket-taking ability.
Rajat Patidar will be relying heavily on Hazlewood to continue his good form as RCB look to climb up the table. The Spinners' Challenge: Kuldeep, Noor, and Sai Kishore While pace is dominating the top two spots, spinners are not far behind. Kuldeep Yadav of Delhi Capitals (DC), Noor Ahmad of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Sai Kishore of Gujarat Titans (GT) are all tied at 12 wickets.
Kuldeep, with his variations and guile, has been a key weapon for Axar Patel, boasting an impressive economy of 6.50. Noor Ahmad, the young Afghan spinner, has impressed with his ability to bamboozle batsmen, while Sai Kishore has provided crucial breakthroughs for GT.
Their ability to control the middle overs and pick up wickets will be crucial as the tournament progresses. Krishna vs. Hazlewood: A Statistical Comparison While both Krishna and Hazlewood have 16 wickets, Krishna edges ahead due to a better average and economy.
However, Hazlewood's experience and consistency make him a formidable contender. The table below provides a detailed comparison: Statistic Prasidh Krishna (GT) Josh Hazlewood (RCB) Wickets 16 16 Matches 8 9 Average 14.12 17.
18 Economy 7.29 8.37 Strike Rate 11.
62 12.31.
