IPL 2024: T Natarajan snatches Purple Cap from Jasprit Bumrah after brilliant spell in SRH's win over RR

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) versus Rajasthan Royals' (RR) thrilling IPL 2024's clash on May 2 has seen a massive shift in the race for the coveted Purple Cap, awarded to the IPL's leading wicket-taker. Sunrisers Hyderabad's left-arm pacer, T Natarajan, has grabbed the top spot with a two-wicket haul against Rajasthan Royals on May 2. Notably, SRH pulled off a one-run win over RR. Natarajan conceded just 35 runs in his spell, pushing Mumbai Indians' star Jasprit Bumrah down to second place. Bumrah trails Natarajan by just one wicket.

The race for the Purple Cap is getting intense, with bowlers from various franchises battling it out. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) boasts two contenders in their pace attack. Mustafizur Rahman currently sits in third place, grabbing two wickets and conceding only 19 runs against SRH on April 30th. Meanwhile, his teammate, Matheesha Pathirana, is hot on his heels in fifth place. Pathirana impressed with a two-wicket haul and just 17 runs conceded in his two overs during the same match.

Harshal Patel, the pace spearhead for Punjab Kings (PBKS), also finds himself in the mix. He currently holds the fourth position thanks to a three-wicket haul and a miserly spell of just 15 runs in three overs against Gujarat Titans on April 21st.

Interestingly, the top contenders for the Purple Cap are all fast bowlers. Spinners haven't managed to crack the top five so far, making for a pace-dominated battle for the prestigious award.

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Here is the updated list of bowlers who are in the Purple Cap Race after SRH vs RR's clash:

1. 1. T Natarajan (SRH): T Natarajan, a key bowler for SRH this season, has claimed 15 wickets in just eight matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.96. Notably, he has recorded a four-wicket haul as well.
   2. Jasprit Bumrah (MI): Known for his lethal bowling and toe-crushing yorkers, star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been a formidable opponent for batsmen, taking 14 wickets in 10 matches with an impressive economy of 6.40. Bumrah also boasts a five-wicket haul.
   3. Mustafizur Rahman (CSK): Mustafizur Rahman, the left-arm pacer from Bangladesh, has taken 14 wickets across nine matches, though his economy rate stands at 9.26. He remains a crucial figure in CSK's bowling strategy.
   4. Harshal Patel (PBKS): Harshal Patel, renowned for his skills in death bowling, has captured 14 wickets in 10 matches this season, despite a high economy rate of 10.24. He was the top wicket-taker in 2021.
   5. Matheesha Pathirana (CSK): Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, playing in only six matches, has secured 13 wickets at an economy of 7.68. A key player in CSK's lineup, particularly during the death overs, Pathirana took 19 wickets in 12 matches last season.

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