Harshal reclaims Purple Cap, Kohli takes massive lead in Orange Cap race

At the start of Punjab Kings’ home clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 9 (Thursday), Mumbai Indians’ Jasprit Bumrah was the holder of the Purple Cap, with 18 wickets, averaging just 16 in the tournament. 

But the difference between him and PBKS’ Harshal Patel was just one wicket, which meant that the Haryana all-rounder was within touching distance of reclaiming the Purple Cap. In his first three overs, Harshal went wicketless, conceding 36 runs, with RCB batters taking the utmost advantage of his pace. 

However, in the final over of the innings, things changed dramatically for Harshal, who picked up three wickets, starting with Dinesh Karthik’s scalp. Harshal then beat Mahipal Lomror's defence with a dipping yorker before removing Cameron Green on the final ball. The 33-year-old took his tally to 20 wickets in the season, surpassing Bumrah.

King Kohli takes a massive lead in Orange Cap race

Before the clash, only one run differentiated Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, with 542 and 541 runs. However, Kohli did not let PBKS’ bowling unit get away with a knock for the ages. The 35-year-old scored 92 off 47 deliveries, narrowly missing out on his ninth IPL hundred.

But his runs meant that he increased his lead at the top of the Orange Cup race to 93 runs. Kohli has been in some stellar form this year, with 634 runs, averaging 70.44, while still maintaining a strike-rate of over 150.

Kohli has shown great intent this season, with 30 sixes and 55 fours. It is only the second occasion in his IPL career where he has scored 30 sixes or more in a season. Travis Head jumped to the third spot after his unbeaten 89 against Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday (May 8).