Gujarat Titans speedster Kagiso Rabada has climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings with a sensational opening spell in Qualifier 2 between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur.

Rabada, who has been clinical throughout the season, especially inside the powerplay for GT, delivered once again on the big stage by removing Dhruv Jurel early in the innings.

Kagiso Rabada tops IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings

Kagiso Rabada continued his sensational run in IPL 2026 and moved to the top of the Purple Cap charts with another impactful spell for Gujarat Titans. The South African pacer now has 27 wickets in 16 matches, surpassing RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has 26 wickets this season.

Rabada has been one of GT’s most dependable bowlers throughout the tournament, known for his hard lengths, sheer pace, and excellent control in the powerplay.

The same was on display against RR as he removed Dhruv Jurel with a clever good-length delivery angled slightly towards the stumps. Jurel attempted an attacking drive but failed to time the ball properly, with Shubman Gill completing a comfortable catch at mid-off.

However, the major highlight of Rabada’s spell was his battle against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Rabada consistently clocked speeds close to 150 kmph and cramped Sooryavanshi for room, making it difficult for the youngster to free his arms.

Most wickets in IPL 2026:

Kagiso Rabada - 27 wickets in 16 matches*
Bhuvneshwar Kumar - 26 wickets in 15 matches
Jofra Archer - 24 wickets in 16 matches
Anshul Kamboj - 21 wickets in 14 matches
Eshan Malinga - 20 wickets in 15 matches

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi extends lead in Orange Cap race

Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his dominance in the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race with another aggressive start for Rajasthan Royals in the crucial Qualifier 2 clash.

The 15-year-old prodigy carried forward the momentum from his stunning knock in the previous game and once again stood tall despite RR losing two wickets inside the powerplay. While it was not as destructive as his innings in the Eliminator, Sooryavanshi ensured RR maintained the scoring rate and finished the first six overs strongly.

The youngster has now crossed the 700-run mark in IPL 2026, a staggering achievement considering his age and limited experience in one of the toughest T20 leagues in the world.

At the end of six overs, Rajasthan Royals had raced to 70/2, with Sooryavanshi unbeaten on 31 runs off just 17 deliveries.

Most runs in IPL 2026:

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - 711 runs in 15 innings*
Sai Sudharsan - 652 runs in 15 innings
Heinrich Klaasen - 624 runs in 15 innings
Shubman Gill - 618 runs in 14 innings
Ishan Kishan - 602 runs in 15 innings

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