The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was filled with surprises, thrilling finishes, and exceptional performances. Among the standout achievements, one that garnered widespread praise and admiration was Prasidh Krishna’s extraordinary run with the ball, which earned him the prestigious Purple Cap—awarded to the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.
Krishna, representing the Gujarat Titans, delivered consistent and match-winning spells throughout the season. His pace, bounce, and control proved to be pivotal in the Titans’ campaign. With 25 wickets in just 14 matches, he outperformed seasoned veterans and young sensations alike, claiming the top spot among bowlers in the most competitive T20 league in the world.
The Road to the Purple Cap
Prasidh Krishna’s journey to the top in IPL 2025 was a masterclass in consistency and perseverance. Returning to full fitness after injuries had disrupted his rhythm in previous seasons, Krishna came into the tournament with a point to prove. The Gujarat Titans showed immense faith in him, retaining him before the auction and entrusting him with the new ball responsibilities.
Right from the first match, Krishna set the tone for his campaign. His spell against Mumbai Indians, where he dismissed Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in the powerplay, sent a strong message to the rest of the league. What followed was a sequence of commanding performances that made him the go-to bowler for captain Shubman Gill.
Krishna’s strategy revolved around traditional fast bowling—hard lengths, seam movement, and sharp bouncers. He adapted his line and length according to pitch conditions, exploiting bounce in Pune and Nagpur, while mastering the yorker on flatter tracks like Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
Key Performances That Defined His Season
Among his many performances, several stood out as turning points—not just in his Purple Cap race, but also in Gujarat Titans’ journey in IPL 2025.
1. 4/17 vs Chennai Super Kings
In a high-pressure game at Chepauk, Prasidh tore through CSK’s top order. His early strikes crippled Chennai’s innings, and his well-executed slower balls at the death ensured they never recovered. This performance earned him the Player of the Match award and cemented his place as the Titans’ most lethal weapon.
2. 3/19 vs Rajasthan Royals
Against a strong batting unit led by Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson, Krishna delivered another gem. Defending a modest total, he broke partnerships at crucial moments, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and control the tempo of the game.
3. 5/28 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Arguably his most memorable performance of the season, Krishna demolished RCB’s batting lineup with a sensational five-wicket haul. Dismissing Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Dinesh Karthik in quick succession, he ensured Gujarat’s dominance. This spell catapulted him to the top of the wicket-takers’ chart.
Skills and Strategy
What set Prasidh Krishna apart this season was his remarkable improvement in variations and mental composure. In previous years, he was known for raw pace but lacked the subtle variations crucial in T20 cricket. In 2025, he added a slower knuckleball, a deceptive off-cutter, and a more accurate yorker to his arsenal.
His control over the hard length delivery—often uncomfortable for batsmen to handle—was a major reason for his success. Unlike many pacers who rely solely on swing or speed, Krishna’s strength was relentless accuracy. Batsmen found it difficult to score off him in both the powerplay and the death overs.
Moreover, his partnership with Afghan spinner Rashid Khan created pressure from both ends, forcing batsmen into errors. Often bowling right after Rashid’s economical overs, Krishna capitalized on the batters’ desperation to score.
Fitness and Comeback Story
Prasidh’s journey wasn’t just about skill—it was also a story of grit and resilience. Having missed the entire 2023 IPL due to a stress fracture and returning to only partial action in 2024, many had written him off as a promising pacer plagued by injuries.
But 2025 saw a new, reenergized version of Prasidh Krishna. His bowling speeds consistently hovered around 145 kmph, and his stamina to bowl two spells per match at high intensity drew praise from analysts and commentators alike. The Gujarat Titans’ coaching staff, including head coach Ashish Nehra, worked closely with him to manage workloads and fine-tune his action, which proved to be a game-changer.
Competitors and Final Stretch
The race for the Purple Cap in 2025 was fiercely contested. Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad (CSK) and Australian veteran Josh Hazlewood (RCB) kept pace with Krishna until the very last stages of the league. Both had moments of brilliance—Noor’s 4-wicket hauls and Hazlewood’s miserly death bowling spells—but Krishna’s ability to take wickets in the powerplay and at the death gave him the edge.
Even during the playoffs, when the pressure was at its peak, Krishna delivered with calm assurance. In the qualifier, he dismissed both openers of the opposition team, swinging the match in Gujarat’s favor. Though the Titans didn’t reach the final, Krishna’s contribution stood tall.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Winning the Purple Cap is more than just personal glory—it often signals a bowler’s readiness for international greatness. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Prasidh Krishna’s name is now firmly back in contention for India’s starting XI.
Experts like Harsha Bhogle and Sunil Gavaskar have praised his control and work ethic, calling him India’s most complete fast bowler in the IPL 2025. Fans, too, have embraced his comeback, turning him into a cult favorite on social media.
Sponsors, franchises, and selectors are all watching, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Krishna’s Purple Cap season acts as a springboard to greater international success.
Final Thoughts
The Purple Cap is a symbol of excellence in a format that constantly challenges bowlers. For Prasidh Krishna, winning it in IPL 2025 wasn’t just about taking the most wickets—it was about bouncing back from adversity, evolving his game, and delivering under pressure.
As Gujarat Titans’ leading bowler and IPL 2025’s top wicket-taker, Krishna has not only etched his name in the record books but also won the hearts of millions. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and belief in one’s abilities.
With years of cricket ahead of him, this might just be the beginning of an even greater chapter in Prasidh Krishna’s career.