Top 5 IPL bowlers to have never won the Purple Cap

#4 Sunil Narine

Rarely has one man been responsible for a team’s fortunes as much as Sunil Narine has.

If there is one bowler other than Lasith Malinga who is a shoe-in the playing XI of their team, irrespective of the opposition or playing conditions, it is Sunil Narine. Possibly one of the smartest auction buys ever, Narine almost single handedly turned KKR’s fortunes around in the 2012 season which they went on to win. His wicket-to-wicket line, subtle changes in pace and an unflappable demeanour under pressure made him the go-to man for Gautam Gambhir.

Narine’s mystery had been deciphered by few – Maybe only Rohit Sharma can stake claim to that – and his perplexing variations have come on full display on the slow and low Eden Gardens pitch. He also rose above criticisms surrounding his bowling action and was as miserly as ever in the 2016 IPL. Rarely has one man been responsible for a team’s fortunes as much as Sunil Narine has.Franchises : KKRBest IPL moment

A true testament to Sunil Narine’s value to the KKR franchise was on display during the 44th match of the 2015 IPL season, between KKR and Kings XI Punjab. Punjab’s openers had blazed away in a start of 45/0 after 5 overs, before Gambhir called on Narine – who promptly castled Murali Vijay with a quicker delivery. Another partnership developed, Narine was beckoned, and he got the second wicket of Manan Vohra too.

All the other KKR bowlers were leaking runs galore, and with Maxwell getting into his groove, the match was quickly slipping away from KKR at 143/2 after 16 overs. Narine was called on, and he delivered yet again, dismissing Maxwell and Wriddhiman Saha in the same over. Punjab’s run rate was an astronomical 9.06, and Narine’s economy rate, amongst all the carnage unfolding at the other end – a paltry 4.75. The champion had lorded over Eden Gardens.

IPL record:

Matches : 66Wickets : 85ER : 6.18Best figures : 5/19