Who Will Finish as the Top Wicket-Taker in WPL 2026?
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
The Purple Cap race in WPL 2026 is shaping up into a fascinating contest between proven match-winners and emerging threats. With a few games already played, early leaders have emerged, but history shows that wicket-takers often surge as the tournament deepens.
Comparing last season’s standings with current form gives a strong indication of who is best placed to dominate the bowling charts this year. Here are the bowlers firmly in contention to finish as WPL 2026’s leading wicket-taker.
Amelia Kerr
Amelia Kerr was one of the standout bowlers of WPL 2024/25, finishing joint second on the wickets list with 18 wickets for Mumbai Indians Women. She averaged 16 and maintained an economy close to 8, consistently striking in the middle overs while handling pressure phases with maturity.
In WPL 2026, she continues to be a key part of Mumbai Indians Women and has started strongly once again. Kerr currently leads the wickets chart with 10 wickets from 5 matches, averaging 15, with a strike rate of 12. Her control, variation, and ability to break partnerships make her the clear front-runner at this stage of the Purple Cap race.
Lauren Bell
Lauren Bell did not feature in the WPL 2024/25, but her rise since has been rapid. Coming into WPL 2026 on the back of strong performances for England Women in WT20Is, Bell arrived with growing reputation and confidence. She has previously represented UP Warriorz Women, giving her valuable league experience.
In her debut WPL season, now with Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, Bell has been outstanding. She currently has 8 wickets from 4 matches, averaging 11, with an economy just over 5 and a strike rate of 12. Her ability to extract bounce and swing the new ball has made her one of the most impactful bowlers so far, and she looks capable of staying right in the Purple Cap mix.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Nat Sciver-Brunt finished 4th on the wickets list in WPL 2024/25, picking up 12 wickets for Mumbai Indians Women. While her average of 23 was slightly higher than the leaders, her value came from delivering breakthroughs in crucial moments rather than bulk wickets alone.
In WPL 2026, she has continued with Mumbai Indians Women and has already claimed 7 wickets from 4 matches. Her average rounds up to 18, with a strike rate of 12, showing clear improvement. With MI relying on her as a genuine all-phase bowler, Sciver-Brunt remains a serious contender to climb higher as the tournament progresses.
Nadine de Klerk
Nadine de Klerk did not feature among the top wicket-takers in WPL 2024/25, but her impact in WPL 2026 has been immediate. Known for her discipline and smart use of pace, she has slotted seamlessly into Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s bowling attack.
This season, de Klerk has taken 8 wickets from 4 matches, averaging 15, with a strike rate close to 11. Her ability to bowl tight overs while still picking up wickets makes her a valuable asset. If she continues this rhythm, de Klerk has a genuine chance to stay among the top wicket-takers till the business end.
Nandini Sharma
Nandini Sharma did not appear in the WPL 2024/25, but WPL 2026 marked a breakthrough moment in her career. Playing her debut WPL season for Delhi Capitals Women, she has impressed with pace, confidence, and composure well beyond her experience.
So far this season, Sharma has picked up 8 wickets from 4 matches, averaging 13, with a strike rate just over 8. She has already produced a five-wicket haul, underlining her match-winning potential. If she maintains this form, Nandini Sharma could very well emerge as one of the stories of the season and push hard for the Purple Cap.
At the moment, Amelia Kerr holds the early advantage and looks the most complete bowler in the competition. Lauren Bell’s debut season has been nothing short of impressive, while Sciver-Brunt continues to deliver consistency for Mumbai Indians. Nadine de Klerk and Nandini Sharma have added depth and unpredictability to the race, making the Purple Cap contest wide open.
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