IPL 2019: Imran Tahir pips countryman Kagiso Rabada to take 'Purple Cap'

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Chennai Super Kings' Imran Tahir pipped fellow countryman Kagiso Rabada and won the 'Purple Cap' as IPL 2019 came to an end on Sunday. 

The South African grabbed 26 wickets from 17 games and he is followed by Delhi Capitals' Kagiso Rabada (25) from 12 games, CSK's Deepak Chahar (22), Rajasthan Royals' Shreyas Gopal (20) and Mumbai Indians' Jasprit Bumrah (19). Mohammad Shami and Khaleel Ahmed were the other Indian star bowlers to scalp 19 wickets in the tournament

Tahir starred for Chennai in their campaign as they reached the final. Picking up wickets in crucial junctures and keeping it tight, Tahir was Mahendra Singh Dhoni's go-to man in IPL 2019. However, Chennai lost the nail-biting finale by just 1 run, but Tahir was the shining star for CSK.

Tahir finished the season with an average of 16.57 and an economy of 16.69

After receiving Purple Cap the Proteas spinner gave his credit of his success to the support staff.

"I am really grateful to Chennai for giving me an opportunity at this age. I just want to keep going and would like to thank my support staff. It's sad to lose, but credit to Mumbai and they deserve this victory. I am pleased to see all this at a late stage in my life. It is the best league and I have been working hard for very long in my life, it isn't easy to bowl to the Indian and the overseas players. I love the game and I would love to carry on for as long as I can," said Tahir.

Rabada, who was on top of the pile before the final, had a sensational campaign and was essential behind Delhi Capitals' run to their first playoffs in 7 years this year. However, his absence and a lacklustre show against Chennai meant that they were knocked out in Qualifier 2.

The South African averaged 14.72 and an economy of 7.82 before leaving for South Africa with a minor niggle.

The race for the 'Purple Cap' boiled down to the last day but Tahir grabbed two wickets on the day to surpass Rabada, who left early after a small niggle.

The 40-year-old leg-spinner got the wickets of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav on Sunday and finished with 26 wickets for the season.

Tahir is the only the second Proteas to achieve this feat after Morne Morkel, who did so with Delhi Daredevils in 2012, when he finished with 25 wickets.