IPL: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets

Back in 2003, when T20s came into existence, it was said that the shortest format was ultimately a batters’ format. However, things have changed over the years as quality sides have understood that bowlers also play a crucial role in attaining success in the 20-over format.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some franchises that lack bowling talents struggle in the competition. On the other hand, the best sides, such as Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have stamped their authority in the league with the help of their talented bowling pool. In the 2022 edition of the IPL, the debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) won a good number of matches with the help of their bowling arsenal. This indicates that bowlers are vital for teams to taste success in the cash-rich league.

Here are the bowlers with most wickets in IPL history

Yuzvendra Chahal — 187 wickets in 145 matches

Yuzvendra Chahal is the highest wicket-taker in the IPL history with 187 wickets in 145 games, having claimed the apex spot after dismissing Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Nitish Rana in the 56th match of IPL 2023 played between KKR and Rajasthan Royals. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2014-21, the leg-spinner grabbed 139 wickets in 113 matches at an economy of 7.58. In the 2022 season, he featured for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and won the Purple Cap with 27 wickets in 17 games.

Dwayne Bravo — 183 wickets in 161 matches

In December 2022, the former West Indies player Dwayne Bravo announced his retirement from IPL after appearing in 14 seasons. From 2008-10, he featured for the Mumbai Indians and bagged 26 wickets in 30 matches at an economy of 8.20. In 2011, he joined the Chennai Super Kings and became a regular franchise member. Serving the Yellow Army for more than 11 years, the veteran picked up 154 wickets in 130 matches at an economy of 8.32. Currently, the former West Indies player is second in the list of leading wicket-takers in the cash-rich T20 league, clinching 183 wickets in 161 games at an economy of 8.38.

Piyush Chawla — 179 wickets in 181 matches

Piyush Chawla has played for quality IPL sides such as Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. In his vast IPL career, the experienced leggie has fetched 179 wickets in 181 games at an economy of 7.90. In the maiden IPL season in 2008, he made it to the top five leading wicket-takers list with 17 wickets in 15 games at an economy of 8.30.

Amit Mishra — 173 wickets in 161 matches

Amit Mishra is the third-highest wicket-taker in the IPL with 173 wickets in 161 matches at an economy of 7.36. In the past, the veteran played for the defunct Deccan Chargers (DC), Delhi Capitals (previously Delhi Daredevils), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Ravichandran Ashwin — 171 Wickets in 197 matches

Ravichandran Ashwin has played some excellent cricket while representing multiple franchises in IPL. With his diligence and skill, the bowler has hunted 171 wickets in 197 matches at an economy of 7.01. Ashwin who is better known to play the game of chess with batters rather than cricket is joint-fourth on the list of leading wicket-taker in IPL.

Lasith Malinga — 170 wickets in 122 matches

Featuring in the competition from 2009 to 2019, former Sri Lanka speedster Lasith Malinga produced a number of bowling masterclasses to see his franchise through. In his 10-year career, Malinga scalped 170 wickets in 122 matches at an exceptional economy of 7.14. With these fabulous numbers, he is the fourth-joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar — 170 wickets in 160 matches

Sunrisers Hyderabad seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is joint-sixth with Malinga for picking up 170 scalps in 160 games at an average of 25.85 and a strike rate of 20.9. His economy rate is just 7.39 with best bowling figures of 5/19. He is only the third bowler after James Faulkner and Jaydev Unadkat to pick two five-wicket hauls in the history of the league.

Most Wickets in IPL History

*Last updated on March 14th 2024