The Indian Premier League is heading towards its tenth season. All teams are busy building strategies and assigning roles to each member of the squad. Last-minute injuries to star cricketers are making headlines these days and the think-tanks of each franchise will be pondering over their best possible Playing XI. The replacements for the injured players will be announced in the lead up to the first game and teams will have to tinker their strategies just a wee bit.

While the slam-bang version of cricket is mostly batsman dominated; bowlers are also crucial to a team’s chances. It is a myth that T20 is a batsman dominated game as bowlers too have a significant role in the shortest format of the game. There have been a number of bowlers who have been exceptionally well consistently in the history of the IPL. So here is a list of the best bowlers in the ranks of each franchise:

<strong>Mumbai Indians: Lasith Malinga</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Lasith-Malinga.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68937" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="600" height="463" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68937" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians bowler Lasith Maling. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The Sri Lankan star is the most successful bowler in the history of the IPL accounting for 143 wickets in the league so far. Since IPL’s inception in 2008, Malinga has always featured in the Mumbai Indians ranks. He bowls pinpoint yorkers and has recently developed an equally threatening off-cutter. With age catching up on him, Malinga had an injury-ridden 2016, which didn’t allow him to participate in last season’s IPL.  A fit again Malinga is ready to torment the batsmen and will be crucial to the Mumbai Indians campaign.

Malinga has taken part in 7 seasons so far and has never taken less than 15 wickets in nay season. He has been super consistent and is indispensible to his team. The two-time IPL champion ranks second only to Dwayne Bravo, in the all-time wicket takers in Twenty20 cricket with 306 wickets. An economy rate of 6.70 also suggests that he is a thinking bowler who doesn’t give many runs.

<strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore: Tymal Mills</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Tymal-Mills.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-127432" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tymal-Mills.jpg" alt="RCB Tymal Mills" width="600" height="415" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-127432" class="wp-caption-text">Tymal Mills. (Photo by Simon Watts/Getty Images)</figcaption>

When Tymal Mills bowled his first ball in India – a back of a length 90 miles an hour delivery which hurried Virat Kohli and hit him near his MRF sticker, he vindicated his reputation of a T20 specialist; yet not many people thought he would bag a whooping 12 crore price in the auction next month, including Mills himself. Ironically, he was acquired by RCB, a franchise led by Kohli himself and immediately a lot is expected from him. Mills has a deceptive slower ball – which comes out of the back-of-the-hand and is a lot slower than his usual fiery pace. The unique aspect of his back-of-the-hand delivery is that the seam stays upright ergo; the batsmen struggle to pick it.

Injuries have consigned Mills to just T20 cricket and he now plays in various leagues around the world. He brings a lot of experience and pace to the table. With Starc pulling out in this year’s IPL, Mills is expected to lead the RCB attack and he is more than capable of doing that.

<strong>Gujrat Lions: James Faulkner</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/James-Faulkner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-62994" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/James-Faulkner.jpg" alt="James Faulkner Gujarat Lions" width="600" height="346" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62994" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS)</figcaption>

Though he started playing IPL in 2011, not many people will know that James Faulkner is the man who has taken the most five-wicket hauls in the history of the IPL. He has managed to achieve that feat twice and has done it once for Australia. He is second only to Malinga – who has 4 against his name, in the all-time list. Faulkner has been amazing in the IPL, especially when he turned out for Rajasthan Royal. Gujarat Lions will be hoping that Faulkner would replicate the performances he gave for his previous franchise this season.

The Tasmanian all-rounder will have to lead the Gujarat attack this season. Faulkner can be handy in the death overs, as he has a lot of variations up his sleeves, none better than the back of the hand slower ball. He is a versatile bowler who has the ability to make the new ball talk as well. All in all, Faulkner will play a significant role with the ball for Gujarat Lions this season.

<strong>Rising Pune Supergiants: Imran Tahir</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/01/Imran-Tahir-of-South-Africa.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-105466" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Imran-Tahir-of-South-Africa.jpg" alt="Imran Tahir of South Africa IPL 2017 Auction" width="600" height="438" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-105466" class="wp-caption-text">Imran Tahir of South Africa. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Imran Tahir’s IPL inclusion is a classic case of ‘good things come to the ones who wait’. The Proteas star bowler surprisingly did not attract any bids despite being the No. 1 T20 bowler in the world. He also picked up a 5-wicket haul three days preceding to the auction day. As they say, all’s well that ends well. Tahir find himself in the thick of things at Pune Supergiants, as he joined the squad as a late replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh. With Ashwin pulling out last-minute before the IPL, Pune’s spin reserves would have looked very thin if it wasn’t for Tahir.

Tahir is a crafty bowler who uses all his experience and variations to good effect. The Supergiants will look towards him for inspiration. With 173 wickets at an economy of under 7 an over, Tahir has been a skillful operator in this format for the various teams he has played in around the world.

<strong>Delhi Daredevils: Amit Mishra</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/Amit-Mishra-IPL-DD-e1491058757735.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-15717" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amit-Mishra-IPL-DD-e1491058757735.jpg" alt="Amit Mishra DD" width="600" height="450"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15717" class="wp-caption-text">Amit Mishra DD. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Amit Mishra has been relentless in IPL cricket. T20 is a format Mishra likes the most. He has used IPL as a platform to remind the national selectors of his qualities. The leg-spinner is second only to Malinga in the all-time wicket takers in the IPL with 124 wickets. He is a genuine wicket taker and uses the googly to good effect.

Though Mishra has had a quiet couple of years in the IPL – collecting just 29 wickets collectively in the last 3 seasons off 36 games he featured in, he still has the quality to lead the Daredevils attack. The Haryana cricketer has the ability of running through sides even in a format like T20. The best thing about this 34-year old is that he looks to pick wickets which always is handy in T20 cricket.

<strong>Kings XI Punjab: Axar Patel</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Axar-Patel.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70139" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="600" height="429" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The 23-year old Axar Patel’s rise as an international cricketer is directly proportionate to his IPL exploits. After giving sturdy performances in his first season (2014) for Punjab, Axar was immediately rewarded with a national call-up. Since 2014, Axar has played as many as 37 games (30 ODI’s and 7 T20’s) for India compared to 28 in the IPL. His performances post his breakthrough season in 2014, have been steady. He performs the leading bowler’s role for Kings XI Punjab for the last 3 years and it won’t be any different this season.

Axar falls into the bracket of a multi-utility cricketer. Though he essentially is a bowler, he bats and fields well too. Axar relies more on drying up the runs and waiting for the batsman to make a mistake. This is a safe and smart approach in T20 cricket. The left-arm spinner would be motivated to do well in this season for; a good performance might win him a ticket to England to play in the ICC Champions Trophy which follows shortly after the conclusion of the IPL. 

<strong>Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/05/Sunil-Narine-e1491065419516.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-5067" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Narine-e1491065419516.jpg" alt width="586" height="400"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5067" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Narine. (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption>

85 wickets in 66 IPL games at an economy of 6.17; yes, these are the statistics of the ‘mystery’ bowler: Sunil Narine. He has turned out for KKR since 2012 and has managed to form a lethal bowler for his side. Agreed, that he hasn’t been as effective as he was before he was forced to remodel his action, Narine still has that X-factor that sends shivers across batsmen in the IPL. His skipper Gambhir has time and again backed Narine when he was struggling with his action.

Narine might not be that effective but he still has the experience to perform at this stage. Moreover, he keeps the scoring rate down, which again, is a huge plus in this format.

<strong>Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ashish Nehra</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Ashish-Nehra.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-62560" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ashish-Nehra.jpg" alt="Ashish Nehra" width="600" height="410" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62560" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Ashish Nehra knows what it takes to get back in the Indian team through the IPL. 2015 was a dream season for him. He looked fit, bowled fast and picked up 22 wickets in 16 games which subsequently got him back in the national team. Injuries have never been kind to him but Nehra has figured out his body and is bowling as fast as he ever has, all of this at the age of almost 38. The left-arm seamer was instrumental in Sunrisers title win last year and is gain expectd to perform a crucial role in their title defense this year.

The Delhi paceman is undoubtedly Sunrisers’ best bowler. He also performs the role of mentoring his younger colleagues and is also a part of the leadership group, hence an asset to the team.

The first game of IPL-10 is still four days away but the cricket fanatics are already agog as they eagerly wait for the first ball to be delivered.

<p>The Indian Premier League is heading towards its tenth season. All teams are busy building strategies and assigning roles to each member of the squad. Last-minute injuries to star cricketers are making headlines these days and the think-tanks of each franchise will be pondering over their best possible Playing XI. The replacements for the injured players will be announced in the lead up to the first game and teams will have to tinker their strategies just a wee bit.</p>
<p>While the slam-bang version of cricket is mostly batsman dominated; bowlers are also crucial to a team’s chances. It is a myth that T20 is a batsman dominated game as bowlers too have a significant role in the shortest format of the game. There have been a number of bowlers who have been exceptionally well consistently in the history of the IPL. So here is a list of the best bowlers in the ranks of each franchise:</p>
<h3><strong>Mumbai Indians: Lasith Malinga</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_68937" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68937" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Lasith-Malinga.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-68937" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="600" height="463" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68937" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians bowler Lasith Maling. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Sri Lankan star is the most successful bowler in the history of the IPL accounting for 143 wickets in the league so far. Since IPL’s inception in 2008, Malinga has always featured in the Mumbai Indians ranks. He bowls pinpoint yorkers and has recently developed an equally threatening off-cutter. With age catching up on him, Malinga had an injury-ridden 2016, which didn’t allow him to participate in last season’s IPL.&nbsp; A fit again Malinga is ready to torment the batsmen and will be crucial to the Mumbai Indians campaign.</p>
<p>Malinga has taken part in 7 seasons so far and has never taken less than 15 wickets in nay season. He has been super consistent and is indispensible to his team. The two-time IPL champion ranks second only to Dwayne Bravo, in the all-time wicket takers in Twenty20 cricket with 306 wickets. An economy rate of 6.70 also suggests that he is a thinking bowler who doesn’t give many runs.</p>
<h3><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore: Tymal Mills</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_127432" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-127432" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Tymal-Mills.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-127432" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tymal-Mills.jpg" alt="RCB Tymal Mills" width="600" height="415" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-127432" class="wp-caption-text">Tymal Mills. (Photo by Simon Watts/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>When Tymal Mills bowled his first ball in India – a back of a length 90 miles an hour delivery which hurried Virat Kohli and hit him near his MRF sticker, he vindicated his reputation of a T20 specialist; yet not many people thought he would bag a whooping 12 crore price in the auction next month, including Mills himself. Ironically, he was acquired by RCB, a franchise led by Kohli himself and immediately a lot is expected from him. Mills has a deceptive slower ball – which comes out of the back-of-the-hand and is a lot slower than his usual fiery pace. The unique aspect of his back-of-the-hand delivery is that the seam stays upright ergo; the batsmen struggle to pick it.</p>
<p>Injuries have consigned Mills to just T20 cricket and he now plays in various leagues around the world. He brings a lot of experience and pace to the table. With Starc pulling out in this year’s IPL, Mills is expected to lead the RCB attack and he is more than capable of doing that.</p>
<h3><strong>Gujrat Lions: James Faulkner</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_62994" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62994" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/James-Faulkner.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-62994" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/James-Faulkner.jpg" alt="James Faulkner Gujarat Lions" width="600" height="346" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62994" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Though he started playing IPL in 2011, not many people will know that James Faulkner is the man who has taken the most five-wicket hauls in the history of the IPL. He has managed to achieve that feat twice and has done it once for Australia. He is second only to Malinga – who has 4 against his name, in the all-time list. Faulkner has been amazing in the IPL, especially when he turned out for Rajasthan Royal. Gujarat Lions will be hoping that Faulkner would replicate the performances he gave for his previous franchise this season.</p>
<p>The Tasmanian all-rounder will have to lead the Gujarat attack this season. Faulkner can be handy in the death overs, as he has a lot of variations up his sleeves, none better than the back of the hand slower ball. He is a versatile bowler who has the ability to make the new ball talk as well. All in all, Faulkner will play a significant role with the ball for Gujarat Lions this season.</p>
<h3><strong>Rising Pune Supergiants: Imran Tahir</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_105466" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-105466" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/01/Imran-Tahir-of-South-Africa.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-105466" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Imran-Tahir-of-South-Africa.jpg" alt="Imran Tahir of South Africa IPL 2017 Auction" width="600" height="438" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-105466" class="wp-caption-text">Imran Tahir of South Africa. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Imran Tahir’s IPL inclusion is a classic case of ‘good things come to the ones who wait’. The Proteas star bowler surprisingly did not attract any bids despite being the No. 1 T20 bowler in the world. He also picked up a 5-wicket haul three days preceding to the auction day. As they say, all’s well that ends well. Tahir find himself in the thick of things at Pune Supergiants, as he joined the squad as a late replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh. With Ashwin pulling out last-minute before the IPL, Pune’s spin reserves would have looked very thin if it wasn’t for Tahir.</p>
<p>Tahir is a crafty bowler who uses all his experience and variations to good effect. The Supergiants will look towards him for inspiration. With 173 wickets at an economy of under 7 an over, Tahir has been a skillful operator in this format for the various teams he has played in around the world.</p>
<h3><strong>Delhi Daredevils: Amit Mishra</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_15717" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15717" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/Amit-Mishra-IPL-DD-e1491058757735.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-15717" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amit-Mishra-IPL-DD-e1491058757735.jpg" alt="Amit Mishra DD" width="600" height="450" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15717" class="wp-caption-text">Amit Mishra DD. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Amit Mishra has been relentless in IPL cricket. T20 is a format Mishra likes the most. He has used IPL as a platform to remind the national selectors of his qualities. The leg-spinner is second only to Malinga in the all-time wicket takers in the IPL with 124 wickets. He is a genuine wicket taker and uses the googly to good effect.</p>
<p>Though Mishra has had a quiet couple of years in the IPL – collecting just 29 wickets collectively in the last 3 seasons off 36 games he featured in, he still has the quality to lead the Daredevils attack. The Haryana cricketer has the ability of running through sides even in a format like T20. The best thing about this 34-year old is that he looks to pick wickets which always is handy in T20 cricket.</p>
<h3><strong>Kings XI Punjab: Axar Patel</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_70139" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Axar-Patel.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-70139" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="600" height="429" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 23-year old Axar Patel’s rise as an international cricketer is directly proportionate to his IPL exploits. After giving sturdy performances in his first season (2014) for Punjab, Axar was immediately rewarded with a national call-up. Since 2014, Axar has played as many as 37 games (30 ODI’s and 7 T20’s) for India compared to 28 in the IPL. His performances post his breakthrough season in 2014, have been steady. He performs the leading bowler’s role for Kings XI Punjab for the last 3 years and it won’t be any different this season.</p>
<p>Axar falls into the bracket of a multi-utility cricketer. Though he essentially is a bowler, he bats and fields well too. Axar relies more on drying up the runs and waiting for the batsman to make a mistake. This is a safe and smart approach in T20 cricket. The left-arm spinner would be motivated to do well in this season for; a good performance might win him a ticket to England to play in the ICC Champions Trophy which follows shortly after the conclusion of the IPL. </p>
<h3><strong>Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_5067" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5067" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/05/Sunil-Narine-e1491065419516.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-5067" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Narine-e1491065419516.jpg" alt width="586" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5067" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Narine. (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>85 wickets in 66 IPL games at an economy of 6.17; yes, these are the statistics of the ‘mystery’ bowler: Sunil Narine. He has turned out for KKR since 2012 and has managed to form a lethal bowler for his side. Agreed, that he hasn’t been as effective as he was before he was forced to remodel his action, Narine still has that X-factor that sends shivers across batsmen in the IPL. His skipper Gambhir has time and again backed Narine when he was struggling with his action.</p>
<p>Narine might not be that effective but he still has the experience to perform at this stage. Moreover, he keeps the scoring rate down, which again, is a huge plus in this format.</p>
<h3><strong>Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ashish Nehra</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_62560" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62560" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Ashish-Nehra.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-62560" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ashish-Nehra.jpg" alt="Ashish Nehra" width="600" height="410" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62560" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ashish Nehra knows what it takes to get back in the Indian team through the IPL. 2015 was a dream season for him. He looked fit, bowled fast and picked up 22 wickets in 16 games which subsequently got him back in the national team. Injuries have never been kind to him but Nehra has figured out his body and is bowling as fast as he ever has, all of this at the age of almost 38. The left-arm seamer was instrumental in Sunrisers title win last year and is gain expectd to perform a crucial role in their title defense this year.</p>
<p>The Delhi paceman is undoubtedly Sunrisers’ best bowler. He also performs the role of mentoring his younger colleagues and is also a part of the leadership group, hence an asset to the team.</p>
<p>The first game of IPL-10 is still four days away but the cricket fanatics are already agog as they eagerly wait for the first ball to be delivered.</p>

<p>The Indian Premier League is heading towards its tenth season. All teams are busy building strategies and assigning roles to each member of the squad. Last-minute injuries to star cricketers are making headlines these days and the think-tanks of each franchise will be pondering over their best possible Playing XI. The replacements for the injured players will be announced in the lead up to the first game and teams will have to tinker their strategies just a wee bit.</p>
<p>While the slam-bang version of cricket is mostly batsman dominated; bowlers are also crucial to a team’s chances. It is a myth that T20 is a batsman dominated game as bowlers too have a significant role in the shortest format of the game. There have been a number of bowlers who have been exceptionally well consistently in the history of the IPL. So here is a list of the best bowlers in the ranks of each franchise:</p>
<h3><strong>Mumbai Indians: Lasith Malinga</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_68937" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68937" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Lasith-Malinga.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68937" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="600" height="463" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68937" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians bowler Lasith Maling. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Sri Lankan star is the most successful bowler in the history of the IPL accounting for 143 wickets in the league so far. Since IPL’s inception in 2008, Malinga has always featured in the Mumbai Indians ranks. He bowls pinpoint yorkers and has recently developed an equally threatening off-cutter. With age catching up on him, Malinga had an injury-ridden 2016, which didn’t allow him to participate in last season’s IPL.  A fit again Malinga is ready to torment the batsmen and will be crucial to the Mumbai Indians campaign.</p>
<p>Malinga has taken part in 7 seasons so far and has never taken less than 15 wickets in nay season. He has been super consistent and is indispensible to his team. The two-time IPL champion ranks second only to Dwayne Bravo, in the all-time wicket takers in Twenty20 cricket with 306 wickets. An economy rate of 6.70 also suggests that he is a thinking bowler who doesn’t give many runs.</p>
<h3><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore: Tymal Mills</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_127432" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-127432" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Tymal-Mills.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-127432" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Tymal-Mills.jpg" alt="RCB Tymal Mills" width="600" height="415" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-127432" class="wp-caption-text">Tymal Mills. (Photo by Simon Watts/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>When Tymal Mills bowled his first ball in India – a back of a length 90 miles an hour delivery which hurried Virat Kohli and hit him near his MRF sticker, he vindicated his reputation of a T20 specialist; yet not many people thought he would bag a whooping 12 crore price in the auction next month, including Mills himself. Ironically, he was acquired by RCB, a franchise led by Kohli himself and immediately a lot is expected from him. Mills has a deceptive slower ball – which comes out of the back-of-the-hand and is a lot slower than his usual fiery pace. The unique aspect of his back-of-the-hand delivery is that the seam stays upright ergo; the batsmen struggle to pick it.</p>
<p>Injuries have consigned Mills to just T20 cricket and he now plays in various leagues around the world. He brings a lot of experience and pace to the table. With Starc pulling out in this year’s IPL, Mills is expected to lead the RCB attack and he is more than capable of doing that.</p>
<h3><strong>Gujrat Lions: James Faulkner</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_62994" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62994" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/James-Faulkner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-62994" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/James-Faulkner.jpg" alt="James Faulkner Gujarat Lions" width="600" height="346" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62994" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Sandeep Mahankal/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Though he started playing IPL in 2011, not many people will know that James Faulkner is the man who has taken the most five-wicket hauls in the history of the IPL. He has managed to achieve that feat twice and has done it once for Australia. He is second only to Malinga – who has 4 against his name, in the all-time list. Faulkner has been amazing in the IPL, especially when he turned out for Rajasthan Royal. Gujarat Lions will be hoping that Faulkner would replicate the performances he gave for his previous franchise this season.</p>
<p>The Tasmanian all-rounder will have to lead the Gujarat attack this season. Faulkner can be handy in the death overs, as he has a lot of variations up his sleeves, none better than the back of the hand slower ball. He is a versatile bowler who has the ability to make the new ball talk as well. All in all, Faulkner will play a significant role with the ball for Gujarat Lions this season.</p>
<h3><strong>Rising Pune Supergiants: Imran Tahir</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_105466" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-105466" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/01/Imran-Tahir-of-South-Africa.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-105466" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Imran-Tahir-of-South-Africa.jpg" alt="Imran Tahir of South Africa IPL 2017 Auction" width="600" height="438" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-105466" class="wp-caption-text">Imran Tahir of South Africa. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Imran Tahir’s IPL inclusion is a classic case of ‘good things come to the ones who wait’. The Proteas star bowler surprisingly did not attract any bids despite being the No. 1 T20 bowler in the world. He also picked up a 5-wicket haul three days preceding to the auction day. As they say, all’s well that ends well. Tahir find himself in the thick of things at Pune Supergiants, as he joined the squad as a late replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh. With Ashwin pulling out last-minute before the IPL, Pune’s spin reserves would have looked very thin if it wasn’t for Tahir.</p>
<p>Tahir is a crafty bowler who uses all his experience and variations to good effect. The Supergiants will look towards him for inspiration. With 173 wickets at an economy of under 7 an over, Tahir has been a skillful operator in this format for the various teams he has played in around the world.</p>
<h3><strong>Delhi Daredevils: Amit Mishra</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_15717" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15717" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/Amit-Mishra-IPL-DD-e1491058757735.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-15717" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amit-Mishra-IPL-DD-e1491058757735.jpg" alt="Amit Mishra DD" width="600" height="450"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15717" class="wp-caption-text">Amit Mishra DD. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Amit Mishra has been relentless in IPL cricket. T20 is a format Mishra likes the most. He has used IPL as a platform to remind the national selectors of his qualities. The leg-spinner is second only to Malinga in the all-time wicket takers in the IPL with 124 wickets. He is a genuine wicket taker and uses the googly to good effect.</p>
<p>Though Mishra has had a quiet couple of years in the IPL – collecting just 29 wickets collectively in the last 3 seasons off 36 games he featured in, he still has the quality to lead the Daredevils attack. The Haryana cricketer has the ability of running through sides even in a format like T20. The best thing about this 34-year old is that he looks to pick wickets which always is handy in T20 cricket.</p>
<h3><strong>Kings XI Punjab: Axar Patel</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_70139" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70139" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Axar-Patel.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70139" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="600" height="429" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The 23-year old Axar Patel’s rise as an international cricketer is directly proportionate to his IPL exploits. After giving sturdy performances in his first season (2014) for Punjab, Axar was immediately rewarded with a national call-up. Since 2014, Axar has played as many as 37 games (30 ODI’s and 7 T20’s) for India compared to 28 in the IPL. His performances post his breakthrough season in 2014, have been steady. He performs the leading bowler’s role for Kings XI Punjab for the last 3 years and it won’t be any different this season.</p>
<p>Axar falls into the bracket of a multi-utility cricketer. Though he essentially is a bowler, he bats and fields well too. Axar relies more on drying up the runs and waiting for the batsman to make a mistake. This is a safe and smart approach in T20 cricket. The left-arm spinner would be motivated to do well in this season for; a good performance might win him a ticket to England to play in the ICC Champions Trophy which follows shortly after the conclusion of the IPL. </p>
<h3><strong>Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_5067" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5067" style="width: 586px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/05/Sunil-Narine-e1491065419516.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-5067" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Narine-e1491065419516.jpg" alt width="586" height="400"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5067" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Narine. (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>85 wickets in 66 IPL games at an economy of 6.17; yes, these are the statistics of the ‘mystery’ bowler: Sunil Narine. He has turned out for KKR since 2012 and has managed to form a lethal bowler for his side. Agreed, that he hasn’t been as effective as he was before he was forced to remodel his action, Narine still has that X-factor that sends shivers across batsmen in the IPL. His skipper Gambhir has time and again backed Narine when he was struggling with his action.</p>
<p>Narine might not be that effective but he still has the experience to perform at this stage. Moreover, he keeps the scoring rate down, which again, is a huge plus in this format.</p>
<h3><strong>Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ashish Nehra</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_62560" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-62560" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Ashish-Nehra.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-62560" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ashish-Nehra.jpg" alt="Ashish Nehra" width="600" height="410" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-62560" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ashish Nehra knows what it takes to get back in the Indian team through the IPL. 2015 was a dream season for him. He looked fit, bowled fast and picked up 22 wickets in 16 games which subsequently got him back in the national team. Injuries have never been kind to him but Nehra has figured out his body and is bowling as fast as he ever has, all of this at the age of almost 38. The left-arm seamer was instrumental in Sunrisers title win last year and is gain expectd to perform a crucial role in their title defense this year.</p>
<p>The Delhi paceman is undoubtedly Sunrisers’ best bowler. He also performs the role of mentoring his younger colleagues and is also a part of the leadership group, hence an asset to the team.</p>
<p>The first game of IPL-10 is still four days away but the cricket fanatics are already agog as they eagerly wait for the first ball to be delivered.</p>

IPL 2017: Best bowlers of each franchise

With the first ball just around 100 hours away, lets have a look at some of the best bowlers of IPL 2017

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narine

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ashish Nehra