Dominating the Crease: The Top 6 Bowlers with the Most IPL Wickets

When T20 cricket was a new kid in the block back in 2003, many feared bowlers would be reduced to mere bystanders. However, as the game evolved, it became evident that bowlers would be match-winners even in this shortest format. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a phenomenal case study on how bowlers have evolved over the years and how teams that have been successful have always had strong bowling attacks. 

In IPL, the significance of bowlers can never be underestimated. All the teams have powerful batting orders, but often the bowlers tilt the balance. Let’s take a closer look at the top wicket-takers in IPL history and their contributions to their respective teams.

Here we will take a look at the bowlers who have taken the most wickets in IPL:

List of 6 Bowlers with Most Wickets in IPL History

1. Yuzvendra Chahal — 205 Wickets in 160 Matches

Yuzvendra Chahal is currently the highest wicket-taker in IPL history. He has picked up 205 wickets in 160 matches. Chahal started his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians, but his career took off with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – he picked up 139 wickets in 113 matches.

In the 2022 season, he moved to Rajasthan Royals (RR) and continued his stellar performance as he won the Purple Cap with 27 wickets in 17 games. In IPL 2024, he went past the 200-wicket mark.

Read More: Top 10 Players with Most Wickets in T20 History

2. Piyush Chawla — 192 Wickets in 192 Matches

Piyush Chawla, another leg-spinner, is one of the most prolific wicket-takers in the IPL – he has picked up 192 wickets in 192 matches.

The Uttar Pradesh spinner has played for a number of different teams in the IPL including Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Mumbai Indians (MI). His journey in the IPL began in 2008 for the Kings XI Punjab and made an immediate impact. 

3. Dwayne Bravo — 183 Wickets in 161 Matches

Dwayne Bravo, the charismatic all-rounder from the West Indies, stepped away from the game in IPL 2022. In his 14 seasons in the IPL, mainly for the Chennai Super Kings. He picked up 183 wickets in 161 matches.

He made his name as a death bowling specialist and was able to win matches under pressure. He started his IPL career for the Mumbai Indians and picked up 26 wickets for this side. 

4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar — 181 Wickets in 176 Matches

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India’s pacer, has been a consistent performer in the IPL – mainly for the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). He started his IPL career with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, but he was also signed up for the Pune Warriors India.

However, he became a potent force with the SunRisers Hyderabad – he became their highest wicket-taker and won the Purple Cap in consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017), highlighting his consistency and skill. With 181 wickets in 176 matches, Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains one of the most reliable bowlers in IPL history.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin — 180 Wickets in 212 Matches

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest ever spinner, has also made an impact on the IPL. He has taken 180 wickets in 212 matches, representing multiple franchises, including CSK, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals.

He is also known for his tactical acumen and ability to outthink batters – he has been a key player for each of the different teams with an economy rate of less than 8 over the years. 

Suggested Read: Top Bowlers with more than 600 Test Wickets

6. Sunil Narine — 180 Wickets in 177 Matches

Sunil Narine, the mystery spinner from the West Indies, is another IPL legend and has been with the Kolkata Knight Riders since 2012. He played a key role in KKR’s title-winning run in 2012 and has continued to mesmerize batters with his unique bowling style.

Apart from being a match-winning bowler, he also contributed with the bat, making him one of the most versatile players in the IPL. With 180 wickets in 177 matches, he is tied with Ashwn in the list of most wicket-takers in IPL history.

Most Wickets in One Season of IPL

When it comes to the most wickets in one season of IPL, Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel share this record with 32 wickets each. Bravo got to this record in 2013 when he was with the Chennai Super Kings. Harshal matched this number in 2021 when he was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

Conclusion

The bowlers in this list have become pivotal roles in their teams’ successes. T20 cricket is not just a batter’s game, but bowlers too have been instrumental over the years. The evolution of the IPL has made it clear that a strong bowling unit is essential for any team aspiring to win the tournament.

Further Read: Top 10 Bowlers with most test wickets for India

FAQs about Most Wickets in IPL

Q) Which bowler has most wickets in IPL?

A) Yuzvendra Chahal holds the record for the most wickets in IPL history with 205 wickets in 160 matches. 

Q) Who has picked up most wickets in one IPL season? 

A) Dwayne Bravo (2013) and Harshal Patel (2021) share the record for the most wickets in one IPL season with 32 wickets. 

Q) Who is the most successful overseas bowler in IPL? 

A) Dwayne Bravo is the most successful overseas bowler with 183 wickets. 

Q) Which IPL franchise has the most leading wicket-takers? 

A) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had several leading wicket-takers, including Dwayne Bravo and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Q) Who took most wickets in IPL 2023?

A) Mohammed Shami took the most wickets in IPL 2023, claiming 28 wickets in 17 matches while playing for Gujarat Titans.

Q) Who took most wickets in IPL 2021?

A) Harshal Patel took the most wickets in IPL 2021, with 32 wickets in 15 matches while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Q) Who took most wickets in IPL 2022?

A) Yuzvendra Chahal took the most wickets in IPL 2022, securing 27 wickets in 17 matches while playing for Rajasthan Royals.

Q) Who took most wickets in IPL 2024?

A) Harshal Patel picked up 24 wickets in 14 matches in 2024

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