Highest Wicket Takers in IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a powerhouse of cricketing talent. The pitches are often batting-friendly but some bowlers weave magic. These bowlers specialize in the art of taking wickets. These bowlers are the silent assassins, the ones who dismantle the opposition’s batting line-up. Let’s check into the IPL’s history and explore the bowlers who have taken the most wickets in the tournament’s history.
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1. Yuzvendra Chahal
At the top of the pile sits the wily leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal. With a staggering 187 wickets in 144 matches, Chahal has established himself as the sultan of spin in the IPL. Till now, he has represented 3 franchises – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore (his most successful stint), and Rajasthan Royals. He has showcased his skills across different teams and conditions. His ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and control has been a nightmare for many batsmen.
2. Dwayne Bravo
Following closely behind Chahal is the Caribbean all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo. Though retired from international and IPL cricket, Bravo continues to dominate highest wicket-taker list within the IPL. With 183 wickets in 161 matches, his experience and skill with both bat and ball have made him an invaluable asset for the franchises he has played for (Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions, and Mumbai Indians). Bravo’s ability to bowl accurate yorkers at the death and his variations in pace have troubled many batsmen over the years.
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3. Piyush Chawla
The third spot belongs to the ever-dependable leg-spinner, Piyush Chawla. The right-arm leggie, with 179 wickets in 181 matches, has been a consistent wicket-taker throughout his IPL career. He has donned the jerseys of four franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), and Mumbai Indians. Chawla’s ability to flight the ball and bowl with good control has helped him pick up wickets at crucial junctures in the game.
3. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra is at no. 4 spot with 173 wickets in 161 matches. The veteran leggie has played for four franchises – Delhi Capitals (his most successful stint), Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and now represents Rajasthan Royals. His sharp googly and his ability to spin the ball prodigiously have been his biggest weapons.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin has 171 wickets to his name in 197 matches. The off-spinner has played for five franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, and currently Rajasthan Royals. His variations in pace, coupled with his ability to deceive batsmen with his flight and drift, have made him a successful wicket-taker.
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Interestingly, it’s the spinners who dominate the top five. However, there are also some exceptions.
Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan pace legend, used to hold the record for most wickets until recently. With his slingy action and ability to bowl yorkers at will, Malinga scalped 170 wickets in just 122 matches for the Mumbai Indians. Though he has retired from the IPL, his impact on the tournament remains significant.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Indian swing bowler, currently sits at the 7th position with 170 wickets in 160 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl accurate yorkers in the death overs has made him a vital cog in the Hyderabad bowling attack.
These bowlers have entertained the crowds with their skillfull bowling. They have also played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of many IPL matches. The battle between bat and ball is what makes cricket exciting, and in the IPL, these wicket-takers have emerged as the silent heroes who have helped their teams achieve success.
