Sunil Narine becomes 5th highest wicket-taker in IPL, Surpassed Ravichandran Ashwin
Sunil Narine, the mystery off-spinner from Trinidad and Tobago, has etched his name even deeper into the record books of the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the high-octane Qualifier 1 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Narine surpassed Ravichandran Ashwin to become the 5th-highest wicket-taker in IPL history.
Narine’s IPL journey began in 2012 with the Kolkata Knight Riders. His unorthodox bowling action, characterized by a quick, whipping arm movement, has left countless batsmen wondering. This, coupled with his exceptional control and ability to generate sharp turn, has made him a nightmare for even the most skilled batsmen like- Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and others.
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The right-arm off-spinner’s achievement of 179 wickets in 174 matches shows his consistency. He has consistently delivered impactful performances throughout his IPL career, playing a pivotal role in KKR’s two IPL title victories (2012 & 2014). His bowling figures speak volumes: an impressive economy rate of around 7.00 and a strike rate of less than 17. This incredible record highlights his ability to restrict runs while picking up crucial wickets.
ICYMI: Sunil Narine was here 🪄 pic.twitter.com/E0yzyWCqzY
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 21, 2024
Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL
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Player
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Span
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Mat
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Inns
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Wickets
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BBI
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Ave
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Econ
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SR
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||||||
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YS Chahal
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2013-2024 | 158 | 157 | 204 | 5/40 | 22.18 | 7.81 | 17.02 | ||||||
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P Chawla
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2008-2024 | 192 | 191 | 192 | 4/17 | 26.60 | 7.96 | 20.05 | ||||||
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DJ Bravo
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2008-2022 | 161 | 158 | 183 | 4/22 | 23.82 | 8.38 | 17.04 | ||||||
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B Kumar
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2011-2024 | 174 | 174 | 181 | 5/19 | 26.91 | 7.53 | 21.43 | ||||||
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SP Narine
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2012-2024 | 176 | 174 | 179 | 5/19 | 25.44 | 6.74 | 22.63 |
While his bowling skills are undeniable, Narine’s skillset extends beyond the bowling. He is a handy left-handed batsman known for his aggressive strokeplay in the top-order. His cameos often provide crucial runs to the KKR batting line-up.
Narine’s IPL career hasn’t been without its challenges. His bowling action has come under scrutiny on several occasions, leading to temporary suspensions. However, Sunil Narine displayed remarkable determination, working on his action and making a successful comeback.
At 36 years old, Sunil Narine shows no signs of slowing down. His recent bowling exploits demonstrate that his ability to take wickets remains consistent. He continues to be a vital cog in the KKR machinery, and his IPL journey is far from over. With the IPL season still ongoing, Sunil Narine has the potential to climb even higher in the list of highest wicket-takers.
Sunil Narine is a true entertainer and a role model for aspiring young cricketers. As the IPL continues to enthral fans worldwide, Sunil Narine’s name will undoubtedly remain etched in its rich history.
