The Indian Premier League (IPL), has become a platform for bowlers to make a name for themselves. In the IPL, pitches have been made that favour batters. Amidst the fireworks, the bowlers who scalp wickets and bowl economically are the best in the business. Do You know who are the top 5 run-scorers in IPL history? Let’s take a look.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (205 wickets in 160 matches)
Yuzvendra Chahal was first picked by Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2013 but got only a single match to showcase his skills. Later before the auction of IPL 2014, he was released by MI and picked by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Chahal’s fortune turned around as soon as he played for the RCB. He played 14 matches in IPL 2024. Although he picked just 12 wickets, his economy was exceptionally good at 7.01. After his successful stint with RCB, he moved to Rajasthan Royal (RR) and now in the upcoming IPL 2025, he will play for Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Throughout his career, Yuzvendra Chahal has scalped 205 wickets in just 160 matches. He has an exceptional economy rate of 7.84 and a strike rate of 17.18. 5 wickets for 40 runs is his best bowling performance in a match, which is his only 5-wicket haul in the IPL.
- Piyush Chawla (192 wickets in 192 matches)
Piyush Chawla is in the elite league of cricketers who have been associated with the IPL since its inception. His career has been marked with several brilliant performances, including two 4-wicket hauls. He is also known for his pivotal support in batting in the lower order.
Despite playing every season Chawla has crossed the 20-wicket mark just once in his career. During his career, he has bowled 640 overs at an economy rate of 7.96. He has two 4-wicket hauls with 4 wickets for 17 runs is his best bowling performance in a match.
- Dwayne Bravo (183 wickets in 161 matches)
Dwayne Bravo, a West Indian all-rounder, has been a consistent performer in the IPL, primarily for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Known for his variations, particularly his slower balls and deceptive yorkers, Bravo has been a valuable asset in the death overs. He is also a handy lower-order batsman, capable of scoring quick runs.
Bravo has taken 183 wickets in 161 matches, showcasing his effectiveness in the T20 format. His best bowling performance in the IPL is 4 wickets for 22 runs. Bravo’s variations and experience have made him a difficult bowler to face, especially in pressure situations.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (181 wickets in 176 matches)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, an Indian swing king, has been a mainstay for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, especially early in the innings, Bhuvneshwar has been a consistent wicket-taker and a valuable asset in powerplay overs. He is also a capable death bowler with a good yorker.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 181 wickets in 176 matches. He has two 5-wicket hauls in his IPL career with his best bowling performance being 5 wickets for 19 runs. Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball and his accuracy at the death has made him a valuable asset for SRH.
- Sunil Narine (180 wickets in 177 matches)
Sunil Narine, a West Indian mystery spinner, has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. Known for his unique bowling action and variations, Narine has been a difficult bowler to read for many batsmen. He has been highly economical with conceding runs at just 6.73 runs per over and a consistent wicket-taker throughout his IPL career.
Narine has taken 180 wickets in 177 matches. His best bowling performance is 5 wickets for 19 runs, which is his only 5-wicket haul in the IPL. Narine’s economical spells and his ability to take wickets at crucial moments have made him a valuable asset to KKR.
These 5 bowlers are not just the highest wicket-takers, they have also proved that bowlers also plays a key role in winning the IPL trophy. As IPL is approaching its new season, these bowlers have already inspired a new generation of bowlers.
