The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back with its 17th season. With IPL 2024 comes the exciting battle between the batsmen and the bowlers. While batters can get a lot of attention with big sixes, bowlers can turn the tide in their favour by scalping crucial wickets. Here, we take a look at the top 5 bowlers who are sure to be the most dangerous in IPL 2024.
Also Read: Top 5 Most Dangerous Batsmen in IPL 2024
1. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)
Jasprit Bumrah is a name synonymous with excellence in the IPL. He is a captain’s dream bowler, a wicket-taking machine who can swing the new ball with lethal pace and unleash a deadly yorker or slower ball in the death overs. His record speaks for itself: 145 wickets in 120 matches at an impressive average of 23.30 and an economical rate of 7.39. The right-arm speedster has been instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ championship victories over the years, and his experience and skill make him a dependable choice.
2. Kuldeep Yadav (Delhi Capitals)
The art of wrist spin provides a guaranteed wicket-taking threat, even if it comes at the cost of a slightly higher economy rate. Kuldeep Yadav’s journey in the IPL has been remarkable. After struggling to find a place in the Kolkata Knight Riders lineup, he found his mojo with the Delhi Capitals in 2022, even bagging the most Player of the Match awards that season (4). While his performance in IPL 2023 was modest (10 wickets in 14 matches), his recent form in international matches has been exceptional.
3. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)
Rashid Khan is already considered a legend in the IPL. His leg-spin bowling skills are unmatched, with a deceptive googly that bamboozles batsmen. He’s a consistent wicket-taker, averaging 20.76 with 139 scalps in just 109 matches, and his economical rate of 6.67 is a testament to his control. Even when batsmen are cautious against him, his exceptional talent finds a way to create breakthroughs.
4. Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Adding to the star power of the KKR bowling attack is Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace legend who will be making his much-awaited return to the IPL after a 9-year absence. Starc’s signing was a record-breaker, with the Kolkata Knight Riders shelling out a whopping 24.75 crore rupees, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history. His raw pace, swing bowling, and ability to pick up crucial wickets at the start will be a welcome weapon in KKR’s arsenal.
5. Kagiso Rabada (Punjab Kings)
The fiery South African pacer, Kagiso Rabada, is renowned for his new-ball skills and accurate yorkers. While he can be a bit expensive at times, his wicket-taking prowess can single-handedly win matches. With a cracking yorker in his arsenal, he poses a significant threat during the slog overs. Rabada’s experience across formats makes him a valuable asset for the Punjab Kings, who are aiming to break their playoff drought.
The IPL 2024 is a stage where not only established stars but also upcoming talents shine. While these 5 bowlers are sure to be game-changers, other names like Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chala, Trent Boult, Pat Cummins, and Wanindu Hasaranga will also be vying for attention. The initial stages of the tournament might favour fast bowlers, but as the competition progresses, spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will come into play, creating a thrilling battle between pace and spin.
