IPL: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets

Back in 2003, when T20s came into existence, it was said that the shortest format was ultimately a batters’ format. However, things have changed over the years as quality sides have understood that bowlers also play a crucial role in attaining success in the 20-over format.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some franchises that lack bowling talents struggle in the competition. On the other hand, the best sides, such as Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have stamped their authority in the league with the help of their talented bowling pool. In the 2022 edition of the IPL, the debutants Gujarat Titans (GT) won a good number of matches with the help of their bowling arsenal. This indicates that bowlers are vital for teams to taste success in the cash-rich league.

Here are the bowlers with most wickets in IPL history

Yuzvendra Chahal — 205 wickets in 160 matches

Yuzvendra Chahal is the highest wicket-taker in the IPL history with 205 wickets in 160 games, having claimed the apex spot after dismissing Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Nitish Rana in the 56th match of IPL 2023 played between KKR and Rajasthan Royals. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2014-21, the leg-spinner grabbed 139 wickets in 113 matches at an economy of 7.58. In the 2022 season, he featured for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and won the Purple Cap with 27 wickets in 17 games. In IPL 2024 the wrist spinner breached the 200-wicket mark when he held on to a return catch from Mohammad Nabi of MI. 

Piyush Chawla — 192 wickets in 192 matches

Piyush Chawla has played for quality IPL sides such as Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. In his vast IPL career, the experienced leggie has fetched 192 wickets in 192 games at an economy of 7.96. In the maiden IPL season in 2008, he made it to the top five leading wicket-takers list with 17 wickets in 15 games at an economy of 8.30.

Dwayne Bravo — 183 wickets in 161 matches

In December 2022, the former West Indies player Dwayne Bravo announced his retirement from IPL after appearing in 14 seasons. From 2008-10, he featured for the Mumbai Indians and bagged 26 wickets in 30 matches at an economy of 8.20. In 2011, he joined the Chennai Super Kings and became a regular franchise member. Serving the Yellow Army for more than 11 years, the veteran picked up 154 wickets in 130 matches at an economy of 8.32. Currently, the former West Indies player is second in the list of leading wicket-takers in the cash-rich T20 league, clinching 183 wickets in 161 games at an economy of 8.38.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar — 181 wickets in 176 matches 

Having spent a lot of time bing a premier pacer for India in white ball cricket, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also made a name for himself in the IPL. Kumar started his career at the now defucnt Pune Warriors India, but found a welcoming home at Sunrisers Hyderabad where he has spent more than a decade and for whom he is also the highest wicket taker. Bhuvneshwar also holds the unique distinction of winning the Purple Cap in successive IPL seasons by taking the honour in both 2016 and 2017. 

Ravichandran Ashwin — 180 Wickets in 212 matches

Ravichandran Ashwin has played some excellent cricket while representing multiple franchises in IPL. With his diligence and skill, the bowler has hunted 180 wickets in 212 matches at an economy of 7.12. Ashwin who is better known to play the game of chess with batters rather than cricket is fourth on the list of leading wicket-takers in the IPL.

Sunil Narine — 180 wickets in 177 matches 

Sunil Narine played an integral part in KKR's title winning run in 2012, in what was his first IPL season and has played for them ever since. Apart from Mesmerising with the ball every year, Narine also demonstrated prowess with the bat at various points in his career. 

Most Wickets in IPL History

*Last updated on May 26th 2024