The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform for world-class bowlers to showcase their skill, resilience, and match-winning abilities. With high-intensity matches and challenging conditions, the league has witnessed exceptional bowling performances that have turned games around.
Currently, Yuzvendra Chahal holds the record for the most wickets in IPL history, cementing his legacy as a top leg spinner. Meanwhile, Alzarri Joseph of the West Indies holds the best bowling figures in a single IPL match, with an incredible 6/12 performance showcasing the dominance of bowlers in the tournament.
In this article, we take a closer look at the top 10 bowlers who have left an indelible mark on the IPL.
Top 10 Bowlers With The Most Wickets In IPL (2008-2024 Seasons)
The Indian Premier League has provided bowlers with the perfect stage to display their talent, often delivering match-winning spells that change the course of a game. With a mix of seasoned pacers and crafty spinners, these bowlers have consistently outperformed the best batters in the world, proving their mettle in high-pressure situations.
This list highlights the top 10 bowlers who have taken the most wickets in IPL history, leaving an unforgettable mark on the tournament.
| Position | Player | Matches | Wickets | BBI | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuzi Chahal | 160 | 205 | 5/40 | 22.44 | 7.84 |
| 2 | Piyush Chawla | 192 | 192 | 4/17 | 26.60 | 7.96 |
| 3 | Dwayne Bravo | 161 | 183 | 4/22 | 23.82 | 8.38 |
| 4 | Bhuvaneshwar Kumar | 176 | 181 | 5/19 | 27.23 | 7.56 |
| 5 | Sunil Narine | 177 | 180 | 5/19 | 25.39 | 6.73 |
| 6 | R Ashwin | 212 | 180 | 4/34 | 29.82 | 7.12 |
| 7 | Amit Mishra | 162 | 174 | 5/17 | 23.82 | 7.37 |
| 8 | Lasith Malinga | 122 | 170 | 5/13 | 19.79 | 7.14 |
| 9 | Jasprit Bumrah | 133 | 165 | 5/10 | 22.51 | 18.50 |
| 10 | Ravindra Jadeja | 240 | 160 | 5/16 | 30.40 | 7.62 |
Now, let’s dive into each player’s bowling stats and their impact on IPL history in detail.
1. Yuzi Chahal
Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been a standout performer in the Indian Premier League, holding the record for the most wickets in the tournament’s history. The 34-year-old right-arm leg spinner has taken 205 wickets in 160 matches, having played for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and most recently, Rajasthan Royals.
In the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, he was acquired by the Punjab Kings for a staggering ₹18 crore, reflecting his immense value as a match-winner. His impressive tally includes one five-wicket haul and six four-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures of 5/40 coming against KKR in 2022.
As he joins Punjab Kings, Chahal aims to maintain his dominance in the wicket charts while leading the team’s bowling attack and strengthening their title aspirations.
2. Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla is one of the most experienced players in Indian Premier League history, bringing immense value with his vast experience from the Indian national team and domestic circuit. His skill and consistency have made him a vital asset to every team he has represented.
Having played for four different franchises in the IPL, Chawla enjoyed his most successful stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he played a crucial role in their bowling attack. His IPL career tally stands at 192 wickets in 192 matches, highlighting his reliability as a wicket-taking leg spinner.
What sets Chawla apart is his ability to break partnerships with his clever variations, making him a key match-winner. His best bowling figures in the IPL are 4/17, further showcasing his effectiveness in the shortest format of the game.
3. Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo’s all-round brilliance is well known to every cricket fan, especially his impact in the Indian Premier League.
The West Indian all-rounder has taken 183 wickets in 161 IPL matches while representing Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions, and Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2022. Renowned for his deceptive slower deliveries and death-over expertise, Bravo played a crucial role under MS Dhoni’s captaincy at CSK.
His ability to control the run flow made him a go-to bowler in crunch moments. He won the Purple Cap twice for most wickets in a single IPL season, achieving this feat in 2013 and 2015.
4. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is regarded as one of India’s finest new-ball bowlers and remains a highly sought-after player in the Indian Premier League. In the latest IPL auction, he was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a whopping ₹10.75 crore.
The right-arm medium pacer has claimed 181 wickets in his IPL career so far and will aim to add more to his tally in the 2025 season with his new franchise. His best bowling figures of 5/19 came against Punjab Kings in 2017, and he has won the Purple Cap twice, topping the wicket charts in 2016 and 2017.
5. Sunil Narine
The experienced West Indian all-rounder holds the 5th position on the list of highest wicket-takers in Indian Premier League history.
Sunil Narine is widely recognized for his exceptional economy rate and ability to deliver impactful spells, especially in the powerplay. Having played his entire IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken 180 wickets in 177 matches. His best bowling performance of 5/19 mirrors that of his compatriot Dwayne Bravo. Known for his mystery spin and accuracy, Narine continues to be a crucial asset for KKR, often dismantling batting line-ups with his variations and control.
6. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s legendary spinners, brings vast experience across all formats of the game, making him a valuable asset in the Indian Premier League.
The 38-year-old has claimed 180 wickets in 202 IPL matches, with his exceptional skill in outfoxing left-handed batters consistently on display. Having represented five franchises in his IPL career, Ashwin is set to return to his former and home team, Chennai Super Kings, for the 2025 season. With his deep understanding of the conditions at Chepauk, he will be eager to continue his dominance and make a strong impact once again.
7. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra is a seasoned Indian spinner with vast experience across domestic and international cricket.
The 42-year-old has taken 174 wickets in 162 IPL matches while representing four teams, most recently playing for Lucknow Super Giants. Known for his consistency, he has delivered impactful performances throughout his IPL career.
His best bowling figures of 5/17 came against Deccan Chargers in 2008, showcasing his ability to dismantle batting line-ups. With his wealth of experience and clever variations, Mishra remains a dependable bowler, continuing to make valuable contributions whenever he takes the field.
8. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers were a sight to behold, making him one of the most feared bowlers in IPL history.
A Mumbai Indians legend, Malinga was the backbone of their bowling attack, consistently delivering match-winning performances. The Sri Lankan speedster picked up 170 wickets in just 122 matches, with his best figures of 5/13 highlighting his dominance.
He won the Purple Cap in 2011 with 28 wickets, playing a crucial role in MI’s success. His ability to execute pinpoint yorkers under pressure made him a nightmare for batters and cemented his legacy as one of the IPL’s greatest bowlers.
9. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as the best pace bowler in the world, and his dominance in the Indian Premier League continues with the Mumbai Indians.
The right-arm seamer has taken 165 wickets in 133 IPL matches, consistently providing crucial breakthroughs with his unmatched accuracy and deadly yorkers. His ability to perform under pressure has been a key factor in the Mumbai Indians’ success over the years.
In 2022, Bumrah delivered one of the finest spells in T20 cricket, registering sensational figures of 5/10 against Kolkata Knight Riders, further cementing his reputation as one of the most lethal bowlers in the IPL.
10. Ravindra Jadeja
The experienced Indian all-rounder has been a standout performer in the Indian Premier League, ranking 10th on the list of highest wicket-takers.
With 160 wickets in 240 matches, Ravindra Jadeja has been a key player, especially during his long tenure with the Chennai Super Kings. His ability to stifle batters in the middle overs has been crucial to his team’s success.
His best IPL bowling performance came in 2012 against Deccan Chargers, where he registered figures of 5/16.
As he gears up for the new season, Jadeja is set to play a vital role in leading CSK’s bowling attack once again.
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Conclusion: Yuzvendra Chahal Is The Best Bowler In IPL History!
As the IPL gears up for another thrilling season, Yuzvendra Chahal remains at the top of the all-time wicket-takers list, but the competition is far from over.
With experienced bowlers like Bumrah, Jadeja, and Ashwin still in action, fans can expect more bowling masterclasses and shifts in the rankings. Young talents will also look to challenge the veterans and climb up the charts. With every match bringing new opportunities, the battle for wickets will only intensify.
As the season unfolds, records will be broken, new milestones will be set, and this list is sure to witness exciting changes.
