The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a thrilling showcase of cricketing excellence where bowlers play a pivotal role in shaping their teams’ fortunes. Taking wickets is a game-changer in this fast-paced T20 format, disrupting batting momentum and often deciding the outcome of matches. In this article, we dive into the record-breaking performances of the top bowlers who have claimed the most wickets in a single IPL season, exploring their achievements, techniques, and lasting impact on the league.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some incredible bowling performances over the years. Among them, two bowlers hold the record for the most wickets in a single IPL season – Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Harshal Patel and Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Dwayne Bravo. Both bowlers scalped 32 wickets in one season, setting a record in the world’s most lucrative T20 league.
Top Bowlers with the Most Wickets in a Single IPL Season
Here’s a detailed look at the bowlers who have dominated the IPL with their wicket-taking prowess:
Top 10 List of Most Wickets in a Single IPL Season
Here’s a quick reference table of the top performers:
| Player | Team | Year | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harshal Patel | RCB | 2021 | 15 | 32 | 5/27 |
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK | 2013 | 18 | 32 | 4/42 |
| Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals | 2020 | 17 | 30 | 4/24 |
| Lasith Malinga | Mumbai Indians | 2011 | 16 | 28 | 5/13 |
| James Faulkner | Rajasthan Royals | 2013 | 16 | 28 | 5/16 |
| Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 2023 | 17 | 28 | 4/11 |
| Mohit Sharma | Gujarat Titans | 2023 | 14 | 27 | 5/10 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Mumbai Indians | 2020 | 15 | 27 | 4/14 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 2022 | 17 | 27 | 5/40 |
| Rashid Khan | Gujarat Titans | 2023 | 17 | 27 | 4/30 |
1. Harshal Patel – 32 Wickets (IPL 2021)
Harshal Patel, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), set the IPL ablaze in 2021 by taking 32 wickets in 15 matches, a joint record for the most wickets in a single season. With an average of 14.34 and an economy rate 8.14, Patel’s knack for striking at crucial moments was unmatched. His standout performance included a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians, dismissing Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, and Rahul Chahar in successive deliveries. Despite RCB reaching the playoffs, they couldn’t clinch the title, but Patel’s season remains a benchmark in IPL history.
2. Dwayne Bravo – 32 Wickets (IPL 2013)
Dwayne Bravo, the charismatic all-rounder from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), was the first to reach the 32-wicket mark in IPL 2013, later matched by Patel. In 18 matches, Bravo’s clever variations, especially his slower yorkers, yielded an average of 15.53 and an economy rate of 7.95. He shone in the final against Mumbai Indians with a four-wicket haul, but CSK fell short of victory. Bravo’s record-breaking season solidified his reputation as a T20 bowling maestro.
3. Kagiso Rabada – 30 Wickets (IPL 2020)
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada claimed 30 wickets in 17 matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020, held in the UAE amid unique circumstances. With an average of 18.26 and an economy rate of 8.34, Rabada’s pace and precision propelled his team to the final, though they lost to Mumbai Indians. His ability to deliver under pressure made him a standout performer in a highly competitive season.
4. Lasith Malinga – 28 Wickets (IPL 2011)
Lasith Malinga, the sling-action legend of Mumbai Indians, took 28 wickets in 16 matches in IPL 2011. Known for his lethal yorkers, Malinga boasted an extraordinary economy rate of 5.95 and an average of 13.39. His consistency and control made him a nightmare for batsmen, contributing significantly to MI’s campaign. Malinga’s legacy in the IPL extends beyond this season, but 2011 remains one of his finest.
5. James Faulkner – 28 Wickets (IPL 2013)
Australian all-rounder James Faulkner matched Malinga’s tally with 28 wickets in 16 matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2013. His left-arm pace and clever variations resulted in an average of 15.25 and an economy rate of 6.75. Though overshadowed by Bravo’s 32 wickets that year, Faulkner’s breakout season showcased his ability to influence games with the ball.
Record-Breaking Bowling Performances
- Harshal Patel (32 wickets, 2021): RCB’s leading bowler took a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians.
- Dwayne Bravo (32 wickets, 2013): CSK’s star performer took four wickets in the final.
- Kagiso Rabada (30 wickets, 2020): Played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals’ journey to the final.
- Lasith Malinga (28 wickets, 2011): Key bowler for Mumbai Indians with an exceptional economy rate.
- James Faulkner (28 wickets, 2013): Rajasthan Royals’ standout performer.
Other Notable Performances
Several bowlers have come close to the top tier, delivering exceptional seasons that deserve recognition:
- Mohammed Shami – 28 Wickets (IPL 2023)
Playing for Gujarat Titans, Shami’s 28 wickets in 17 matches earned him the Purple Cap. His swing and pace were key in GT’s run to the final, though they couldn’t secure the title. - Mohit Sharma – 27 Wickets (IPL 2023)
Another Gujarat Titans star, Mohit took 27 wickets in 14 matches, with best figures of 5/10, highlighting his knack for taking wickets in clusters. - Jasprit Bumrah – 27 Wickets (IPL 2020)
Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead Bumrah claimed 27 wickets in 15 matches, with an economy rate of 6.73 and an average of 14.96, playing a crucial role in MI’s title defense. - Yuzvendra Chahal – 27 Wickets (IPL 2022)
The leg-spinner took 27 wickets in 17 matches for Rajasthan Royals, including a five-wicket haul, helping RR reach the final with his middle-over mastery. - Rashid Khan – 27 Wickets (IPL 2023)
Gujarat Titans’ Afghan sensation secured 27 wickets in 17 matches, with best figures of 4/30, reinforcing his status as a T20 bowling genius.
In IPL 2024, Harshal Patel again topped the charts, taking 24 wickets in 14 matches for Punjab Kings. Despite his team’s failure to reach the playoffs, Patel’s average of 19.87 and a strike rate of 12.25 underscored his consistency, especially in the death overs.
The IPL’s T20 format demands adaptability from bowlers, who face aggressive batsmen and small boundaries. Over the years, strategies have evolved, with bowlers like Patel and Bravo perfecting slower balls and yorkers, while pacers like Rabada rely on raw speed. Spinners like Chahal and Rashid have mastered deception, proving that wickets remain the ultimate currency in this run-heavy game.
FAQs
- Who picked 32 wickets in a single IPL season?
Harshal Patel (IPL 2021) and Dwayne Bravo (IPL 2013) jointly hold the record with 32 wickets each. - What’s the highest number of wickets in a single IPL match?
Alzarri Joseph, Sohail Tanvir, and Adam Zampa each took 6 wickets in a match, which is the IPL record. - Who took the most wickets in IPL 2008?
Sohail Tanvir claimed 22 wickets to win the Purple Cap in the inaugural season. - Which bowler has the most wickets in the first over in IPL history?
Trent Boult leads with at least one wicket in the first over on 29 occasions. - How has the role of bowlers evolved in the IPL?
Bowlers have adapted to T20’s demands by developing variations like slower balls and yorkers, making wicket-taking a critical skill in curbing aggressive batting.
From Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo’s record-tying 32 wickets to the consistent brilliance of Lasith Malinga and others, these bowlers have defined IPL seasons with their skill and resilience. Their ability to take wickets under pressure has shaped matches and inspired a new generation of cricketers. As the IPL evolves, who will be the next to join this elite list? Share your thoughts and predictions for the upcoming season!
