The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become one of the Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPLin the world. While explosive batting gets most of the spotlight, bowlers play an equally important role in changing the course of the game. Over the years, several bowlers have showcased remarkable skill, accuracy, and consistency.
This article highlights Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL featuring in-depth profiles and comprehensive stats tables for each.
List of 5 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL History
1. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is currently the highest wicket-taker in the Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL. A specialist leg-spinner, Chahal made his mark with the Royal Challengers Bangalore before moving to the Rajasthan Royals. Known for his fearless approach and clever variations, he often bowls in the middle overs, targeting key batters. What sets Chahal apart is his ability to pick up wickets on flat batting tracks — a rare skill in T20 cricket. He is not afraid to toss the ball up, even when the batsman is looking to attack, which results in many breakthroughs.
Chahal also has a cool temperament and thrives under pressure. His ability to read the batter’s mind makes him a genuine match-winner. He has also represented India in numerous T20 internationals, reflecting his consistent success in the shortest format.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Wickets | 219 |
| Matches Played | 145+ |
| IPL Debut | 2013 |
| Best Bowling | 5/40 |
| Economy Rate | 7.7 |
| Bowling Average | 21.69 |
| Strike Rate | 16.85 |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Teams Played For | MI, RCB, RR |
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a pillar of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack for more than a decade. Famous for his ability to swing the ball both ways, he is especially lethal in the powerplay overs. Bhuvneshwar is one of the few bowlers who is equally Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL — a rare combination in T20 cricket. He’s known for his discipline, control, and smart bowling variations.
In 2016 and 2017, he won the Purple Cap for taking the Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL — a feat that showcases his consistency and effectiveness. Bhuvi is also a quiet leader on the field, often guiding younger bowlers. His ability to deliver under pressure has won Hyderabad many close matches.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Wickets | 196 |
| Matches Played | 150+ |
| IPL Debut | 2011 |
| Best Bowling | 5/19 |
| Economy Rate | 7.4 |
| Bowling Average | 25.80 |
| Strike Rate | 20.91 |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium-fast |
| Teams Played For | Pune Warriors, SRH |
READ MORE: Top 10 Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
3. Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine is a mystery spinner from the West Indies who revolutionized T20 bowling with his unique action and variations. Since joining the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012, Narine has been one of the Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL. He has a tight economy rate and an uncanny ability to break partnerships, especially in the powerplay overs — an unusual trait for a spinner.
Narine is also versatile with the bat and has occasionally opened the innings to provide quick starts. However, it’s his bowling that makes him irreplaceable. His deceptive deliveries — including the carrom ball, off-breaks, and skidders — make it difficult for batters to score freely. Narine’s calmness under pressure and his match-winning spells have made him a legend in the IPL.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Wickets | 192 |
| Matches Played | 160+ |
| IPL Debut | 2012 |
| Best Bowling | 5/19 |
| Economy Rate | 6.7 |
| Bowling Average | 25.80 |
| Strike Rate | 23.10 |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin (mystery) |
| Teams Played For | Kolkata Knight Riders |
4. Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla is one of the few Indian bowlers to have played in Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL since its inception. A leg-spinner with a classical style, Chawla has contributed to multiple franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings. He is known for his deceptive googlies and flippers.
Chawla doesn’t rely heavily on big turns; instead, he uses flight, pace variations, and angles to trick batters. He has often taken crucial wickets in high-pressure games, including playoffs and finals. Despite the fast-paced nature of T20s, Chawla has kept his economy under check and remains a valuable asset for any team he plays for.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Wickets | 192 |
| Matches Played | 170+ |
| IPL Debut | 2008 |
| Best Bowling | 4/17 |
| Economy Rate | 7.9 |
| Bowling Average | 27.20 |
| Strike Rate | 20.68 |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Teams Played For | KKR, MI, CSK, PBKS |
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is one of India’s Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL. A right-arm off-spinner, Ashwin has played for several teams including Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. He is known for constantly innovating — from bowling the carrom ball to using different release angles and speeds.
Ashwin is a master of controlling the flow of runs and is often used in middle overs to create pressure. Though not traditionally known for being a strike bowler in T20s, he has evolved into a dependable wicket-taker with his variations. Ashwin also brings calm leadership and is often involved in team tactics and field placements.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Wickets | 187 |
| Matches Played | 190+ |
| IPL Debut | 2009 |
| Best Bowling | 4/34 |
| Economy Rate | 7.0 |
| Bowling Average | 28.55 |
| Strike Rate | 24.46 |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin |
| Teams Played For | CSK, DC, KXIP, RR |