For cricket lovers, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a source of excellent examples of Batting, Fielding, and Bowling in the years that have passed. Even though the competition is hosted with a dangerous batting lineup, it is the bowling that often alters the momentum of the matches with those game changing wickets. Due to the plethora of amazing bowlers in IPL, choosing the best might be considered to be a daunting task. Some of the bowlers though are well known for their performance, reliability, and dramatic comeback for their respective teams. In this article, we will discuss some legends of IPL Bowlers and also try to find an answer to the question “Who is the best bowler in IPL history?
The Legends of IPL Bowling
Over the years, many bowlers have made their mark on the IPL. The following players are often cited among the greatest bowlers the tournament has ever seen:
1. Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians)
Malinga Lasith, the Sri Lanka cricketer and left arm Slinger, is perhaps the most admired cricketer who has bowled in the IPL. Supremely talented Malinga is an unorthodox bowler, who bowls devastating yorkers and has the flair of performing when it matters the most for his side, has been a real asset for the Mumbai Indians.
- Wickets : 170 wickets in 122 matches
- Best Bowling Figures : 5/13
- Average : 19.79
- Economy Rate : 7.14
This has been attributed to Mangla due to having consistency in the years gone and proving to be sensational during death overs by his specialty in bowling perfect yorker balls. This enabled the Mumbai Indians to secure several IPL titles, and his final over in the 2019 final delivered the championship making them a legend.
2. Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings)
One more bowler who should be noted is Dwayne Bravo. He has been a great all-rounder for Team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and famous and famous for his talent. Not only does he get wickets at a set interval, but he also has a big hitter’s reputation similar to Malinga.
- Wickets : 183 wickets in 161 matches
- Best Bowling Figures : 4/22
- Average : 23.82
- Economy Rate : 8.38
These slow deliveries, yorkers, and even the bouncers can be bowled with pin-point accuracy by Bravo and that’s why he is one of the most consistent IPL bowlers of all time. As of now, he has claimed the Purple Cap more than once which is the trophy given to the most successful bowler of a tournament.
3. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Sunil Narine also came into the spotlight of IPL with his unknown spin bowling style. Narine is a spinner from the West Indies and has been one of the most economical bowlers in the annals of IPL besides he has been supplying regular wickets to his team KKR.
- Wickets : 152 wickets in 162 matches
- Best Bowling Figures :5/19
- Average : 25.13
- Economy Rate : 6.63
That is why during KKR’s title triumphs in 2012 and 2014 Narine proved to be indispensable for his team’s success due to his ability to deliver his overs with economy while taking wickets. Despite the fact that they stood a much better chance against him after some time, Narine continued to have a fierce impact on the IPL.
4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
For SRH, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a revelation without a doubt. The raw talent that emerged as a great exponent of upfront seam movement and the yorker at the death, Kumar has been one of the most reliable bowlers from the Indian arsenal.
- Wickets : 170 wickets in 146 matches
- Best Bowling Figures : 5/19
- Average : 25.97
- Economy Rate : 7.39
Due to his great run in the season 2016 where he bagged Purple Cap and won the IPL SRH for the first time, Kumar has been regarded as one of the finest bowlers in the cricket’s T20 version in the Indian Premier League.
5. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)
Jasprit Bumrah, having incredible skills and rising to the level of being relied on during tough moments has over the years been one of the most valuable bowlers in the IPL. Kuldeep’s lethal weapon is pace, yorker, and slower deliveries which become very dangerous for the batsmen at any time in the game.
- Wickets : 145 wickets in 120 matches
- Best Bowling Figures : 5/10
- Average : 23.30
- Economy Rate : 7.39
The versatility has made Bumrah bowl well in powerplay, especially the death overs has been a great plus for Mumbai Indians. Signing Malinga was also vital in MI’s success whenever he and Bumrah were involved in the final overs, especially during their title-winning seasons.
Best Bowler in IPL History?
This year many bowlers have performed exceptionally well in the IPL but none of them are better than Lasith Malinga who can be credited as the best bowler in the history of the IPL. His skills in match situations especially those that are highly pressured make him stand out. There is no doubt that Malinga’s deadly Yorkers, penetration, and match-winning performances, especially the bowler of the death overs make him a mega Legend in the IPL.
Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jasprit Bumrah Although, Malinga has been great in the field however; his contribution to the game, especially when it comes to consistency and talented game-changing personality makes him stand out as the best.
Comparing Bowlers: Malinga vs. Bravo vs. Narine
| Bowler | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | 122 | 170 | 5/13 | 19.79 | 7.14 |
| Dwayne Bravo | 161 | 183 | 4/22 | 23.82 | 8.38 |
| Sunil Narine | 162 | 152 | 5/19 | 25.13 | 6.63 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 146 | 170 | 5/19 | 25.97 | 7.39 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 120 | 145 | 5/10 | 23.30 | 7.39 |
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Conclusion
IPL has produced many exceptional bowlers but Lasith Malinga can be referred to as the best bowler in IPL history. His capability to perform under pressure situations and the deadliest yorker makes him one of the best cricketers. Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, and Jasprit Bumrah also deserve a mention for their consistency and impact in the league but no one can beat Malinga in those crunch overs making him an I.P.L legend.
FAQs
Which Bowler has the highest number of wickets in IPL till now?
Dwayne Bravo has taken 183 wickets which makes him the record holder.
Who has the highest economy rate if we talk about bowling in the IPL cricket tournament?
Sunil Narine has one of the best economy rates which stands at 6. 63.
Which bowler has the most number of wickets to his name in a single season of IPL?
Dwayne Bravo who performed well in 2013 took 32 wickets during the season.
Who bowling top performance is recorded in the IPL match?
Alzarri Joseph for 6/12.
Who has bowled the most number of dot balls in IPL till now?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is among those bowlers who have bowled the highest number of dot balls.
