Most Wicket Takers In IPL History: List Of Top 20 Bowlers (2008-2023)

Highest Wicket-Taking Bowler in IPL History (2008-2023): Cricket has undergone a huge transformation over the years, transitioning from traditional red-ball cricket to the dynamic T20 format. With various T20 leagues worldwide, India has the highly acclaimed Indian Premier League (IPL), founded in 2008. The IPL has garnered immense success and global popularity over the years.

Originally featuring eight teams, the IPL has evolved to include 10 teams, showcasing top cricketers from around the world. To intensify the competition, the concept of Orange and Purple caps was introduced in the IPL. At the end of each IPL season, the player with the highest number of runs receives the orange cap, while the bowler with the most wickets is awarded the prestigious purple cap.

Throughout the IPL's 16-year history, legendary bowlers have topped the charts for the most wickets in a single season. However, only a select few have displayed consistency over the years. As we delve into the records, let's explore the highest wicket-takers in IPL history, examining the bowling brilliance that has shaped the league.

List of Highest Wicket-Taking Bowlers in IPL (2008-2023)

1. Yuzvendra Chahal: With an impressive record of 187 wickets in 145 matches, Chahal has been a consistent performer. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments sets him apart. Chahal has taken wickets with an average of 21.69 and an economy of 7.67, making him a valuable asset for his team.

Chahal has represented multiple franchises in the IPL. His journey in the IPL has seen him don the jerseys of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Mumbai Indians (MI).

2. Dwayne Bravo: Bravo's tally of 183 wickets in 161 places him second in the list of top-highest wicket-takers in IPL. While he boasts an average of 23.82, his economy rate of 8.38 indicates his effectiveness in curbing the opposition's scoring.

The all-rounder has represented Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in IPL. He has won the purple cap twice.

3. Piyush Chawla: Chawla's longevity in the IPL is reflected in his 181 matches. Despite a higher average, his knack for taking wickets (179) and controlling the run rate (7.91) underscores his contribution.

4. Amit Mishra: The experienced leg-spinner, Amit Mishra, has been a consistent performer with 173 wickets in 161 matches. His ability to ball the leg spin deliveries and googly has helped his team to take crucial wickets in the important moments of the game.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin: Known for his crafty off-spin, Ashwin has taken 171 wickets in 197 matches. Ashwin's impressive track record with RR reflects his ability to control the flow of runs while taking crucial wickets.

With an average of 28.67 and an economy rate of 7.01, he has been effective in maintaining pressure on the opposition batters. Ashwin has donned the jerseys of Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

6. Lasith Malinga: A T20 legend, Malinga's 170 wickets in 122 matches at an astonishing economy of 7.14 highlight his mastery in the format. His lethal yorkers and variations made him a standout bowler for Mumbai Indians.

7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: With 170 wickets in 160 matches, Kumar has been a key figure for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to swing the ball and pick up early wickets has often set the tone for his team.

With 170 wickets at an average of 25.86 and an economy rate of 7.39, Bhuvneshwar has been a reliable wicket-taker for Pune Warriors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has won the Purple Cap twice in his IPL career.

8. Sunil Narine: Narine's mystery spin has accounted for 163 wickets in 162 matches. His multiple variations with an economy rate of 6.73 underscores his ability to control the game for Kolkata Knight Riders.

9. Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja's all-round abilities are on display with 152 wickets in 226 matches. His left-arm spin has conceded runs at an economy rate of 7.60 with an average of 29.57. He has represented Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions in IPL.

10. Harbhajan Singh: The veteran off-spinner, with 150 wickets in 163 matches was a consistent performer in his playing days. Harbhajan's vast experience and ability to outfox batters with his off-spin made him a valuable asset for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

11. Jasprit Bumrah: Renowned for his death bowling, Bumrah has picked up 145 wickets in 120 matches. His unique action and ability to deliver under pressure make him an invaluable asset for Mumbai Indians.

12. Rashid Khan: Afghanistan's spin sensation, Rashid Khan, has taken 139 wickets in 109 matches. Known for his variations, Rashid has been a consistent performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. He’s one of the most economical bowlers in IPL history boasting an economy of 6.67.

13. Umesh Yadav: Yadav's pace and ability to pick up wickets have earned him 136 dismissals in 141 matches. His contributions with the new ball often set the tone for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.

14. Mohammed Shami: Shami's ability to swing the ball and pick up early wickets is evident in his 127 wickets in 110 matches. His performances have been crucial for Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.

15. Sandeep Sharma: Sandeep has accounted for 124 wickets in 116 matches. His ability to move the ball both ways and provide early breakthroughs has been a key factor for Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

16. Mohit Sharma: Mohit has taken 119 wickets in 100 matches. His knack for breaking partnerships and delivering under pressure has been vital for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans and Kings XI Punjab.

17. Axar Patel: Patel's left-arm spin has resulted in 112 wickets in 136 matches. His economical bowling (7.24) and ability to control the middle overs made him an asset for Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings.

18. Harshal Patel: Patel's variations have led to 111 wickets in 91 matches. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, especially in death overs has been crucial for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. He was the highest wicket-taker in a single season, picking up 32 wickets in IPL 2021.

19. Kagiso Rabada: The South African pacer has picked up 106 wickets in 69 matches. Known for his express pace and ability to dismantle batting line-ups, Rabada has been a standout performer for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals.

20. Vinay Kumar: Vinay has taken 105 wickets in 105 matches. While he might not be as pacey as some counterparts, his ability to swing the ball and pick up wickets made him a standout performer.

 Highest Wicket Takers in IPL

In the Indian Premier League, these bowlers have shone bright, providing fans with unforgettable moments. Their skills have made them stand out among the best in the game, ensuring their achievements will be celebrated for years to come.