While batsmen grab the headlines, it is the bowlers who win tournaments in the IPL. The battle for the most wickets in IPL history features some of the greatest T20 bowlers ever to play the game. From Yuzvendra Chahal's leg-spin wizardry to Lasith Malinga's toe-crushing yorkers, these bowlers have defined eras of IPL cricket. Here is the definitive ranking of the all-time top wicket-takers, updated through IPL 2025.
Top 20 All-Time Wicket-Takers in IPL History
Statistics updated through the end of IPL 2025:
- 1. Yuzvendra Chahal — 205 wickets | 158 matches | Avg 22.28 | Econ 7.68 | Best: 5/40 | Teams: RCB, RR, PBKS
- 2. Dwayne Bravo — 183 wickets | 161 matches | Avg 24.37 | Econ 8.38 | Best: 4/22 | Teams: CSK, MI, GT
- 3. Lasith Malinga — 170 wickets | 122 matches | Avg 19.80 | Econ 7.14 | Best: 5/13 | Team: MI
- 4. Amit Mishra — 166 wickets | 154 matches | Avg 24.39 | Econ 7.35 | Best: 5/17 | Teams: DD, DC, SRH, LSG
- 5. Piyush Chawla — 157 wickets | 165 matches | Avg 27.92 | Econ 7.88 | Best: 4/17 | Teams: PBKS, KKR, CSK, MI
- 6. Ravindra Jadeja — 155 wickets | 230 matches | Avg 30.10 | Econ 7.61 | Best: 5/16 | Teams: CSK, RR, KKR
- 7. Jasprit Bumrah — 152 wickets | 133 matches | Avg 23.10 | Econ 7.39 | Best: 5/10 | Team: MI
- 8. Harbhajan Singh — 150 wickets | 163 matches | Avg 26.44 | Econ 7.05 | Best: 5/18 | Teams: MI, CSK, KKR
- 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar — 148 wickets | 158 matches | Avg 27.20 | Econ 7.30 | Best: 5/19 | Team: SRH
- 10. Rashid Khan — 145 wickets | 115 matches | Avg 20.80 | Econ 6.40 | Best: 4/24 | Teams: SRH, GT
- 11. Sunil Narine — 143 wickets | 162 matches | Avg 26.34 | Econ 6.67 | Best: 5/19 | Team: KKR
- 12. Harshal Patel — 140 wickets | 118 matches | Avg 23.48 | Econ 8.74 | Best: 5/27 | Teams: RCB, PBKS
- 13. R Ashwin — 138 wickets | 193 matches | Avg 29.20 | Econ 6.97 | Best: 4/34 | Teams: CSK, PBKS, DC, RR
- 14. Mohit Sharma — 125 wickets | 108 matches | Avg 26.50 | Econ 8.52 | Best: 4/14 | Teams: CSK, PBKS, DC, GT
- 15. Kagiso Rabada — 120 wickets | 80 matches | Avg 19.60 | Econ 8.10 | Best: 4/24 | Teams: DC, PBKS, GT
- 16. Umesh Yadav — 119 wickets | 139 matches | Avg 29.03 | Econ 8.93 | Best: 4/18 | Teams: DC, RCB, KKR
- 17. Mohammed Shami — 115 wickets | 98 matches | Avg 25.30 | Econ 8.62 | Best: 4/11 | Teams: PBKS, DD, SRH, GT
- 18. Sandeep Sharma — 114 wickets | 107 matches | Avg 25.56 | Econ 7.97 | Best: 4/20 | Teams: PBKS, SRH
- 19. Trent Boult — 112 wickets | 90 matches | Avg 24.50 | Econ 8.18 | Best: 4/18 | Teams: DC, MI, RR
- 20. Arshdeep Singh — 100 wickets | 80 matches | Avg 24.80 | Econ 8.90 | Best: 5/32 | Team: PBKS
Yuzvendra Chahal: The IPL's Greatest Wicket-Taker
Yuzvendra Chahal surpassed Dwayne Bravo to become the leading wicket-taker in IPL history during the 2024 season. The leg-spinner's ability to take wickets in the middle overs has been crucial for every franchise he has represented. Chahal's googly is considered one of the most deceptive deliveries in T20 cricket, and his record of 5/40 for RCB against MI in 2022 showcased his ability to run through batting lineups.
What separates Chahal from other spinners is his willingness to attack. While many spinners in the IPL prioritize economy, Chahal always bowls to take wickets, even if it means conceding a few extra runs. This aggressive approach has yielded 205 wickets and counting.
Lasith Malinga: The Greatest IPL Fast Bowler
Despite having fewer matches than most bowlers on this list, Lasith Malinga's 170 wickets at an average of 19.80 and economy of 7.14 make him statistically the greatest fast bowler in IPL history. His unique round-arm action generated late swing and devastating yorkers that batsmen simply could not handle. Malinga's 5/13 against Delhi in 2011 remains one of the finest bowling performances in IPL history.
Malinga was instrumental in Mumbai Indians' five IPL titles, often delivering crucial spells in finals and eliminators. His 2019 final over against CSK, defending 9 runs, is etched in IPL folklore.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Modern-Day Yorker King
Jasprit Bumrah has taken over Malinga's mantle at Mumbai Indians and elevated it to new heights. With an average of 23.10 and economy of 7.39, Bumrah is the most feared death bowler in T20 cricket today. His 5/10 against KKR in 2024 was the best bowling figures by an MI bowler in IPL history. Bumrah's unorthodox action, combined with his ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers at over 145 kph, makes him virtually unplayable at the death.
Best Bowling Figures in IPL History
- Alzarri Joseph — 6/12 vs SRH, 2019 (MI) — the best bowling figures ever in the IPL
- Sohail Tanvir — 6/14 vs CSK, 2008 (RR) — the first great IPL bowling spell
- Adam Zampa — 6/19 vs MI, 2023 (RR) — devastating leg-spin
- Anil Kumble — 5/5 vs RR, 2009 (RCB) — the most economical five-for in IPL history
- Lasith Malinga — 5/13 vs DD, 2011 (MI) — classic Malinga at his best
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