In cricket, bowlers have become crucial players who can change the outcome of matches. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has showcased the rise of bowlers as key contributors. A memorable example of this is Lasith Malinga’s incredible performance in the 2019 IPL final, where he defended just 9 runs in the last over, leading the Mumbai Indians to victory.

Bowlers have also set impressive records, with many becoming the highest wicket-takers in a single season. Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo are among these standout performers.

Highest Wicket Taker in One IPL Season

Player	Matches	Balls	Overs	Maidens	Innings	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy	Strike Rate
Harshal Patel (RCB)	15	338	56.2	–	15	459	32	5/27	14.34	8.14	10.56
Dwayne Bravo (CSK)	18	375	62.3	–	18	497	32	4/42	15.53	7.95	11.71
Kagiso Rabada (DC)	17	394	65.4	1	17	548	30	4/24	18.26	8.34	13.13
Lasith Malinga (MI)	16	378	63.0	2	16	375	28	5/13	13.39	5.95	13.50
James Faulkner (RR)	16	379	63.1	2	16	427	28	5/16	15.25	6.75	13.53
Mohammed Shami (GT)	17	390	65.0	2	17	522	28	4/11	18.64	8.03	13.92
Mohit Sharma (GT)	14	265	44.1	–	14	361	27	5/10	13.37	8.17	9.81
Jasprit Bumrah (MI)	15	360	60.0	2	15	404	27	4/14	14.96	6.73	13.33
Yuzvendra Chahal (RR)	17	408	68.0	–	17	527	27	5/40	19.51	7.75	15.11
Rashid Khan (GT)	17	402	67.0	–	17	552	27	4/30	20.44	8.23	14.88

Harshal Patel – 15 Wickets in IPL 2021

Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo are tied for the most wickets in a single IPL season. Patel had an outstanding performance in the 2021 season, taking 32 wickets in 15 matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He had an average of 14.34 and an economy rate of 8.14. Although Patel’s bowling was impressive, RCB did not win the title, making it to the playoffs but not the finals. He also achieved a hat-trick against the Mumbai Indians by taking out Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, and Rahul Chahar.

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Dwayne Bravo – 18 Wickets in IPL 2013

Dwayne Bravo shares the top spot with Patel. The West Indian, who is the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, reached 32 wickets in the 2013 season while playing for the Chennai Super Kings. He played 18 matches, with an average of 15.53. Bravo’s strong performance continued into the final, where he took four wickets against the Mumbai Indians, although CSK lost the match. Bravo retired from the IPL in 2022 and became the bowling coach for the same team, succeeding Lakshmipathy Balaji.

Kagiso Rabada – 17 Wickets in IPL 2020

Kagiso Rabada from South Africa took 30 wickets in the 2020 IPL season, held in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic. He played 17 matches, with an average of 18.26 and an economy rate of 8.34. Representing the Delhi Capitals, his excellent performance helped the team reach the final, although they lost to the Mumbai Indians.

Lasith Malinga – 16 Wickets in IPL 2011

Lasith Malinga, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, took 28 wickets in 16 matches with an impressive average of 13.39 and an economy rate of 5.95. He is still the highest wicket-taker for the Mumbai Indians, despite last playing in 2019. Malinga’s IPL career ended dramatically in the 2019 final, where he bowled a yorker to dismiss Shardul Thakur, securing MI’s fourth title by just 1 run.

James Faulkner – 16 Wickets in IPL 2013

In the 2013 IPL season, James Faulkner stood out while playing for the Rajasthan Royals. He took 28 wickets in 16 matches, with an average of 15.25 and an economy rate of 6.75. Over his IPL career from 2011 to 2017, Faulkner played for multiple teams and finished with a total of 59 wickets in 60 matches.

Mohammad Shami – 17 Wickets in IPL 2023

Mohammad Shami was the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2023, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches with an average of 17.60 and a strike rate of 13.28. He played a vital role in helping the Gujarat Titans reach the final, although they lost to CSK. Unfortunately, Shami will miss IPL 2024 due to an injury.

Mohit Sharma – 14 Wickets in IPL 2023

Mohit Sharma, also from the Gujarat Titans, was among the top wicket-takers in IPL 2023, finishing with 27 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 13.37. He notably achieved his first IPL five-wicket haul against the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, with impressive figures of 5/10.

Jasprit Bumrah – 15 Wickets in IPL 2020

Jasprit Bumrah has consistently been a match-winner in the IPL, but his best season was in 2020 when he took 27 wickets in 15 matches played in the UAE. He had an average of 14.96 and an economy rate of 6.73, which contributed to the Mumbai Indians winning their fifth IPL title.

Yuzvendra Chahal – 17 Wickets in IPL 2022

Yuzvendra Chahal is the all-time highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His best season was in 2022, when he took 27 wickets in 17 matches, with an average of 19.51 and an economy rate of 7.75. His performance helped the Rajasthan Royals reach the finals, although they lost the match.

Rashid Khan – 17 Wickets in IPL 2023

Rashid Khan played a key role in the Gujarat Titans’ journey to the finals in IPL 2023, ending the season with 27 wickets from 16 matches, an average of 18.80, and a strike rate of 14.22.

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