14 Best Bowler in IPL History (Wickets Taken)

Determining the best bowler in IPL history involves more complexity than evaluating top batsmen. While batting performance can often be judged by Strike Rate (SR) and Average (Avg), assessing bowlers requires a deeper look at Economy Rate (Eco), Average (Avg), and Dot Ball Percentage (Dot%). Economy Rate is generally the primary metric, with Average and Dot% as crucial secondary factors. This analysis highlights the standout bowlers based on a minimum of 1,000 deliveries.

List of Best Bowlers in IPL

These are the best bowlers in IPL based on overall performance, but this sequence has been changed according to various scenarios.

No	Name	Matches	Runs	Wickets
1	Rashid Khan	121	545	149
2	Sunil Narine	176	1534	180
3	Dale Steyn	95	167	97
4	R Ashwin	211	800	180
5	Harbhajan Singh	163	833	150
6	Lasith Malinga	122	88	170
7	B Kumar	176	306	181
8	Amit Mishra	155	381	174
9	Jasprit Bumrah	133	69	165
10	Yuzvendra Chahal	160	37	205
11	Piyush Chawla	185	624	192
12	Ashish Nehra	88	2495	106
13	Imran Tahir	59	33	82
14	Dwayne Bravo	161	1560	183

1. Overall Performance

Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Dale Steyn, Lasith Malinga, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar lead the pack when evaluating overall stats. Although Rashid has bowled fewer deliveries than others, Malinga and Narine excel in this category. Narine’s impressive economy rate makes a strong case, while Malinga’s average of just 20 secures his place among the top bowlers.

2. Powerplays

In the powerplay overs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is unparalleled with the new ball. Despite Rashid Khan’s remarkable average of 21, his limited-overs (20) contrast with Bhuvi’s 230 overs. Bhuvi maintains the best economy and boasts a daunting 58% dot ball rate in powerplays, making him the ace in this phase. Ravichandran Ashwin is also notable, with an average of 25 from approximately 140 overs bowled.

3. Middle Overs

Maintaining a low economy rate for middle overs is essential, but consistently taking wickets is critical. Although primarily known for his death-over skills, Lasith Malinga performs well here alongside spinners like Rashid Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Imran Tahir. Dale Steyn’s 47% dot ball rate and an economy rate of just 6 further highlight his effectiveness in this phase.

4. Death Overs

During death overs, the ability to bowl dot balls is crucial. Rashid Khan stands out with a 47% dot ball rate and the best economy rate in this phase. Malinga’s impressive average of just 13 offsets his higher economy rate. Harbhajan Singh also deserves recognition for his outstanding average of 12.

5. Least Economical Venues

In the least economical venues, Nehra (18) and Chahal (21) excel with their averages. Although Malinga and Rashid, known for their overall brilliance, are not as prominent in these venues, Bhuvneshwar Kumar shines with his exceptional all-round performance, followed by Jasprit Bumrah.

Venue-wise Economy Rates:

• Indore: 9.10
• Mumbai (BS): 8.83
• Kanpur: 8.73
• Bengaluru: 8.56
• Mohali: 8.38
• Dharamsala: 8.28
• Cuttack: 8.23
• Delhi: 8.21
• Kolkata: 8.12
• Mumbai: 8.12
• Ahmedabad: 8.00
• Chennai: 7.93
• Hyderabad: 7.91
• Jaipur: 7.90
• Pune: 7.82

6. Against Top 20 Hitters

Rashid Khan stands out against the top 20 hitters in IPL history, with an exceptional average of 14 and a 47% dot ball rate. Jasprit Bumrah and Dale Steyn also perform impressively in this category. 

Top 20 Hitters:

1. Andre Russell
2. Sunil Narine
3. Moeen Ali
4. Rishabh Pant
5. Glenn Maxwell
6. Chris Morris
7. Jonny Bairstow
8. Virender Sehwag
9. Hardik Pandya
10. AB de Villiers
11. Chris Gayle
12. Jos Buttler
13. Kieron Pollard
14. Krunal Pandya
15. Sanath Jayasuriya
16. Ashish Reddy
17. Lumb
18. Yusuf Pathan
19. Sarfaraz Khan
20. David Warner

7. Against Top 20 Anchors

When facing the top 20 anchors, Lasith Malinga struggles with the highest average of 47 and an economy rate of 8. However, spinners like Chahal, Narine, and Rashid Khan perform admirably, maintaining averages below 30.

Top 15 Batting Averages (min 2k balls):

1. David Warner
2. MS Dhoni
3. Chris Gayle
4. AB de Villiers
5. Virat Kohli
6. Sachin Tendulkar
7. Shikhar Dhawan
8. Suresh Raina
9. Ajinkya Rahane
10. Rohit Sharma
11. Shane Watson
12. Gautam Gambhir
13. Manish Pandey
14. Yusuf Pathan
15. Robin Uthappa

8. While Defending

In the defending phase, Narine (average 18, Eco 6) is exceptional, and Rashid Khan, Ashwin, and Malinga (average 20) also deliver outstanding performances.

9. Bowling 1st

Dale Steyn excels in the first innings, showcasing his skills as a top performer. Malinga remains consistent with his bowling average, while Rashid Khan and Narine stand out for their performance in defensive scenarios.

10. On the Big Stage

Rashid Khan shines in crucial matches with an average of just 11 and an economy rate of 4. Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir also perform well in high-pressure situations. Rashid Khan also holds the best batting strike rate in powerplays for a minimum of 10 balls faced.

More Topics Like This:

• Fastest Bowlers In The World
• Top Batsman In IPL

Conclusion – The Best Bowler in IPL History

Rashid Khan’s performance across various parameters and scenarios solidifies his position as the best bowler in IPL history. His exceptional stats and consistent performances make him stand out as the top bowler in the league, similar to how AB de Villiers dominates the batsmen’s charts.