Just like batting, bowling plays a critical role in the success of a team in the Indian Premier League. Teams that have good bowlers in their lineup are at an advantage as they can use them during the crucial overs of an innings. The concept of T20 cricket began in 2004 by the ECB with the intention of providing fans with a shorter, more exciting format of the sport. While it was for the most part more of a batter’s game, that has now changed. Bowlers who have been bought by their respective franchises in the IPL have proven that without a good bowler, any chances of winning a match is next to none. However, many may wonder what are the best bowling figures in IPL history.
This article provides a list of the top 10 best bowling figures in IPL history along with other relevant information related to the topic.
Best Bowling Figures in IPL
The IPL has produced some amazing talent over the years. In fact, the Indian cricket team has discovered plenty of raw talent through the league. Bowlers play a very important role in the T20 format as they have only four overs each to bowl, while ensuring they pick up wickets and slow down the scoring rate. While it may sound easy on paper, facing the best batters in the world and delivering a match winning performance is on another level of greatness.
The best bowling figure in IPL is still held by Alzarri Joseph who demolished Sunrisers Hyderabad in a low scoring match. The Mumbai Indians pacer picked up 6-12 back in 2019. His team set a small target of 137 for SRH to chase. However, the Sunrisers struggled to cope with Alzarri’s bowling and were dismissed for a paltry 96 runs, as Mumbai Indians scripted a fairly comfortable 40 run victory. In fact, he still holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL debut.
Best Bowling Figures in IPL history 2024-2008
On that note, let us look at the best bowling figures in IPL history. This list only features bowlers who have taken five wickets more in a single innings of the IPL:
Player |
Overs |
Mdns |
Runs |
Wkts |
Team |
Opposition |
AS Joseph |
3.4 |
1 |
12 |
6 |
MI |
v SRH |
Sohail Tanvir |
4.0 |
– |
14 |
6 |
RR |
v CSK |
A Zampa |
4.0 |
– |
19 |
6 |
Supergiants |
v SRH |
A Kumble |
3.1 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
RCB |
v RR |
A Madhwal |
3.3 |
– |
5 |
5 |
MI |
v LSG |
JJ Bumrah |
4.0 |
1 |
10 |
5 |
MI |
v KKR |
MM Sharma |
2.2 |
– |
10 |
5 |
GT |
v MI |
I Sharma |
3.0 |
– |
12 |
5 |
Chargers |
v Kochi |
SL Malinga |
3.4 |
1 |
13 |
5 |
MI |
v Daredevils |
AS Rajpoot |
4.0 |
– |
14 |
5 |
Kings XI |
v SRH |
MA Wood |
4.0 |
– |
14 |
5 |
LSG |
v DC |
AD Russell |
2.0 |
– |
15 |
5 |
KKR |
v MI |
RA Jadeja |
4.0 |
– |
16 |
5 |
CSK |
v Chargers |
JP Faulkner |
4.0 |
1 |
16 |
5 |
RR |
v SRH |
A Mishra |
4.0 |
– |
17 |
5 |
Daredevils |
v Chargers |
AJ Tye |
4.0 |
– |
17 |
5 |
Guj Lions |
v Supergiant |
Harbhajan Singh |
4.0 |
– |
18 |
5 |
MI |
v CSK |
PW Hasaranga |
4.0 |
1 |
18 |
5 |
RCB |
v SRH |
SP Narine |
4.0 |
– |
19 |
5 |
KKR |
v Kings XI |
B Kumar |
4.0 |
– |
19 |
5 |
SRH |
v Kings XI |
JP Faulkner |
4.0 |
– |
20 |
5 |
RR |
v SRH |
CV Varun |
4.0 |
– |
20 |
5 |
KKR |
v DC |
MM Patel |
4.0 |
– |
21 |
5 |
MI |
v Kings XI |
JJ Bumrah |
4.0 |
– |
21 |
5 |
MI |
v RCB |
L Balaji |
4.0 |
– |
24 |
5 |
CSK |
v Kings XI |
AD Mascarenhas |
4.0 |
– |
25 |
5 |
Kings XI |
v Warriors |
JD Unadkat |
4.0 |
– |
25 |
5 |
RCB |
v Daredevils |
Umran Malik |
4.0 |
– |
25 |
5 |
SRH |
v GT |
HV Patel |
4.0 |
– |
27 |
5 |
RCB |
v MI |
JD Unadkat |
4.0 |
1 |
30 |
5 |
Supergiant |
v SRH |
B Kumar |
4.0 |
– |
30 |
5 |
SRH |
v GT |
Yash Thakur |
3.5 |
1 |
30 |
5 |
LSG |
v GT |
Arshdeep Singh |
4.0 |
– |
32 |
5 |
Punjab Kings |
v RR |
YS Chahal |
4.0 |
– |
40 |
5 |
RR |
v KKR |
Best Bowling Figures in IPL 2024
Currently, as of April 17, the record for the best bowling figures in IPL 2024 is held by Mumbai Indians pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 5-21 against RCB at the Wankhede Stadium. Meanwhile, in second place is Yash Thakur who took 5-30 for Lucknow Super Giants in their match against rivals Gujarat Titans in Lucknow.
Best Bowling Figures in IPL 2023
The best bowling figures in IPL 2023 was by Mumbai Indians’ A Madhwal who finished with astonishing figures of 5-5 in 3.3 overs. His team was playing against LSG in Chennai. Meanwhile, GT’s M Sharma took 5-10 against MI in Ahmedabad, the second best bowling figures in IPL 2023.
Best Bowling Figures in IPL 2008
Now that we know who has the best bowling figures in IPL history, you may be wondering who finished with the best bowling figures in IPL 2008, the inaugural season. Rajasthan Royals’ Sohail Tanvir took 6-14 in their match against CSK at Jaipur. Incidentally, Tanvir’s figures are the second best bowling figures in IPL history.
Leading team in IPL 2024
This IPL 2024 season, we can expect to see many more exceptional bowling performances, especially since many franchises have signed up star bowlers from around the world. Currently, in IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals lead the table followed by KKR in second and CSK in third place. These standings are taken as of April 17.