IPL 2018: Top 5 bowlers from the first half of the tournament
The T20 format has always been the fortress of batsmen all over the world, and what better tournament to showcase that than the biggest T20 league in the world, Indian Premier League. Ever since the very first edition back in 2008, it has been the batsmen who have set the stage on fire with their weapon. However, over the years, bowlers have also climbed up the ladder to become the show stealers and MVPs of a number of seasons.
Ever since their first season in 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad have been more famous for their stunning bowling lineup. Their premier fast bowler, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, is the only player to win the purple cap in consecutive seasons.
Although this season began with a few high scoring contests that showcased the talent of batsmen of all teams, the subsequent matches have seen plenty of low scoring encounters that have seen bowlers display their impeccable skills. Here are some of the best bowlers so far from this season of IPL.
#5 Umesh Yadav (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Before the start of this year's IPL, there were plenty of doubts regarding Umesh Yadav's form and fitness. However, the way he has performed so far in this edition, it is safe to say that the fast bowler is in the best form of his life and has been breathing fire against all opposition batsmen. Despite the dismal performance of his franchise, he has been one of the brightest spots in RCB lineup.
Umesh has played seven matches so far and has taken nine wickets in the tournament at an economy rate of 8.51. He currently sits at the joint fifth position with Andrew Tye on the highest wicket-takers' list. His double strike on the first two balls of the innings to remove Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan against Mumbai Indians was inarguably the best start for a bowling team in this IPL.