Ranking the top 10 greatest IPL bowlers of all time ft. Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world, where some of the best bowlers have showcased their skills season after season.
While the T20 format is often thought to favor batters, many bowlers have proven time and again that they can turn the tide with their precision, versatility, and ability to deliver under pressure.
Whether it is defending a low total, containing runs in the death overs, or claiming crucial wickets, these bowlers have been instrumental to their teams, often changing the outcome of a game single-handedly.
These bowlers have established themselves as IPL greats, with their achievements going beyond numbers. On that note, here we rank the top 10 greatest bowlers of all time in the cash-rich league.
Ranking the top 10 greatest IPL bowlers of all time
#10 Amit Mishra
One of the league’s veteran leg-spinners, Amit Mishra has recorded 174 wickets in 162 matches with an economy rate of 7.38, representing teams like Delhi Capitals, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Lucknow Super Giants. His four four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul are a testament to his impact, making him a prominent figure in the league's history.
#9 Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla, a seasoned leg-spinner, has been instrumental for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the league's history, helping them secure the 2014 title. Accumulating 192 wickets throughout his career, with stints at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) as well, Chawla’s wealth of experience has placed him among the IPL’s top wicket-takers. He consistently takes key wickets and controls the flow of runs.
#8 Rashid Khan
Joining SRH in 2017, Rashid Khan has taken 149 wickets in 121 games. His accuracy and ability to bowl in challenging situations have made him one of the most formidable spinners in the league. Adding to his bowling credentials, Rashid has also shown flashes of brilliance with the bat. He was instrumental for the Gujarat Titans in their title win as well.
#7 Ravichandran Ashwin
A consistent performer, Ravichandran Ashwin spent much of his career with CSK, contributing to their title victories with his intelligent off-spin. Now with 180 IPL wickets from 212 games, Ashwin’s ability to outfox batters has seen him become a crucial asset for multiple franchises, including Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
#6 Jasprit Bumrah
One of the most feared bowlers in the IPL, Jasprit Bumrah’s ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers has made him highly valuable for MI. With 165 wickets in 133 matches, Bumrah is often MI’s go-to bowler in crunch situations, consistently delivering under pressure and reinforcing his reputation as a global T20 phenomenon.
#5 Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Renowned for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a pillar for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With 181 wickets across 176 games, he won the Purple Cap twice, in 2016 and 2017, playing a vital role in SRH’s title-winning season in 2016. His impact has been immense, especially during powerplays and death overs.
#4 Dwayne Bravo
An all-rounder with a unique flair, Dwayne Bravo’s contributions in the IPL go beyond his 183 wickets, as he was also a consistent performer with the bat. Playing key roles for both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, Bravo was particularly deadly at the death, using variations to outplay batters. His impressive performances have made him a fan favorite and a crucial component of multiple title-winning campaigns.
#3 Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal stands as the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, with an impressive 205 wickets across 160 games. Known for his clever leg-spin and deceptive flight, Chahal has troubled batters while representing both Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). He was awarded the Purple Cap in 2022, showcasing his consistency and prowess.
#2 Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine’s unique bowling action and spin variations have made him one of KKR’s most effective bowlers, with 180 wickets in his IPL career. Narine also evolved as a pinch-hitter, providing flexibility to KKR’s lineup. His contribution to KKR’s title wins showcases his value as a bowler who not only picks up wickets but makes it difficult for batters to score freely.
#1 Lasith Malinga
Known for his deadly yorkers, Lasith Malinga claimed 170 wickets in 122 IPL games, becoming a leader of the Mumbai Indians' (MI) bowling attack. His performance in the 2019 final is etched in IPL history, sealing MI’s title with a match-winning final over. Malinga’s legacy as one of the most skilled bowlers in T20 cricket remains unparalleled.