IPL 2017: Top 5 economical bowlers in IPL history
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming to an end, it’s time to look forward to IPL 2017 commencing in a few days. One of the most difficult things for a bowler to do during the IPL is maintaining a good economy rate as all the matches are played in India where teams are bound to end up a total of 180-190 in almost every match.
However, over the years, many bowlers have been able to consistently maintain a more than decent economy rate.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017: Top 10 five-fors in the IPL
Here are the five most economical bowlers in IPL history.
Note: This list has been compiled considering every bowler who has played at least 25 matches in the IPL
#5 Muttiah Muralitharan - 6.67 rpo
Murali was well in his late 30s by the time IPL began but he still had the X-factor and was in brilliant form for the Chennai Super Kings during the first three seasons, helping them win the title in 2010. The Sri Lankan was CSK’s highest wicket-taker during both the 2009 and 2010 editions, taking 14 and 15 wickets respectively.
However, his purchase by the now defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala for $1.1 million for the 2011 IPL did not do him any good as he made sporadic appearances for them during the early stages of the tournament before being relegated to the dugout.
Murali’s fortunes changed when he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2012 and bowled a brilliant spell of 4/25 in his RCB debut. Murali eventually ended the season with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 6.50. He made a few appearances for RCB in the 2013 and 2014 editions before retiring from the IPL in 2014.
The Sri Lankan maestro is one of the most economical bowlers in IPL history, conceding only 6.67 runs an over in his 66 matches where he took 63 wickets.