Top 10 Bowlers Who Have Bowled the Most Overs in IPL History
Most number of overs bowled in IPL: Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some outstanding bowling performances over 17 seasons. Bowling four overs in the T20 format is a challenging job. Bowlers who can bowl tight lines and length while possessing wicket-taking abilities are a precious commodity in the IPL.Â
In this blog, we look at the 10 bowlers who have bowled the most number of overs in IPL history. The list features world-class spinners and fast bowlers who have shouldered the bowling burden for their franchises.
Bowlers Who Have Bowled the Most Overs in IPL History
The Indian Premier League (IPL) places huge demands on the bowling units of franchises. With batsmen looking to score quick runs on flat decks, bowling four economical overs while picking wickets is incredibly challenging.
To succeed in T20 cricket, bowlers need to have immense mental strength, variations, and consistency to out-think hard-hitting batsmen. In this blog post, we will look at the 10 bowlers who have delivered the most overs in IPL history while maintaining high standards across multiple seasons.
Sr | Player | M | Inn | Wkts | Eco | Ave | Sr | OB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ravichandran Ashwin | 211 | 211 | 181 | 7.15 | 29.79 | 24.99 | 754 |
2 | Sunil Narine | 176 | 176 | 180 | 6.73 | 25.39 | 22.64 | 679.1 |
3 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar Singh | 176 | 176 | 180 | 7.56 | 27.21 | 21.59 | 647.4 |
4 | Piyush Chawla | 192 | 192 | 192 | 7.96 | 26.56 | 20.02 | 640.4 |
5 | Ravindra Jadeja | 239 | 239 | 160 | 7.62 | 30.40 | 23.93 | 638.1 |
6 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 159 | 159 | 205 | 7.84 | 22.44 | 17.18 | 586.5 |
7 | Harbhajan Singh | 163 | 163 | 149 | 7.12 | 27.20 | 22.93 | 569.2 |
8 | Amit Mishra | 162 | 162 | 174 | 7.38 | 23.82 | 19.37 | 561.5 |
9 | Dwayne Bravo | 160 | 160 | 183 | 8.39 | 23.82 | 17.04 | 519.5 |
10 | Axar Patel | 150 | 150 | 123 | 7.28 | 30.55 | 25.20 | 516.3 |
Read Also : Most Expensive Overs In IPL History
1. Ravichandran Ashwin  –  Overs Bowled in IPL 754
Premier Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin leads this list with an impressive 754 overs bowled across multiple franchises like CSK, KXIP, DC, and now RR. His clever variations, mastery over flight, and tactical acumen have fetched him 181 wickets so far.
With a bowling average of 29.79 and an economy rate of 7.15 from 211 IPL games, Ashwin continues to pose a threat with the new ball and in the middle overs.
2. Sunil Narine  – Overs Bowled 679.1Â
West Indian mystery spinner Sunil Narine has been the cornerstone of Kolkata Knight Riders’ success. Narine has bowled 679.1 overs, picking up 180 wickets with his confusing mix of off-breaks, carrom balls, and skidders.
His remarkable economy rate of 6.73 illustrates how tough he is to score against. With a bowling average of 25.39 and strike rate of 22.64, Narine remains the leader of KKR’s spin attack since his debut in 2012.
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Overs Bowled 647.4 in IPLÂ
Swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a vital cog in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling unit. He has bowled 647.4 overs in his IPL career, taking 180 wickets with an economy rate of 7.56.
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Bhuvneshwar’s bowling average of 27.21 and strike rate of 21.59 underline his effectiveness. A consistent wicket-taker, especially in the powerplay, he is an IPL great.
4. Piyush Chawla – Overs Bowled 640.4
Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has been a consistent performer in the IPL, having bowled 640.4 overs across his career. He has picked up 192 wickets with his well-disguised googlies, flatter trajectories, and traditional leg-breaks.
Chawla’s economy rate of 7.96 and strike rate of 20.02 reflect his control and wicket-taking abilities across various phases of the game. Having played for KKR, CSK, and now MI, Chawla has shown his class in multiple franchises.
5. Ravindra Jadeja – Overs Bowled 638.1 in IPL
India’s premier spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has bowled 638.1 overs in IPL cricket, taking 160 wickets. Known for his accuracy, Jadeja’s bowling average of 30.40 and economy rate of 7.62 make him a reliable bowler in middle overs.
6. Yuzvendra Chahal (RR) – Overs Bowled: 586.5
Yuzvendra Chahal has emerged as one of the most potent leg-spinners in the IPL, having bowled 586.5 overs and taken 205 wickets. With an economy rate of 7.84 and a stellar bowling average of 22.44, Chahal’s skill in controlling the middle overs is unmatched.
7. Harbhajan Singh  – Overs Bowled: 569.2
Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh bowled 569.2 overs in the IPL, claiming 149 wickets for teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. With an economy rate of 7.12 and a bowling average of 27.20, Harbhajan’s contribution has been immense.
8. Amit Mishra – Overs Bowled: 561.5
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra is one of the most effective bowlers in IPL history, having bowled 561.5 overs and taken 174 wickets. With an economy rate of 7.38 and a bowling average of 23.82, Mishra’s ability to deliver under pressure stands out.
9. Dwayne Bravo (CSK) – Overs Bowled: 519.5
West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has bowled 519.5 overs and taken 183 wickets in the IPL. Known for his death bowling and variations, Bravo’s economy rate of 8.39 and bowling average of 23.82 highlight his effectiveness in crunch moments.
10. Axar Patel (DC) – Overs Bowled: 516.3
Axar Patel, known for his accurate left-arm spin, has bowled 516.3 overs in IPL cricket, picking up 123 wickets. With an economy rate of 7.28 and a bowling average of 30.55, Axar has been a key contributor for Delhi Capitals.
Conclusion
Bowling tight lines and lengths in the fast-paced T20 format requires skill and mental fortitude from bowlers. Ravichandran Ashwin tops the list with the most overs bowled in IPL history, underlining his longevity and consistency across 17 seasons.
Other Indian and overseas spinners and pacers have run their blood to sweat to bowl the most overs and regularly provide breakthroughs for their franchises.
Bowling four good overs everyday comes with immense expectations and pressure in the IPL. These bowlers have shown the mental resolve and adaptability to shoulder this responsibility for their teams with distinction for over a decade.