Top 10 Most Wickets by Overseas Bowlers in IPL History
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen several overseas bowlers deliver outstanding performances over the years. These bowlers have been key assets for their teams, contributing with their wicket-taking ability and impactful spells. Let’s take a look at the top 10 overseas bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history, detailing their achievements and how they influenced the league.
Most Wickets by Overseas Bowlers in IPL History
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dwayne Bravo | 161 | 183 | 23.82 | 4/22 |
Sunil Narine | 177 | 180 | 25.39 | 5/19 |
Lasith Malinga | 122 | 170 | 19.79 | 5/13 |
Rashid Khan | 121 | 149 | 21.82 | 4/24 |
Trent Boult | 104 | 121 | 26.69 | 4/18 |
1. Dwayne Bravo – 183 Wickets
Dwayne Bravo, a former West Indies all-rounder, holds the record of most wicket-takers as overseas in IPL history. Playing for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, Bravo got 183 wickets in 161 matches at an average of 23.82.
His variations in death overs and ability to deliver under pressure made him a vital part of his teams. Bravo also won two Purple Caps, taking 32 wickets in 2013 and 26 in 2015. Bravo best IPL figures are 4/22.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dwayne Bravo | 161 | 183 | 23.82 | 4/22 |
2. Sunil Narine – 180 Wickets
Sunil Narine has been a consistent performer for Kolkata Knight Riders since his debut in 2012. The mystery spinner from the West Indies has picked up 180 wickets in 177 matches at an average of 25.39.
Known for his tight economy and wicket-taking ability, Narine has remained a go-to bowler for KKR. Sunil Narine best performance in IPL is 5/19, and he played a major role in KKR’s title victories.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunil Narine | 177 | 180 | 25.39 | 5/19 |
3. Lasith Malinga – 170 Wickets
Lasith Malinga, famously known as “Slinga Malinga,” was a key player for Mumbai Indians. He took 170 wickets in 122 matches at an average of 19.79, making him one of the most effective bowlers in IPL history.
His lethal yorkers and ability to handle high-pressure situations made him an asset for MI. Malinga best IPL figures are 5/13, and he played a crucial role in several title-winning campaigns.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lasith Malinga | 122 | 170 | 19.79 | 5/13 |
4. Rashid Khan – 149 Wickets
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is known for his consistent performances and unplayable leg-spin. Since his IPL debut in 2017, Rashid has taken 149 wickets in 121 matches at an average of 21.82.
Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad and later Gujarat Titans, Rashid has proven to be a match-winner. Rashid Khan best bowling figures in IPL are 4/24.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rashid Khan | 121 | 149 | 21.82 | 4/24 |
5. Trent Boult – 121 Wickets
Trent Boult, the New Zealand pacer, has delivered impactful performances for teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals. Boult has taken 121 wickets in 104 matches at an average of 26.69.
His ability to swing the ball in the powerplay and pick early wickets has been a significant advantage for his teams. Trent Boult best IPL figures are 4/18.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trent Boult | 104 | 121 | 26.69 | 4/18 |
6. Kagiso Rabada – 117 Wickets
Kagiso Rabada, a South African pacer, has been one of the most aggressive bowlers in IPL history. Playing for Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, Rabada has picked up 117 wickets in 80 matches at an average of 21.96.
He holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 100 IPL wickets, achieving it in just 64 matches. Kagiso Rabada best bowling performance in IPL is 4/21.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kagiso Rabada | 80 | 117 | 21.96 | 4/21 |
7. Andre Russell – 115 Wickets
Andre Russell, an all-rounder from the West Indies, has been a star performer for Kolkata Knight Riders. He has taken 115 wickets in 127 matches at an average of 23.00.
Known for his pace and ability to deliver in crunch moments, Russell’s best figures are 5/15. Andre Russell remains one of the most valuable players in the league.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Andre Russell | 127 | 115 | 23.00 | 5/15 |
8. Dale Steyn – 97 Wickets
Dale Steyn, one of the most feared pacers in world cricket, played for teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In 95 matches, Steyn picked up 97 wickets at an average of 25.85. His ability to bowl with speed and precision made him a nightmare for batsmen. Dale Steyn best IPL figures are 3/8.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|
Dale Steyn | 95 | 97 | 3/8 |
9. Chris Morris – 95 Wickets
Chris Morris, a South African all-rounder, took 95 wickets in 81 IPL matches. Representing teams like Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Morris delivered key performances for his teams. Morris best IPL figures are 4/23.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|
Chris Morris | 81 | 95 | 4/23 |
10. Shane Watson – 92 Wickets
Shane Watson, an Australian all-rounder, picked up 92 wickets in 145 matches. Playing for Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, Watson was known for his swing bowling and ability to break partnerships. Shane Watson best IPL figures are 4/29.
Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures |
---|---|---|---|
Shane Watson | 145 | 92 | 4/29 |
Who is the leading overseas wicket-taker in IPL history?
Dwayne Bravo leads the list of overseas bowlers with 183 wickets.
How many wickets has Sunil Narine taken in IPL?
Sunil Narine has taken 180 wickets in 177 matches.
Which bowler has the best economy among overseas players in IPL?
Rashid Khan is known for his excellent economy rate in IPL.
Who was the fastest overseas bowler to reach 100 wickets in IPL?
Kagiso Rabada holds the record for the fastest to 100 wickets, achieving it in just 64 matches.