Top 5 Spinners in IPL History - The Best Spin Bowlers of All Time in Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some brilliant bowling performances over the years, especially from the spinners. Spin bowlers often hold the key to success on Indian pitches, which are traditionally spin-friendly. In this post, we look at the top 5 best spinners in IPL history.

With the 2023 season of the IPL coming up, teams will be looking to add wicket-taking spinners to their squad in the auction. The recently concluded IPL 2023 saw the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan among the top wicket-takers. But who have been the most successful spinners in IPL history? Let’s find out.

Best Spin Bowlers of All Time in Indian Premier League

Bowlers Who Has Taken The Most Wickets In A Single IPL Season?

Spinners With the Most Wickets in IPL History

The IPL has completed 16 seasons so far. Here is an updated list of the top 5 spinners in terms of wickets taken in IPL matches:

1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 187 wickets in 145 matches
2. Amit Mishra – 173 wickets in 154 matches
3. Piyush Chawla – 179 wickets in 174 matches
4. Ravi Ashwin – 171 wickets in 197 matches
5. Sunil Narine – 163 wickets in 162 matches

Yuzvendra Chahal, who made his IPL debut in 2013, currently tops the list but is closely followed by veteran Amit Mishra. Chahal’s record is impressive considering he has played fewer matches than Mishra.

Among current players, Rashid Khan is the next best after this top 5 with 112 wickets already. Let’s look at why each of these bowlers make it to the list of the best spinners in IPL history.

#1. Yuzvendra Chahal – The Leading Wicket-Taker Among Spinners

Yuzvendra Chahal’s career in the IPL began in 2013 but he first came into prominence in 2014 when he took 12 wickets in 14 matches for Mumbai Indians. He was soon snapped up by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 and has been their prime spinner ever since.

In the 2022 edition of the IPL, Chahal won the Purple Cap with 27 wickets in 17 matches. He picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs throughout the tournament at an excellent economy rate of 7.75.

With his variations in pace and flight, Chahal often outsmarts opposition batters, making him one of the best spinners in the IPL. In 2021, he took the most wickets by any bowler with 21.

Having recently been bought by Rajasthan Royals at the 2022 auction, Chahal will be looking to continue his wicket-taking feats for his new franchise in the upcoming IPL 2024 season.

#2. Amit Mishra – The Most Successful Spinner in IPL History

Amit Mishra’s IPL career began in 2008 when he made his debut for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He is the highest wicket-taking spinner in the history of IPL with 166 scalps to his name.

Mishra has represented various franchises over the years like Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. He was unsold in the 2022 auction but was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2023.

Throughout his 16-year IPL career, Mishra has been an economical bowler, conceding just over 7 runs per over on average. His best IPL season was in 2011 when he took 21 wickets in 16 matches.

At the age of 40, Mishra may only have a limited role to play in IPL 2023. But his record speaks for itself, making him one of the greatest spinners in IPL history.

# 3. Piyush Chawla – Third Most Successful Spinner in IPL

Piyush Chawla is another highly experienced campaigner who has been plying his trade in the IPL since its inception in 2008.

# 4. Ravichandran Ashwin – Among the Top Wicket-Takers in Every IPL

India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been among the top wicket-takers in almost every IPL season since making his debut in 2009.

After shining for Chennai Super Kings in the initial years, Ashwin also represented Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. He helped the Royals reach the final in IPL 2022, where he took 11 wickets in 17 games.

Ashwin is known to outfox batters with his variations in pace and trajectory. He has taken 157 wickets so far with a best of 20 wickets in IPL 2013 for the Chennai Super Kings.

With his crafty spin bowling and abilities with the bat, Ashwin remains a match-winner on his day. His record makes him one of the best spinners in IPL history.

# 5. Sunil Narine – The Best Spinner in IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders

West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine has been an integral part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ success over the years. He was named MVP in 2012 when KKR won their first IPL trophy.

Narine has consistently been among the top wicket-takers in the IPL. With his accurate line and length, he has often tied opposition batters in knots. Sunil Narine has taken 163 wickets in 162 matches at an outstanding economy rate of just above 6 runs per over.

His variations like the knuckle ball and carrom ball have made life difficult for the best of batters. Though he hasn’t played for West Indies since 2019, Narine remains a force to reckon with in franchise T20 leagues like the IPL.

IPL 2024 Teams Head Coach And Support Staff For All 10 Teams

Closing Thoughts – Spinners Continue to Dominate

As seen from the records of these top 5 bowlers, spinners have dominated the wickets column in IPL history. With the nature of pitches in India, this trend is likely to continue.

The 2023 edition of the IPL will be keenly contested with all 10 teams looking to hire the services of world-class spinners. The likes of Ashwin, Chahal and Hasaranga will once again be the spinners to watch out for.

With batsmen ever-improving their range of strokes, it will be interesting to see spinners devising new tricks to keep themselves a step ahead. The IPL certainly promises to provide lots of excitement and entertainment for fans with such world-class spinners on show.