Highest Wicket Taker in IPL in One Season: While the Indian Premier League (IPL) is often seen as a haven for spin bowlers, the statistics tell a different story. In reality, it’s the skillful and talented fast bowlers who frequently dominate the IPL. It’s not just about delivering a good performance in a single match; what’s truly impressive is maintaining that level of performance consistently.
To contend for the prestigious Purple Cap in the IPL, which is awarded to the highest wicket-taker, a bowler must demonstrate a combination of hard work, consistency, accuracy, and a wide range of skills. Two bowlers, Harshal Patel from RCB and Dwayne Bravo from CSK, share the record for taking the most wickets in one IPL season. Each of them got 32 wickets in a single IPL season, making it the highest ever in the league.
As the 17th season of the IPL approaches, let’s take a closer look at the bowlers who have taken the most wickets in a single IPL season. Also read Top 5 Best Knocks by Rohit Sharma in IPL History.
Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel hold the record for most wickets taken in a single IPL season
Dwayne Bravo, a cricket superstar in the IPL and one of the best T20 all-rounders ever, set a record by grabbing 32 wickets in a single IPL season back in 2013. He shone brightly, taking his best figures of 4 wickets for 42 runs in a match against the Mumbai Indians in the final. Unfortunately, his outstanding performance couldn’t secure a win for CSK, as MI claimed their first IPL title.
Harshal Patel, who had been part of the IPL since 2012, had his big breakthrough in 2021 when he also captured 32 wickets, earning him the coveted Purple Cap. Notably, he became the Indian bowler with the most wickets in a single IPL season. His remarkable performance caught the attention of the national selectors, and he made his debut for the Indian cricket team in a T20I match against New Zealand.
Harshal Patel – 32 Wickets | IPL 2021 Highest Wicket Taker
Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo both share the top spot for the most wickets in a single IPL season, each grabbing 32 wickets. Harshal achieved this remarkable feat in the 2021 Indian Premier League while representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore. During that season, he participated in 15 matches, securing those 32 wickets with an average of 14.34 and an economy rate of 8.14.
Although his fantastic bowling performance helped RCB reach the playoffs, they couldn’t make it to the finals and secure the championship. Additionally, Harshal Patel accomplished a hattrick during the season, dismissing Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, and Rahul Chahar in a single match against the Mumbai Indians.
Dwayne Brave – 32 Wickets | IPL 2013 Highest Wicket Taker
Dwayne Bravo holds the joint top position for the most wickets in a single IPL season, sharing this record with Harshal Patel. Notably, the Caribbean all-rounder was the first player to reach the impressive milestone of 32 wickets in a single IPL season. He accomplished this feat during the 2013 Indian Premier League while representing the Chennai Super Kings.
Bravo featured in 18 matches for the Men in Yellow, delivering consistently in almost every game. Over the course of the season, he bowled 63 overs with an average of 15.53. His remarkable performance extended to the final, where he took four wickets. Unfortunately, despite his outstanding efforts, CSK was unable to secure victory in the final against the Mumbai Indians.
Kagiso Rabada – 30 Wickets | IPL 2020 Highest Wicket Taker
Kagiso Rabada, hailing from South Africa, holds the third position in the list of most wickets taken in a single season of the Indian Premier League. In the 2020 edition of the cash-rich league, which was played in the UAE without any spectators, Rabada managed to secure an impressive 30 wickets.
He achieved this remarkable feat while representing the Delhi Capitals, who made it to the final but unfortunately lost to the Mumbai Indians. During IPL 2020, Rabada played 17 matches, taking those 30 wickets with an average of 18.26 and an economy rate of 8.34.
Lasith Malinga – 28 Wickets | IPL 2011 Highest Wicket Taker
Lasith Malinga, a legendary IPL performer, certainly deserves a place in this list. He occupies the fourth position, boasting an impressive record of 28 wickets in the IPL 2011 season. This accomplishment came in 16 matches, with an astonishingly low average of 13.39 and an incredible economy rate of 5.95.
Malinga has been a consistent presence in the IPL, representing the Mumbai Indians since his debut in 2009. His final ball in the IPL, during the thrilling final of IPL 2019, will be remembered as it led to the dismissal of Shardul Thakur. This crucial wicket helped MI secure their fourth IPL trophy with a narrow victory margin of just 1 run.
James Faulkner – 28 Wickets | IPL 2013 Highest Wicket Taker
James Faulkner from Australia secures the fifth position on this list, showcasing his dominance during the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, Faulkner impressively captured 28 wickets in 16 matches.
He achieved this feat with a remarkable average of 15.25 and an economy rate of 6.75. While he couldn’t secure the Purple Cap, as Dwayne Bravo claimed 32 wickets, Faulkner still stood second due to his exceptional bowling performance throughout the season.
Jasprit Bumrah – 27 Wickets | IPL 2020 Highest Wicket Taker
Jasprit Bumrah, representing the Mumbai Indians, delivered an outstanding performance throughout the entire IPL 2020 season. He played a crucial role in MI becoming only the second team in IPL history to successfully defend their title. Bumrah managed to secure a remarkable 27 wickets in just 15 matches during the season, which took place in the UAE.
He did so with an impressive average of 14.96 and a superb economy rate of 6.73. Bumrah’s excellence shone through as he bowled a total of 60 overs, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Yuzvendra Chahal – 27 Wickets | IPL 2022 Highest Wicket Taker
Yuzvendra Chahal showcased his best form during the IPL 2022 season, making a significant impact by taking 27 wickets. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in helping the Rajasthan Royals reach the final of the season.
In IPL 2022, Chahal participated in 17 matches, securing those 27 wickets with an average of 19.51 and an economy rate of 7.75. Notably, he also achieved a four-wicket haul and a remarkable five-wicket haul during the season, further emphasizing his prowess as a top-class spinner.
Dwayne Bravo – 26 Wickets | IPL 2015 Highest Wicket Taker
Dwayne Bravo makes another appearance on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in a single IPL season. During the IPL 2015 season, the Caribbean cricket legend was exceptional, accounting for a total of 25 wickets. He participated in 17 matches, with 16 innings bowled, delivering 52.2 overs and taking those 25 wickets with an impressive average of 16.38 and an economy rate of 8.14.
His strike rate of 12 was among the best in IPL history. Bravo’s remarkable efforts played a significant role in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) putting on a brilliant performance in the IPL that year, coming close to winning another title.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 26 Wickets | IPL 2017 Highest Wicket Taker
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, renowned as one of India’s finest swing bowlers, has left a significant mark on the IPL. He has been a key figure for the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise, where he continues to play. Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the ninth position in the list of bowlers with the most wickets in a single IPL season.
In a remarkable performance, he played 14 matches, claiming 26 wickets while bowling 52.2 overs. He achieved this feat with an impressive average of 14.19 and an economy rate of 7.05. Notably, he also accomplished a five-wicket haul during the season, solidifying his status as one of the best bowlers in the IPL’s 16-year history.
Imran Tahir – 26 wickets | IPL 2019 Highest Wicket Taker
Imran Tahir, the talented leg-spinner from South Africa, had a memorable season with the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019. During that season, the four-time champions reached the final, and Tahir played a pivotal role in their success.
He featured in 17 matches and bowled an impressive total of 64.2 overs, claiming 26 wickets with an average of 16.57 and an economy rate of 6.69. Notably, Tahir’s strike rate of 14.8 was among the best in that IPL season, highlighting his ability to take wickets at crucial moments.
Wanindu Hasaranga – 26 wickets | IPL 2022 Highest Wicket Taker
Wanindu Hasaranga made a significant impact for the Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL 2022 season, becoming an instant sensation with his leg-spin bowling. Whenever he was on the field, he kept the opposing batters on edge.
Hasaranga participated in 16 matches during the season, contributing to RCB’s qualification for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Impressively, he picked up 26 wickets at an average of 16.53 and an economy rate of 7.54.
Hasaranga’s strike rate of 13.1 overs was truly remarkable, indicating his ability to take wickets effectively. Additionally, he achieved a four-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul during the season, further showcasing his exceptional talent as a bowler.
List of the Highest Wicket Taker in IPL in one season
| Bowler | Wickets | Matches | Team | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harshal Patel | 32 | 15 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2021 |
| Dwayne Bravo | 32 | 18 | Chennai Super Kings | 2013 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 30 | 17 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 |
| Lasith Malinga | 28 | 16 | Mumbai Indians | 2011 |
| James Faulkner | 28 | 16 | Rajasthan Royals | 2013 |
| Mohammad Shami | 28 | 16 | Gujarat Titans | 2023 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 27 | 15 | Mumbai Indians | 2020 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 27 | 17 | Rajasthan Royals | 2022 |
| Mohit Sharma | 27 | 14 | Gujarat Titans | 2023 |
| Rashid Khad | 27 | 16 | Gujarat Titans | 2023 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 26 | 14 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2017 |
| Dwayne Bravo | 26 | 17 | Chennai Super Kings | 2015 |
| Imran Tahir | 26 | 17 | Chennai Super Kings | 2019 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 25 | 12 | Delhi Capitals | 2019 |
| Morne Morkal | 25 | 16 | Delhi Capitals | 2012 |
FAQ’s
Who picked most wickets in a single IPL season?
Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo share the distinction of picking up 32 wickets in a single IPL season.
Who has the most wickets in 1st over in IPL?
Trent Boult has been a prolific wicket-taker in the first over of IPL matches since 2020, securing at least one wicket on 20 separate occasions during this period.
Most wickets in IPL history in one match?
Alzarri Joseph, Sohail Tanvir, and Adam Zampa share the record for picking the most wickets in a single IPL match, with each of them taking six wickets in three different matches to achieve this remarkable feat.
Who has the most wickets in a single season of IPL?
Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel jointly hold the record for the most wickets taken in a single IPL season, with both of them achieving 32 wickets each in different seasons. Dwayne Bravo’s record of 32 wickets was set in the 2013 edition of the IPL.
