Identifying the highest wicket-taker in one IPL season

Gone are the days when only batsmen dominated the cricket field, clinching victories and hogging the limelight. In today's game, bowlers have emerged as game-changers, reshaping matches with their skill and precision. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a hotbed for cricketing talent, has witnessed the rise of bowlers as match-winners. One iconic moment that exemplifies this shift is Lasith Malinga's heroics in the IPL 2019 final. With his lethal yorkers and nerve of steel, Malinga defended just 9 runs in the final over, securing victory for Mumbai Indians.

Moreover, the IPL has seen bowlers shatter records, with several claiming the title of highest wicket-taker in a single season. From Harshal Patel to Dwayne Bravo, these bowlers have played pivotal roles in their teams' success.

Highest wicket-taker in IPL in one season - top 11

Harshal Patel – 32 wickets in IPL 2021

Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo share the top spot for most wickets in a single IPL season. Patel's remarkable performance in the 2021 edition saw him claim 32 wickets while representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore across 15 matches, with an average of 14.34 and an economy rate of 8.14. Despite his stellar bowling, RCB fell short of clinching the title, reaching the playoffs but not the finals. Notably, Patel achieved a hat-trick against the Mumbai Indians, dismissing Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, and Rahul Chahar.

Dwayne Brave – 32 wickets in IPL 2013

As mentioned above, the top spot is shared by both Patel and Dwayne Bravo. The West Indian, who is the all-time second highest wicket-taker in the IPL, made history in the 2013 season, becoming the first player to reach 32 wickets while representing the Chennai Super Kings. Across 18 matches, Bravo consistently delivered for CSK, bowling at an average of 15.53. His stellar performance extended to the final, where he claimed four wickets against the Mumbai Indians, although CSK ultimately fell short in the match. In 2022, Bravo retired from the IPL and transitioned to the role of bowling coach for the same franchise, taking over from Lakshmipathy Balaji. 

Kagiso Rabada – 30 wickets in IPL 2020

Kagiso Rabada of South Africa took 30 wickets during the 2020 edition of the tournament held in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic. His 30 wickets came in 17 matches, at an average of 18.26 and an economy rate of 8.34. Representing the Delhi Capitals, Rabada's stellar performance helped the team reach the final, although they were ultimately defeated by the Mumbai Indians. 

Lasith Malinga – 28 wickets in IPL 2011

Lasith Malinga, who bid farewell to all forms of cricket in 2021, claiming 28 wickets in 16 matches with an outstanding average of 13.39 and an incredible economy rate of 5.95. Notably, he remains the highest wicket-taker of all time for the Mumbai Indians despite last playing in the tournament in 2019. His IPL career culminated in a dramatic fashion during the 2019 final, where his final delivery, dismissing Shardul Thakur with a yorker, sealed MI's fourth title victory by a mere 1 run.

James Faulkner – 28 wickets in IPL 2013

James Faulkner displayed his dominance during the 2013 edition of the IPL. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, Faulkner claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches, boasting an impressive average of 15.25 and an economy rate of 6.75. From 2011 to 2017, Faulkner represented Pune Warriors, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Lions. Throughout his IPL, he amassed a total of 59 wickets across 60 matches.

Mohammad Shami – 28 wickets in IPL 2023

In IPL 2023, Mohammad Shami emerged as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 28 wickets in 16 matches with an average of 17.60 and an impressive strike rate of 13.28. The Gujarat Titans' pacer played a pivotal role in guiding his team to the final, although they were ultimately defeated by the CSK. Unfortunately, Shami is sidelined from IPL 2024 due to injury.

Mohit Sharma - 27 wickets in IPL 2023

Mohit Sharma of the Gujarat Titans emerged as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2023, alongside Rashid Khan, with both claiming 27 scalps. He took 27 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 13.37, which includes his maiden IPL fifer against the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, finishing with an impressive 5/10. 

Jasprit Bumrah – 27 wickets in IPL 2020

Jasprit Bumrah has consistently delivered match-winning performances in the IPL, but his best came in the 2020 season, when he claimed an impressive 27 wickets in 15 matches played in the UAE, boasting an average of 14.96 and an economy rate of 6.73. His exceptional form contributed to Mumbai Indians winning their fifth IPL title. 

Yuzvendra Chahal – 27 wickets in IPL 2022

Yuzvendra Chahal is the leading wicket-taker in the history of the IPL. His best came in 2022, when he claimed 27 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 19.51 and an economy rate of 7.75. This propelled the Rajasthan Royals into the season's final, which they eventually lost. 

Rashid Khan – 27 wickets in IPL 2023

Spin maestro Rashid Khan played a significant role in Gujarat's journey to the final of IPL 2023. Rashid concluded the season with an impressive tally of 27 wickets from 16 matches, boasting an average of 18.80 and a strike rate of 14.22.

Dwayne Bravo – 26 wickets in IPL 2015

Once again, Dwayne Bravo makes his mark on the list of most wickets in a single IPL season. During IPL 2015, he claimed 25 scalps in 17 matches at an average of 16.38 and an economy rate of 8.14.