Most dot balls in IPL history

The record for bowling the most dot balls in Indian Premier League (IPL) history is held by Sunrisers Hyderabad side pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The veteran fast bowler has bowled an impressive 1534 dot balls spanning across 160 matches.

No other format in cricket emphasizes the importance of dot balls as much as T20 cricket. Teams would rather prefer losing a wicket in an attempt to cross the boundary rope than conceding a dot ball. With just 120 balls to post or chase a target, dot balls are almost considered a sin.

Hence, the list of cricketers who have achieved that feat regularly in the most competitive T20 tournament, the Indian Premier League, are unsurprisingly some of the best bowlers in the world.

Below are the top 10 bowlers who have delivered the most dot balls in the Indian Premier League.  

Most dot balls in IPL history (2008 - 2023): Top 10

Bhuvneshwar Kumar - 1534 dot balls

Indian medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has emerged as a pivotal wicket-taker for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. With an impressive tally of 170 wickets to his credit, Bhuvneshwar's bowling prowess was exemplified by his standout performance of 5/19 against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2017. 

Renowned for his remarkable control over line and length, coupled with his ability to swing the ball, Bhuvneshwar poses a significant threat to opening batsmen across the league. Throughout his IPL career, he has delivered 593 overs, accumulated 1534 dot balls, and maintained an economy rate of 7.39, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier bowlers in the tournament.

Sunil Narine - 1478 dot balls

A key figure in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) bowling lineup for several seasons, Sunil Narine has recently garnered attention for his batting prowess rather than his bowling skills. Facing a setback in his career due to concerns over his bowling action, Narine underwent modifications to rectify the issue. However, he showcased his cricketing prowess by excelling as an opening batsman for KKR. Despite encountering challenges in his bowling, the former West Indies international has made significant contributions to the team's success. 

Entering IPL 2024 with 163 wickets in 162 matches, Narine's ability to restrict runs is particularly noteworthy. Having delivered 1478 dot balls, he holds the distinction of being the most economical bowler on the list, boasting an impressive economy rate of 6.73. 

Ravichandran Ashwin - 1477 dot balls

Renowned for his stellar performances, Ashwin has etched his name in cricketing history, particularly in the Test arena. As India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, he recently achieved the feat of becoming the fastest Indian bowler to claim 450 Test wickets.

His exceptional skills were evident in the 2022 edition, where he played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals' journey to the final. Demonstrating his versatility, Ashwin contributed significantly with both bat and ball, amassing 191 runs and taking 12 wickets. With his strategic acumen and unyielding work ethic, this seasoned spinner continues to dazzle on the cricket field, often surprising opponents with his bag of tricks.

Ashwin's brilliance extends to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has showcased his cricketing intellect across 171 matches until IPL 2023. His ability to deliver dot balls, totalling 1477 in the IPL, underscores his tactical prowess. Additionally, Ashwin ranks as the second most economical bowler on the list, boasting an impressive economy rate of 7.01, following closely behind Narine.

For each IPL Dot Ball: Tree to be Planted by BCCI

During the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a novel initiative, replacing dot balls with green tree icons. This innovative move was made possible through a partnership between the BCCI and the Tata Group, the sponsor of the IPL.

For every dot ball bowled, the Tata Group pledged to plant 500 trees. As of June 30, 2023, a total of 147,000 trees have been planted across various regions of India, a direct result of 294 dot balls recorded during the IPL playoffs and the final. This eco-friendly endeavor aims to contribute to environmental conservation efforts while promoting sustainability in cricketing events.