Top 10 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history—legends who dominated with the ball and shaped the league's legacy.
Top 10 Bowlers with Most Wickets in IPL History (2008-2025) - Updated

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has continued to be the platform of the Best vs Best since its inception in 2008. It has displayed some of the finest talents in the world. While batsmen are often at the forefront of all the attention with huge sixes and explosive centuries, bowlers have still created an impact but have not got the popularity like the batters.
They have turned matches with their guile, pace, and precision. In a format heavily tilted toward batting, these bowlers have defied the odds to register their names in IPL history with staggering wicket hauls. Here is a list of the top 10 bowlers who have scalped the most wickets in the tournament’s storied journey as of March 29, 2025.
Top 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in IPL
These 10 bowlers have been sensational in the IPL and have foxed the best of batters in a league where bowlers are taken to all parts of the ground. As the IPL evolves, their legacies inspire the next generation to take the ball and make history. Who’s your favorite from this elite list?
Rank | Player | Teams Played For | NO. of Matches | Wickets |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Yuzvendra Chahal | MI, PBKS, RCB, RR | 164 | 206 |
2 | Piyush Chawla | CSK, KKR, KXIP, MI | 192 | 192 |
3 | Ravichandran Ashwin | CSK, DC, KXIP, RPS, RR | 216 | 185 |
4 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | PWI, RCB, SRH | 179 | 184 |
5 | Dwayne Bravo | CSK, GL, MI | 161 | 183 |
6 | Sunil Narine | KKR | 180 | 182 |
7 | Amit Mishra | DC, DCH, LSG, SRH | 162 | 174 |
8 | Lasith Malinga | MI | 122 | 170 |
9 | Jasprit Bumrah | MI | 134 | 165 |
10 | Ravindra Jadeja | CSK, GL, Kochi, RR | 245 | 162 |
10. Ravindra Jadeja (CSK/GL/Kochi/RR) – 162 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja, the versatile all-rounder from Saurashtra, India, has been a mainstay in the IPL since 2008. Known for his sensational fielding and handy batting, it’s his left-arm spin that has quietly amassed 162 wickets across an impressive 245 matches. Jadeja’s IPL journey began with Rajasthan Royals, where he won the title in the inaugural season, before stints with Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Gujarat Lions.
However, it is with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that he could bring out his best performances in the league. He has become a vital cog in their bowling attack. Jadeja’s ability to bowl tight lines, especially in the middle overs, combined with a knack for breakthroughs, makes him a crucial figure in the CSK lineup. Jadeja’s best figures of 5/16 came in a match-winning effort. The left-arm spinner has displayed his ability to break partnerships when it matters most.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 245 |
Wickets Taken | 162 |
Strike Rate | 24.12 |
Bowling Average | 30.67 |
Economy Rate | 7.63 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 3 |
9. Jasprit Bumrah (MI) – 165 Wickets

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s sensational fast bowler, has been a world-class fast bowler in the IPL with his unorthodox action and impeccable line and length. Playing exclusively for Mumbai Indians since 2013, Bumrah has scalped 165 wickets in 134 matches. His ability to deliver searing yorkers in the death overs has made him a captain’s dream and a batsman’s nightmare.
Bumrah’s standout performance came with figures of 5/10, and he has always been dominant in high-pressure situations. Bumrah has played fewer matches compared to others on this list, but his exceptional strike rate and economy reflect his efficiency. He has been one of the best performers in MI’s title-winning campaigns and is currently the best across formats.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 134 |
Wickets Taken | 165 |
Strike Rate | 18.65 |
Bowling Average | 22.70 |
Economy Rate | 7.30 |
8. Lasith Malinga (MI) – 170 Wickets

The “Slinga” from Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga, is a legend who has been enriched with IPL success. Representing Mumbai Indians from 2009 to 2019, Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers and deceptive slower balls fetched him 170 wickets in just 122 matches. He has the best figures of 5/13.
The Sri Lankan had the ability to single-handedly change the fortunes of his team, and none was more famous than the 2019 IPL final, where he defended 9 runs in the last over to clinch the title for MI. Malinga’s economy of 7.14 and strike rate of 16.62 are among the best in IPL history. The Lankan is definitely one of the best bowlers in the history of the IPL.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 122 |
Wickets Taken | 170 |
Strike Rate | 16.62 |
Bowling Average | 19.79 |
Economy Rate | 7.14 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 6 |
7. Amit Mishra (DC/DCH/LSG/SRH) – 174 Wickets

Amit Mishra, the wily leg spinner, has been a consistent wicket-taker across 162 IPL matches since 2008. With stints at Delhi Capitals, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the Super Giants from Lucknow, Mishra’s crafty variations have bamboozled batsmen aplenty. His tally of 174 wickets includes a remarkable 5/17, and he holds the unique distinction of taking three hat-tricks in IPL history—more than anyone else.
Mishra had longevity in his career and adapted to different conditions with time. This is why he could play the game in the IPL for such a long time, even with the emergence of young spinners. His strike rate of 19.37 displays that he had the ability to pick wickets at crucial junctures.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 162 |
Wickets Taken | 174 |
Strike Rate | 19.37 |
Bowling Average | 23.82 |
Economy Rate | 7.37 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 4 |
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6. Sunil Narine (KKR) – 182 Wickets

Sunil Narine, the mystery spinner from the West Indies, has been a Kolkata Knight Riders loyalist since 2012. Known for his unreadable action and miserly economy. Narine has been a game-changer for Kolkata Knight Riders. His best figures of 5/19 came during one of his seven four-wicket hauls, a record among this elite group. Narine’s ability to choke runs in the powerplay and middle overs, strengthened by his explosive batting as an opener lately, has made him a vital cog in KKR’s squad. The West Indian has helped KKR win three IPL titles in 2012, 2014, and 2024.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 180 |
Wickets Taken | 182 |
Strike Rate | 22.85 |
Bowling Average | 25.81 |
Economy Rate | 6.78 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 7 |
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5. Dwayne Bravo (CSK/GL/MI) – 183 Wickets

Dwayne Bravo, the flamboyant West Indian all-rounder, sits third with 183 wickets in 161 matches. The bowler kicked off his campaign with Mumbai Indians and then had a successful stint with the Gujarat Lions; it was with Chennai Super Kings that Bravo became a T20 legend.
He mastered the art of bowling the slower balls, and his exceptional death-over bowling fetched him a best of 4/22 and two Purple Caps (2013 and 2015). Bravo’s economy of 8.38 reflects the aggressive batting he faced, but his strike rate of 17.04 shows his wicket-taking skills at the death. Retired in 2022, he now mentors KKR and is continuing his legacy in the IPL, albeit in a different role.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 161 |
Wickets Taken | 183 |
Strike Rate | 17.04 |
Bowling Average | 23.82 |
Economy Rate | 8.38 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 0 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 2 |
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4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (PWI/RCB/SRH) – 184 Wickets

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the swing king from Uttar Pradesh, India, shares the No. 5 spot in most wickets in IPL history. Starting with Pune Warriors India in 2011, followed by a brief stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Bhuvi found his home at Sunrisers Hyderabad.
His ability to move the ball both ways, especially with the new ball, has earned him two five-wicket hauls, with 5/19 being his best. A miserly economy rate and a knack for early breakthroughs is what has helped his name shine in a spinner-dominated list. His Purple Cap win in 2016 remains a career highlight, and now he is back in RCB colours.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 179 |
Wickets Taken | 184 |
Strike Rate | 21.61 |
Bowling Average | 27.28 |
Economy Rate | 7.58 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 2 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 2 |
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3. Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK/DC/KXIP/RPS/RR) – 185 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s off-spin maestro, has had a glittering IPL career that began in 2009. He started with Chennai Super Kings, then continued with stints with Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Rajasthan Royals.
Ashwin has continued to shine by adapting to the needs of the new franchises. His best figures are 4/34, and Ashwin has always outsmarted batsmen with flight and variation. While his economy is impressive, his higher strike rate shows he often bowls in challenging phases. He ranks third among the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL. Ashwin’s understanding of the game continues to make him a vital asset as of 2025. He is back in CSK colors.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 216 |
Wickets Taken | 185 |
Strike Rate | 25.01 |
Bowling Average | 29.93 |
Economy Rate | 7.18 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 0 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
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2. Piyush Chawla (CSK/KKR/KXIP/MI) – 192 Wickets

Piyush Chawla, the leg-spinning veteran from Uttar Pradesh, India, has claimed 192 wickets in 192 matches since 2008. He is the second bowler with the most wickets in IPL. taken the most wickets in IPL. With spells at Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians, Chawla’s googly has been his weapon of choice.
His best figures of 4/17 came during a stellar KKR stint, where he also hit the winning runs in the 2014 final. Chawla has been consistent and has performed across franchises. Though his economy of 7.96 is on the higher side, his wicket tally reflects that he has a great career as a leg spinner in the cash-rich tournament.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 192 |
Wickets Taken | 192 |
Strike Rate | 20.05 |
Bowling Average | 26.60 |
Economy Rate | 7.96 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 0 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 2 |
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1. Yuzvendra Chahal (MI/PBKS/RCB/RR) – 206 Wickets

Topping the charts is Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s leg-spin wizard, with a staggering 206 wickets in 161 matches as of 2025. Starting with the Mumbai Indians in 2013, Chahal rose to prominence with Royal Challengers Bangalore before thriving at Rajasthan Royals.
His best figures of 5/40, including a hat-trick, go on to display why he has been a match winner in this league. Chahal’s strike rate and economy reflect his dual role as a wicket-taker and run-container. The first bowler to breach the 200-wicket mark in IPL history (in 2024), Chahal’s journey from a chess fan to IPL’s greatest bowler is something to cherish. He has taken the most wickets in IPL. He is currently part of the Punjab Kings franchise in IPL 2025.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 164 |
Wickets Taken | 206 |
Strike Rate | 17.41 |
Bowling Average | 22.88 |
Economy Rate | 7.88 |
Five-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
Four-Wicket Hauls | 6 |
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Who is the leading wicket taker in IPL history?
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Who is the leading wicket taker in IPL history?
Yuzvendra Chahal.
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