Most Wickets in IPL in One Season: Top Bowlers in IPL History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen many extraordinary bowling performances, but only a few bowlers have achieved remarkable wicket tallies in a single season. This list of top bowlers highlights those who have taken the most wickets in IPL in one season, showcasing their unique skills and contributions to their teams. Let’s dive deeper into the records and achievements of each player who has dominated with the ball.

---

Who Has Taken the Most Wickets in a Single IPL Season?

Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel hold the record for most wickets taken in a single IPL season, with both achieving an impressive 32 wickets. Bravo, playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2013, and Patel, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2021, delivered stellar performances, cementing their place in IPL history for having the most wickets in IPL in one season.

---

Top 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in One IPL Season

1. Dwayne Bravo – 32 Wickets | IPL 2013

Dwayne Bravo, the charismatic all-rounder from the West Indies, set the IPL record for the most wickets in IPL in one season in 2013. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Bravo’s exceptional bowling helped him achieve 32 wickets in 18 matches. His performance was crucial in taking CSK to the final, where he claimed four wickets against Mumbai Indians. Although CSK lost to Mumbai Indians, Bravo’s contribution was unforgettable.

---

2. Harshal Patel – 32 Wickets | IPL 2021

• Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
• Matches: 15
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/27
• Economy Rate: 8.14
• Average: 14.34

Harshal Patel had an unforgettable season with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021, where he matched Bravo’s record by taking 32 wickets in just 15 matches. Known for his slower deliveries and effective yorkers, Harshal proved to be an unexpected game-changer.

His hat-trick against Mumbai Indians, where he dismissed Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, and Rahul Chahar, highlighted his skill in high-pressure situations. Harshal’s breakout season earned him the Purple Cap, marking him as the only uncapped player to achieve such a high wicket tally in IPL history.

---

3. Kagiso Rabada – 30 Wickets | IPL 2020

• Team: Delhi Capitals
• Matches: 17
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/24
• Economy Rate: 8.34
• Average: 18.26

Kagiso Rabada, the South African pace spearhead, had an incredible season for Delhi Capitals in 2020, claiming 30 wickets. His efforts helped Delhi reach their first-ever IPL final, although they lost to Mumbai Indians.

Rabada’s raw pace and sharp bouncers, combined with his ability to bowl effectively at both the start and end of innings, made him a formidable force in the tournament. His 30 wickets were a key factor in Delhi’s journey to the final, and his consistency throughout the season earned him the Purple Cap.

---

4. Lasith Malinga – 28 Wickets | IPL 2011

• Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
• Matches: 16
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/13
• Economy Rate: 5.95
• Average: 13.39

Known as the ‘Slinga’ for his unique round-arm action, Lasith Malinga was a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2011. Malinga took 28 wickets in 16 matches for Mumbai Indians with an astonishing economy rate of 5.95, one of the lowest among bowlers with high wicket counts.

His precise yorkers and ability to restrict runs in the death overs made him the Purple Cap winner that season. Malinga’s skill with the ball laid the foundation for MI’s success, and his performance in 2011 solidified his place as one of the greatest bowlers in IPL history.

---

5. James Faulkner – 28 Wickets | IPL 2013

• Team: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
• Matches: 16
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/16
• Economy Rate: 6.75
• Average: 15.25

Australian all-rounder James Faulkner was a standout for Rajasthan Royals in 2013, taking 28 wickets across 16 matches. Known for his change of pace and accurate slower balls, Faulkner consistently troubled batsmen and became a key wicket-taker for RR.

His best performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he picked up a five-wicket haul. Despite narrowly missing the Purple Cap to Bravo, Faulkner’s season was exceptional and showcased his versatility as a bowler who could take wickets and control the run rate.

---

6. Mohammed Shami – 28 Wickets | IPL 2023

• Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
• Matches: 17
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/11
• Economy Rate: 7.95
• Average: 17.60

Gujarat Titans’ spearhead, Mohammed Shami, was in phenomenal form in IPL 2023, capturing 28 wickets. Shami’s skillful seam movement and disciplined bowling made him a constant threat.

His contributions were instrumental in helping Gujarat reach their second IPL final, although they ultimately fell short. Shami’s efforts earned him the Purple Cap and further established his reputation as one of India’s top fast bowlers.

---

7. Mohit Sharma – 27 Wickets | IPL 2023

• Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
• Matches: 14
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/10
• Economy Rate: 8.17
• Average: 13.37

Another Gujarat Titans bowler, Mohit Sharma, had an impactful season in 2023. In just 14 matches, he managed to take 27 wickets, proving himself as a reliable bowler.

His best performance came in Qualifier 2, where he registered figures of 5/10 against Mumbai Indians. Mohit’s ability to strike in crucial moments played a significant role in Gujarat’s strong season, making him one of the standout bowlers of IPL 2023.

---

8. Jasprit Bumrah – 27 Wickets | IPL 2020

• Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
• Matches: 15
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/14
• Economy Rate: 6.73
• Average: 14.96

Jasprit Bumrah’s extraordinary season in 2020 was instrumental in Mumbai Indians winning their fifth IPL title. Known for his deadly yorkers and accuracy, Bumrah, who claimed his first wicket in IPL with a memorable delivery, went on to take 27 wickets in 15 matches at a remarkable average of 14.96. His exceptional bowling in the death overs helped MI defend their title, and his form throughout the tournament solidified his reputation as one of the best death bowlers in the worl

---

9. Yuzvendra Chahal – 27 Wickets | IPL 2022

• Team: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
• Matches: 17
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/40
• Economy Rate: 7.75
• Average: 19.51

Yuzvendra Chahal’s 2022 season with Rajasthan Royals was impressive as he finished with 27 wickets. Known for his ability to deceive batsmen with flight and turn, Chahal was instrumental in helping RR reach the final.

His season included a five-wicket haul, showcasing his ability to pick up crucial wickets and control the game with his leg-spin.

---

10. Rashid Khan – 27 Wickets | IPL 2023

• Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
• Matches: 17
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/30
• Economy Rate: 7.93
• Average: 18.80

Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan added another remarkable season to his IPL career in 2023. Playing for Gujarat Titans, he claimed 27 wickets in 17 matches, consistently applying pressure on batters with his tight lines and variations.

His economy rate of 7.93 and wicket-taking ability helped GT reach the finals. Rashid’s performance once again highlighted his status as one of the most consistent and feared spinners in T20 cricket.