Most Wickets in IPL History
The Most Wickets in IPL History record highlights the best bowlers who have performed consistently in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since its beginning in 2008, the league has given fans many memorable bowling performances. Fast bowlers, spinners, and all-rounders have played important roles in helping their teams win matches.
Taking wickets in the IPL is not easy because batters often attack from the first over. However, some bowlers have performed consistently across several seasons. Most Wickets in IPL History is an important record that shows the consistency and impact of these players.
Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal holds the record for taking the most wickets in IPL history. He is followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Sunil Narine. This article covers the top 15 wicket-takers, their career records, important achievements, and major bowling records.
Top 15 Bowlers With the Most Wickets in IPL History
The following table shows the leading wicket-takers through the IPL 2026 season. The figures are compiled from ball-by-ball IPL records covering matches up to the 2026 final on 31 May 2026. Bowling figures can differ slightly between databases because of updates and scoring treatments, so the table uses one consistent statistical record set.
| Rank | Player | IPL Matches | Bowling Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 188 | 184 | 233 | 5/40 | 23.25 | 8.05 |
| 2 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 206 | 206 | 226 | 5/19 | 26.16 | 7.71 |
| 3 | Sunil Narine | 202 | 200 | 207 | 5/19 | 25.42 | 6.79 |
| 4 | Piyush Chawla | 192 | 191 | 192 | 4/17 | 26.60 | 7.96 |
| 5 | Ravichandran Ashwin | 221 | 217 | 187 | 4/34 | 30.22 | 7.20 |
| 6 | Jasprit Bumrah | 158 | 158 | 187 | 5/10 | 23.75 | 7.34 |
| 7 | Dwayne Bravo | 161 | 158 | 183 | 4/22 | 23.83 | 8.38 |
| 8 | Ravindra Jadeja | 268 | 237 | 180 | 5/16 | 30.36 | 7.71 |
| 9 | Rashid Khan | 153 | 153 | 179 | 4/24 | 23.92 | 7.28 |
| 10 | Amit Mishra | 162 | 162 | 174 | 5/17 | 23.82 | 7.38 |
| 11 | Lasith Malinga | 122 | 122 | 170 | 5/13 | 19.80 | 7.14 |
| 12 | Harshal Patel | 124 | 121 | 151 | 5/27 | 24.68 | 8.92 |
| 13 | Sandeep Sharma | 142 | 142 | 151 | 5/18 | 28.44 | 8.16 |
| 14 | Harbhajan Singh | 163 | 160 | 150 | 5/18 | 26.87 | 7.08 |
| 15 | Kagiso Rabada | 101 | 101 | 148 | 4/21 | 22.69 | 8.80 |
Note: Matches, innings, and bowling figures are presented from the compiled IPL record set. The team column is not included because several players have represented multiple franchises.
1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 233 Wickets
Yuzvendra Chahal is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history with 233 wickets. He has played for teams including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings.
Chahal is a right-arm leg-spinner who uses flight, turn, and variations to trouble batters. He has regularly taken important wickets during the middle overs. His best IPL bowling figures are 5/40.
His ability to take wickets consistently makes him one of the most successful spinners in the tournament.
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 226 Wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is second on the all-time list with 226 wickets. He has represented Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
He is known for swing bowling, accurate line and length, and excellent control with the new ball. Bhuvneshwar has also been effective during the death overs.
His best IPL bowling performance is 5/19. He has shown that fast bowlers can remain successful in T20 cricket through accuracy and smart variations.
3. Sunil Narine – 207 Wickets
Sunil Narine has taken 207 wickets in the IPL, representing Kolkata Knight Riders throughout his IPL career.
The West Indies spinner is famous for his mystery spin, quick deliveries, and economical bowling. His economy rate of 6.79 is particularly impressive among the leading wicket-takers.
Narine has also contributed with the bat, making him one of KKR's most valuable all-round players.
4. Piyush Chawla – 192 Wickets
Piyush Chawla has taken 192 wickets in 192 IPL matches. He has represented several franchises, including Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians.
The leg-spinner used flight and variations to take wickets in the middle overs. His long IPL career shows his ability to remain competitive across different teams and seasons.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin – 187 Wickets
Ravichandran Ashwin finished his IPL career with 187 wickets. He played for several teams, including Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings.
Ashwin is known for his off-spin, carrom ball, and tactical understanding. He often used changes in pace and angles to control the scoring rate and create wicket-taking opportunities.
6. Jasprit Bumrah – 187 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah has taken 187 IPL wickets for Mumbai Indians. He is one of the most effective fast bowlers in T20 cricket.
His yorkers, slower balls, and unusual bowling action make it difficult for batters to score freely. Bumrah has delivered important performances in both the powerplay and death overs.
His best IPL bowling figures are 5/10.
7. Dwayne Bravo – 183 Wickets
Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo took 183 wickets in the IPL. He played for teams including Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Lions.
Bravo was especially famous for his slower balls and death-over bowling. He also contributed valuable runs with the bat.
He jointly holds the record for the most wickets in a single IPL season, with 32 wickets in 2013.
8. Ravindra Jadeja – 180 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja has taken 180 IPL wickets while playing for franchises including Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions, and other teams.
Jadeja is a left-arm orthodox spinner who bowls accurately and quickly. Along with his bowling, he is an excellent fielder and a useful lower-order batter.
His all-round contributions have made him an important player in IPL history.
9. Rashid Khan – 179 Wickets
Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has taken 179 IPL wickets. He has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.
Rashid is known for his quick leg-spin, googly, and ability to bowl economical overs. He can take wickets even when batters try to attack him.
His all-round skills also make him valuable with the bat.
10. Amit Mishra – 174 Wickets
Amit Mishra is one of India's most successful leg-spinners in IPL history. He finished his career with 174 wickets.
He represented Delhi Daredevils, Deccan Chargers, and other franchises. Mishra was particularly effective at taking wickets in the middle overs through flight and turn.
Other Bowlers in the Top 15
Lasith Malinga, Harshal Patel, Sandeep Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, and Kagiso Rabada complete the top 15.
Malinga took 170 wickets and became famous for his accurate yorkers. Harshal Patel has 151 wickets and is known for his slower deliveries and variations. Sandeep Sharma also has 151 wickets, using swing and control to trouble batters.
Harbhajan Singh finished with 150 wickets and played an important role for Mumbai Indians and other franchises. Kagiso Rabada has taken 148 wickets with his pace and ability to generate bounce.
Who Holds the Record for the Most Wickets in IPL History?
Yuzvendra Chahal holds the record for the most wickets in IPL history, with 233 wickets. His consistent performances across multiple franchises have helped him move ahead of other legendary bowlers.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is second with 226 wickets, while Sunil Narine is third with 207 wickets. These three bowlers have crossed the 200-wicket mark in the compiled record set through the 2026 season.
Which Indian Bowler Has Taken the Most IPL Wickets?
Yuzvendra Chahal is the Indian bowler with the most IPL wickets. His 233 wickets put him at the top of the overall list as well.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar follows him with 226 wickets. Other Indian bowlers among the leading wicket-takers include Piyush Chawla, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Amit Mishra.
Important Bowling Records in IPL History
Apart from the overall wicket tally, several other bowling records make IPL history interesting.
| Record | Player | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Most career wickets | Yuzvendra Chahal | 233 |
| Most wickets in one IPL season | Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel | 32 each |
| Best bowling figures in an IPL innings | Alzarri Joseph | 6/12 |
| Most four-wicket hauls | Yuzvendra Chahal | 8 |
| Most five-wicket hauls | Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah | 2 each |
Alzarri Joseph created history with his 6/12 performance for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019. It remains the best bowling performance by figures in an IPL innings in the record set covered here.
Dwayne Bravo took 32 wickets in the 2013 season for Chennai Super Kings. Harshal Patel matched that achievement in 2021 while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Why Are These Bowlers Successful in the IPL?
The IPL is a batting-friendly tournament, but successful bowlers understand how to adapt to different conditions. Some use swing to take wickets in the powerplay, while others depend on spin and variations during the middle overs.
Death-over specialists use yorkers, slower balls, and changes in length to restrict runs. Bowlers such as Bumrah, Bravo, and Bhuvneshwar have shown how important these skills are in T20 cricket.
Consistency is another major factor. Taking wickets in different seasons and against strong batting line-ups requires skill, fitness, and match awareness.
Conclusion
The list of Most Wickets in IPL History highlights the achievements of some of the best bowlers in the tournament. Yuzvendra Chahal leads the chart with 233 wickets, followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 226 and Sunil Narine with 207.
Players such as Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, Dwayne Bravo, Rashid Khan, and Lasith Malinga have also made major contributions to their teams. Their performances show that taking wickets consistently is just as important as scoring runs in T20 cricket.
As future IPL seasons take place, active bowlers will have opportunities to improve their records and move higher on the all-time leaderboard.
Last Updated: 5 November 2026
Frequently asked questions
Who has taken the most wickets in IPL history?
Yuzvendra Chahal holds the record for the most wickets in IPL history, with 233 wickets in the compiled record set through the 2026 season.
Who is the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is second on the all-time list with 226 wickets, followed by Sunil Narine with 207 wickets.
Which Indian bowler has taken the most wickets in IPL history?
Yuzvendra Chahal is the Indian bowler with the most IPL wickets. He has taken 233 wickets during his IPL career.
Who has taken the most wickets in a single IPL season?
Dwayne Bravo and Harshal Patel jointly hold the record, with 32 wickets each. Bravo achieved this in 2013, while Harshal Patel did it in 2021.
Who has the best bowling figures in IPL history?
Alzarri Joseph holds the record for the best bowling figures in an IPL innings. He took 6 wickets for 12 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019.
