Punjab Kings’ leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, with 221 wickets in 174 matches. His steady performances have established him as one of the best T20 bowlers in this top franchise competition.
Over the years, the IPL has had several bowlers who stood out with their precision, skill, and consistency. These bowlers have frequently challenged top international batsmen, making the league competitive and fun to watch.
The list of most wickets in IPL includes many legends who have not only taken wickets regularly but have also won Purple Cap awards for being the highest wicket-takers in individual seasons. This article highlights the top bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history and their outstanding performances.
Most Wickets In IPL History (2008-2026) – Top 10
The top 10 wicket-takers in IPL history, from Yuzvendra Chahal to Ravindra Jadeja, are listed below.
| Player | Country | Span | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuzi Chahal | India | 2013-2025 | 174 | 221 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | India | 2011-2025 | 190 | 198 |
| Sunil Narine | West Indies | 2012-2025 | 189 | 192 |
| Piyush Chawla | India | 2008-2024 | 192 | 192 |
| Ravi Ashwin | India | 2009-2025 | 221 | 187 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 2013-2025 | 145 | 183 |
| Dwayne Bravo | West Indies | 2008-2022 | 161 | 183 |
| Amit Mishra | India | 2008-2024 | 162 | 174 |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 2009-2019 | 122 | 170 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | India | 2008-2025 | 254 | 170 |
1. Yuzvendra Chahal
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2013-2025 |
| Matches | 174 |
| Wickets | 221 |
| Average | 22.76 |
| Economy | 7.96 |
| BBI | 5/40 |
Yuzvendra Chahal tops the IPL’s all-time wicket list with 221 wickets, showing his skillful spin and reliability with teams like RCB, RR, MI, and PBKS.
He is the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in the league and won the Purple Cap in 2022 with 27 wickets. Known for his smart variations and control in the middle overs, Chahal has consistently provided important breakthroughs and match-winning performances each season.
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2011-2025 |
| Matches | 190 |
| Wickets | 198 |
| Average | 27.33 |
| Economy | 7.69 |
| BBI | 5/19 |
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been one of the most effective fast bowlers in IPL history. He is known for his swing and accuracy. With 198 wickets, he often provided early breakthroughs and maintained tight control during critical moments.
Bhuvi won the Purple Cap in consecutive seasons, 2016 and 2017, while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He had a standout performance in IPL 2017, recording the best bowling figures of 5/19. His skill in delivering powerful new-ball spells and turning games around under pressure has established him as one of the league’s top pacers.
3. Sunil Narine
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2012-2025 |
| Matches | 189 |
| Wickets | 192 |
| Average | 25.63 |
| Economy | 6.79 |
| BBI | 5/19 |
Sunil Narine’s mystery spin and tight economy have made him a key bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders. He has taken 192 wickets, consistently troubling batsmen with his subtle variations and accuracy.
Narine played an important role in KKR’s IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, claiming high wicket tallies in those seasons. His ability to bowl in power plays and middle overs has made him one of the league’s most successful spinners.
4. Piyush Chawla
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2008-2024 |
| Matches | 192 |
| Wickets | 192 |
| Average | 26.60 |
| Economy | 7.96 |
| BBI | 4/17 |
Piyush Chawla has been a standout leg-spinner in the IPL, taking 192 wickets over a long career. He is known for his control and ability to bowl during important moments.
Chawla has consistently performed well for several franchises. His skill in taking crucial wickets and breaking partnerships has helped his teams stay competitive. He is one of the most enduring bowlers in IPL history.
5. Ravi Ashwin
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2009-2025 |
| Matches | 221 |
| Wickets | 187 |
| Average | 30.22 |
| Economy | 7.20 |
| BBI | 4/34 |
Ravi Ashwin’s clever off‑spin and tactical acumen have earned him 187 IPL wickets. Bowling with variety and precision, Ashwin has been effective in both powerplay and middle overs.
His experience and leadership made him a key figure in several teams, regularly providing breakthroughs and building pressure. Ashwin’s performances have shown how smart spin bowling can dominate in T20 formats.
6. Jasprit Bumrah
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2013-2025 |
| Matches | 145 |
| Wickets | 183 |
| Average | 22.02 |
| Economy | 7.24 |
| BBI | 5/10 |
Jasprit Bumrah’s quick pace and yorker skills have made him one of the top bowlers in the IPL. With 183 wickets, his ability to bowl in the final overs and perform under pressure is unmatched.
Bumrah consistently picks up important wickets in close matches and has been a key player for the Mumbai Indians, helping them win several IPL titles with his excellent bowling.
7. Dwayne Bravo
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2008-2022 |
| Matches | 161 |
| Wickets | 183 |
| Average | 23.82 |
| Economy | 8.38 |
| BBI | 4/22 |
Dwayne Bravo’s slower balls and skill in the death overs made him tough for batsmen. He took 183 wickets in his IPL career and won the Purple Cap twice (2013, 2015), showing his consistency.
Bravo’s talent for bowling in critical overs and taking wickets was often essential for Chennai Super Kings and other teams during his lengthy IPL career.
8. Amit Mishra
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2008-2024 |
| Matches | 162 |
| Wickets | 174 |
| Average | 23.82 |
| Economy | 7.37 |
| BBI | 5/17 |
Amit Mishra’s clever leg-spin has brought skill and precision to the IPL since 2008, ending with 174 wickets. His knack for tricking batsmen with different deliveries and spin made him a top strike bowler.
Mishra’s best bowling in an IPL match was 5/17 against the Deccan Chargers in IPL 2008, showcasing his game-changing talent with the ball. He also has a unique record of three IPL hat-tricks, underscoring his reliability and influence as one of the league’s most successful spinners.
9. Lasith Malinga
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2009-2019 |
| Matches | 122 |
| Wickets | 170 |
| Average | 19.79 |
| Economy | 7.14 |
| BBI | 5/13 |
Lasith Malinga’s unique sling action and toe-crushing yorkers made him one of the most feared bowlers in IPL history. He finished with 170 wickets. As a pioneer of T20 death bowling, he won the Purple Cap in IPL 2011 with 28 wickets, proving his ability to perform under pressure.
Malinga’s deadly yorkers and slower balls often unsettled top batsmen. This helped him deliver match-winning performances and solidified his status as one of the greatest bowlers in the league.
10. Ravindra Jadeja
IPL Career Stats:
| Span | 2008-2025 |
| Matches | 254 |
| Wickets | 170 |
| Average | 30.51 |
| Economy | 7.67 |
| BBI | 5/16 |
Ravindra Jadeja rounds out the top ten with 170 wickets, showcasing his consistency and accuracy as a left‑arm spinner. His all‑around contributions for Chennai Super Kings have been crucial, including becoming CSK’s second top wicket‑taker and delivering key breakthroughs.
Jadeja’s ability to bowl economically and pick wickets in tight moments has made him a valuable asset in the IPL.
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Conclusion: Yuzvendra Chahal Tops The List of Most Wickets In IPL History!
Yuzvendra Chahal’s record of 221 wickets secures his spot as the top wicket-taker in IPL history. Close competitors like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, and Ravi Ashwin have also left their mark with strong performances and game-changing spells.
Fast bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Dwayne Bravo, and Lasith Malinga, along with spinners Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja, have played vital roles in their teams’ successes.
These bowlers not only took many wickets but also earned Purple Caps and created memorable moments, solidifying their status as legends of the IPL.
