By Ravi - May 06, 2025 01:57 PM
Very few fast bowlers have played the role of captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as teams often prefer batsmen or all-rounders for leadership. However, some fast bowlers have led their teams and performed remarkably with the ball while captaining. Below is an analysis of the top fast bowler captains in IPL history, based on their bowling performance during their captaincy tenures based on data and records available till IPL 2025.
Hardik Pandya is back on top of the list of best bowling figures by a fast bowler as captain in IPL history. The Mumbai Indians captain produced a record-breaking spell of 5/36 in four overs against Lucknow Super Giants away from home in IPL 2025. He took 5/36 against Lucknow Super Giants, helping restrict them to a competitive 203 and showcased his ability to perform even in adverse conditions.
Veteran all-rounder and one of the best overseas players in IPL history, Shane Watson, has also joined this illustrious list. While leading Rajasthan Royals, Watson had a stellar performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad in 2014. The star all-rounder broke the momentum by dismissing the dangerous Shikhar Dhawan, which led to the team collapsing. RR eventually restricted SRH to a low score, with Watson impressive with figures of 3/13.
Hardik has been reappointed as the fast bowling allrounder cum captain of the IPL winning side. In the 2022 final against Rajasthan Royals, he performed with the ball in match-winning fashion, taking three wickets including key players Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler, ensuring Gujarat Titans' maiden title.
Pat Cummins took 3 for 19 against Delhi Capitals in a must-win home match in IPL 2025, the fourth-best performance by a fast bowler bowling captain in the IPL. Opening the attack, Cummins led from the front, completely demolishing Delhi's top order and putting Sunrisers Hyderabad in a strong position after being asked to bowl first.
Also Read: Top 5 fastest fifties by RCB batsmen in IPL history
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