This list of the highest wicket-takers in the IPL features several legends who have not only consistently taken wickets but have also won the prestigious Purple Cap awarded to the bowler with the most wickets in a single season on multiple occasions. Over the past few years, numerous bowlers have emerged in the IPL, carving out a distinct identity for themselves through their precision, skill, and consistency. These bowlers have frequently posed a formidable challenge to the world's top international batsmen, thereby making the league even more thrilling and entertaining to watch.
Top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history| Player Name | Innings | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 172 | 221 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 190 | 198 |
| Piyush Chawla | 191 | 192 |
| Sunil Narine | 187 | 192 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 217 | 187 |
1. Yuzvendra Chahal
With 221 wickets, Yuzvendra Chahal tops the list of the highest wicket-takers in the history of the IPL. He has consistently delivered stellar performances and showcased his magnificent spin bowling while playing for teams such as RCB, RR, MI, and PBKS. He is the first bowler in the history of this league to reach the milestone of 200 wickets, and in 2022, he also won the 'Purple Cap' by taking 27 wickets. Renowned for his clever variations and exceptional control over the ball during the middle overs, Chahal has consistently provided crucial breakthroughs and delivered match-winning performances in every season.
| Span | 2013-2025 |
| Matches | 174 |
| Wickets | 221 |
| Average | 22.76 |
| Economy | 7.96 |
| BBI | 5/40 |
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been one of the most impactful fast bowlers in the history of the IPL. He is renowned for his swing and pinpoint accuracy. With 198 wickets to his name, he has consistently provided early breakthroughs and maintained a strong hold on the bowling attack during crucial moments. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, 'Bhuvi' won the 'Purple Cap' in two consecutive seasons—2016 and 2017. His performance in the 2017 IPL was truly extraordinary, best exemplified by his career-best bowling figures of 5/19. On the strength of his ability to deliver potent spells with the new ball and turn the tide of a match under pressure, he has cemented his place as one of the finest fast bowlers in the league.
| Span | 2011-2025 |
| Matches | 190 |
| Wickets | 198 |
| Average | 27.33 |
| Economy | 7.69 |
| BBI | 5/19 |
3. Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine's mystery spin and tight economy have made him a pivotal bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He has taken 192 wickets and has consistently troubled batsmen with his subtle variations and precise bowling. Narine played a crucial role in helping KKR win the IPL title in 2012 and 2014, taking a significant number of wickets in those seasons. His ability to bowl during the Powerplay and the middle overs has established him as one of the most successful spinners in the league.
| Span | 2012-2025 |
| Matches | 189 |
| Wickets | 192 |
| Average | 25.63 |
| Economy | 6.79 |
| BBI | 5/19 |
4. Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla has been an exceptional leg-spinner in the IPL, having claimed 192 wickets over the course of his long career. He is renowned for his control and his ability to bowl effectively during crucial moments. Chawla has consistently delivered stellar performances for multiple franchises. His knack for taking key wickets and breaking partnerships has helped his teams maintain a strong position in matches. He stands as one of the longest-serving bowlers in the history of the IPL.
| Span | 2008-2024 |
| Matches | 192 |
| Wickets | 192 |
| Average | 26.60 |
| Economy | 7.96 |
| BBI | 4/17 |
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin's wily off-spin and strategic acumen have earned him 187 IPL wickets. With a blend of variety and precision in his bowling, Ashwin has proven effective in both the Powerplay and the middle overs. His experience and leadership qualities have established him as a pivotal player across multiple teams—one who consistently takes wickets and exerts pressure on the opposition. Ashwin's performance has demonstrated how smart spin bowling can assert its dominance in the T20 format.
| Span | 2009-2025 |
| Matches | 221 |
| Wickets | 187 |
| Average | 30.22 |
| Economy | 7.20 |
| BBI | 4/34 |
List of Purple Cap Winners Year-wise
| Player Name | Team | Year | Wickets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sohail Tanvir | Rajasthan Royals | 2008 | 22 | 11 |
| RP Singh | Deccan Chargers | 2009 | 23 | 16 |
| Pragyan Ojha | Deccan Chargers | 2010 | 21 | 16 |
| Lasith Malinga | Mumbai Indians | 2011 | 28 | 16 |
| Morne Morkel | Delhi Daredevils | 2012 | 25 | 16 |
| Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 2013 | 32 | 18 |
| Mohit Sharma | Chennai Super Kings | 2014 | 23 | 16 |
| Dwayne Bravo | Chennai Super Kings | 2015 | 26 | 16 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2016 | 23 | 17 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2017 | 26 | 14 |
| Andrew Tye | Kings XI Punjab | 2018 | 24 | 14 |
| Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings | 2019 | 26 | 17 |
| Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals | 2020 | 30 | 17 |
| Harshal Patel | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2021 | 32 | 15 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Rajasthan Royals | 2022 | 27 | 17 |
| Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | 2023 | 28 | 17 |
| Harshal Patel | Punjab Kings | 2024 | 24 | 14 |
| Prasidh Krishna | Gujarat Titans | 2025 | 25 | 15 |
Also Read: Top 5 Highest Team Scores in IPL History
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.
Give Your Feedback