As the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs represent the pinnacle of high-pressure cricket, certain bowlers have consistently excelled in these crucial matches.
Their ability to take wickets at key moments has often swung games and helped their teams secure titles.
Here is a detailed look at the top five wicket-takers in IPL playoff history.
1. Dwayne Bravo – 28 Wickets in 19 Matches
- Teams: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gujarat Lions (GL)
- Bowling Average: 18.96
Dwayne Bravo stands as the highest wicket-taker in IPL playoff history with 28 wickets. A vital part of CSK’s bowling attack for over a decade, Bravo’s skill in death overs and knack for breakthroughs made him a formidable opponent.
He played in multiple finals, contributing significantly to CSK’s title wins in 2011, 2018, and 2021, and also appeared in finals in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019. His ability to bowl crucial overs under pressure defines his playoff legacy.
2. Mohit Sharma – 20 Wickets in 10 Matches
- Teams: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Bowling Average: 15.80
- Economy Rate: 8.77
Mohit Sharma is the only other bowler besides Bravo to have taken 20 or more wickets in IPL playoffs.
Known for his sharp yorkers and pace variations, Mohit has been a key wicket-taker for both CSK and GT in knockout games.
His standout performances include a five-wicket haul and consistent wicket-taking ability, helping GT reach the 2023 final.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 19 Wickets in 22 Matches
- Teams: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Bowling Average: 30.15
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been a reliable wicket-taker across multiple franchises in IPL playoffs.
He was instrumental in CSK’s early title wins in 2010 and 2011, including a match-winning 3/16 spell in the 2011 final.
Ashwin’s ability to bowl economically and pick wickets in crucial moments has made him a valuable asset in the playoffs.
4. Ravindra Jadeja – 19 Wickets in 23 Matches
- Teams: Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Bowling Average: 22.52
- Economy Rate: 7.75
Jadeja, a consistent all-rounder, matches Ashwin’s tally with 19 wickets in playoff matches.
His tight bowling and knack for breakthroughs have been key for CSK’s multiple title campaigns (2018, 2021, 2023) and RR’s inaugural IPL win in 2008.
Jadeja’s economical spells and ability to control the middle overs make him a crucial playoff performer.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Estimated Top Contender
- Teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Career Wickets: 196 IPL wickets (overall)
While exact playoff wicket counts for Bhuvneshwar Kumar are not explicitly detailed in the sources, his overall IPL wicket tally and consistent performances in crucial matches place him among the top playoff wicket-takers.
Known for his swing bowling and death-over expertise, Bhuvneshwar has been instrumental in SRH’s playoff runs and remains a key figure in IPL knockout cricket.
