The Indian Premier League (IPL) is an annual  Domestic T20 format cricket league started in 2007. The league features 10 state-based franchise teams with players from around the world, making it one of the most exciting and competitive cricket tournaments globally.

It has transformed the landscape of cricket by introducing a dynamic and fast-paced format that features the world's best cricketers. 

Over the years, the IPL has showcased phenomenal cricketing talent. Hitting sixes and fours surely reduces the gap between the team and its winning title, but it is incomplete without the skills and experience of the bowlers in the team. They are the ones who limit the opponent from making high runs.

Let's take a look at some of the most successful bowlers in IPL history.

What is Bowling Average

The bowling average is a statistical term that reflects the number of runs a bowler gives away for every wicket they take. It is one of the most important metrics used to gauge a bowler's performance. A lower bowling average indicates that the bowler is efficient in taking wickets without giving away many runs. During the IPL, where the competition and the stakes are high, maintaining a low bowling average is not an easy task.

Bowling Average: Lower the score, better the bowler’s performance. 
 

With power hitters dominating the game, bowlers must have a combination of pace, accuracy, variations, and the ability to read the game to consistently keep the batting side under pressure.

1. Wanindu Hasaranga (Average: 21.37) | Bowling Stype: Leg break Spinner

Wanindu Hasaranga tops the list of bowling averages in IPL. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner, has made a big mark in the IPL with his impressive performances. Since joining the IPL in 2021, Hasaranga has been a key figure in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad. He has a bowling average of 21.37 which shows his determination and consistency while restricting the opposition's scoring.

Hasaranga is known for his clever variations, especially his googlies and leg-breaks, which confuse even the most accomplished batsmen. Hasaranga has become one of the most exciting spin bowlers in IPL history.
 

2. P Amarnath (Average: 33.71) | Bowling Style: Fast Round-arm Action Bowler

P Amarnath played only one season in the IPL in 2008 but made a notable career. He played in six matches and he bowled 132 balls and took seven wickets, with an average of 33.71. Even though his IPL career was brief, his performances were significant enough to leave a mark. Despite playing only one season, Amarnath was a consistent performer in his brief stint.

3. S Ladda (Average: 44.80) | Bowling Style: Right-arm Leg Spinner

S Ladda is another player who played for a short time but left a lasting impact on IPL history. He played nine matches between 2010 and 2016 and had a bowling average of 44.80. While he played, he was seen as a bowler with resilience and a willingness to bowl under challenging circumstances.
 

4. VR Aaron (Average: 33.65) | Bowling Style: Fast Bowler

A pace bowler for India and a veteran of the IPL, VR Aaron has played for several teams over the years, including Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. He took 44 wickets in 52 matches, with a bowling average of 33.65. Known for his express pace, Aaron has been a key bowler during the powerplay and middle overs, using his speed to trouble top-order batsmen.

5.  KJ Abbott (Average: 88.50) | Bowling Style: Fast Bowler

KJ Abbott played just one season of IPL in 2016 with Royal Challengers Bangalore. In his five appearances, Abbott struggled to make an impact, taking just two wickets with a dismal bowling average of 88.50. 
 

Bowling in the IPL is an art, and bowlers who manage to keep their average low while taking wickets consistently are some of the most valuable assets to their teams. The players highlighted above have shown that being able to bowl economically and consistently break partnerships is the key to succeeding in the IPL. While some have had shorter careers, their impact has been significant, and their ability to manage pressure situations has made them stand out.

As the IPL continues to evolve, expect more bowlers to make their mark, with exceptional bowling averages helping them rise to the top of the leaderboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) Who is the best bowler in the IPL?

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the world when it comes to the death overs.

Q2) How to find bowler’s average?

A bowling average is calculated by adding the total games bowled and dividing the total by the number of games bowled.

Q3)What affects a bowler's average in the IPL?

Wickets taken, runs conceded, match conditions, and opposition quality impact a bowler’s average.

Disclaimer:

Junglee Games India Private Limited (“Junglee”) and Howzat are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected in any manner with any third-party sporting event or league, including, but not limited to, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL). All references to these events, teams, or players are solely for informational or descriptive purposes and do not imply any official association or sponsorship. Unless engaged through a formal endorsement or licensing agreement, Junglee and Howzat expressly disclaims any association, affiliation, or connection with the aforementioned leagues, teams, or players.