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Most Wickets in a Single IPL Season – Harshal Patel 32 wickets in 2021
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a paradise for power-hitting batsmen, but it’s the bowlers who often turn the game on its head. While smashing sixes may grab headlines, taking wickets at crucial moments is what wins matches. Over the years, some bowlers have delivered exceptional seasons, rising above the challenge and finishing with the most wickets in a single IPL season.

In this article, we explore the top bowling performances in IPL history, the records they created, and how players like Harshal Patel redefined the role of bowlers in T20 cricket.
📌 What Does “Most Wickets in a Single IPL Season” Mean?
The stat “most wickets in a single IPL season” refers to the highest number of wickets taken by an individual bowler in a single edition of the Indian Premier League. Considering the format’s fast pace and the batter-friendly conditions, consistently taking wickets is no easy task. Yet, a few bowlers have managed to rise to the occasion and etch their names into IPL history books.
🏆 Most Wickets in a Single IPL Season – All-Time Rankings
Rank | Player | Wickets | Team | Season | Matches Played |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1️⃣ | Harshal Patel | 32 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2021 | 15 |
1️⃣ | Dwayne Bravo | 32 | Chennai Super Kings | 2013 | 18 |
3️⃣ | Kagiso Rabada | 30 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 | 17 |
4️⃣ | Lasith Malinga | 28 | Mumbai Indians | 2011 | 16 |
4️⃣ | James Faulkner | 28 | Rajasthan Royals | 2013 | 16 |
🔥 Harshal Patel – The Record-Breaking Star of IPL 2021
Harshal Patel delivered an unforgettable performance in IPL 2021, becoming the joint-highest wicket-taker in a single season with 32 wickets in just 15 matches. What made his achievement even more special was the fact that he reached the milestone in fewer games compared to Dwayne Bravo.

Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, Harshal Patel mastered the art of death bowling. His sharp slower balls, perfect yorkers, and deceptive pace made life difficult for even the most explosive batters. He was awarded the Purple Cap for his brilliance and remains a benchmark for future IPL bowlers.
💡 Fun Fact: Harshal Patel also took a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021, further proving his match-winning impact.
🦁 Dwayne Bravo – The Original Death Over Specialist
Before Harshal Patel’s heroics, it was Dwayne Bravo who held the record for most wickets in a single IPL season, achieving the feat in 2013. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Bravo was a key weapon with the ball, especially in the last overs.
With his signature slower balls and dancing celebrations, Bravo ended the season with 32 wickets in 18 matches, helping CSK reach the final. His ability to control the game in high-pressure situations made him one of the most valuable bowlers in T20 cricket.
🔥 Other Notable Bowlers with Most IPL Wickets in a Season
- Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals – 2020): A fiery pacer who took 30 wickets in 17 matches and powered Delhi to the final.
- Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians – 2011): Known for his deadly yorkers, Malinga grabbed 28 wickets in 16 games.
- James Faulkner (Rajasthan Royals – 2013): The Australian all-rounder used swing and cutters to pick 28 wickets in just 16 games.
💬 Why This Record Matters in IPL
Securing the most wickets in a single IPL season is a mark of consistency, skill, and mental strength. Here’s why this record stands out:
✅ Consistency Under Pressure – T20 is a batter’s game. Maintaining form across multiple matches is a big achievement for a bowler.
✅ Team Impact – These bowlers often turn the game with crucial breakthroughs, helping their teams reach playoffs or finals.
✅ Versatility – From powerplays to death overs, these players deliver across all phases of the game.
Whether you’re a young pacer or an experienced spinner, understanding what makes these performances successful can elevate your T20 game.

🧠 What Future Bowlers Can Learn
Modern-day bowlers looking to make a mark in the IPL can take inspiration from the likes of Harshal Patel and Bravo. The key is variation, control, and adaptability—knowing how to read the batsman and bowl to the field.
📣 Final Thoughts
In a tournament celebrated for its batting fireworks, bowlers have quietly carved their own legacy. The record for most wickets in a single IPL season is a testament to the sheer dominance of players like Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo, who not only picked up wickets but turned matches around.
As each IPL season brings new talent and challenges, will someone finally break the 32-wicket barrier? Only time will tell—but for now, these bowlers sit proudly on top.
FAQs
Who has taken the most wickets in a single IPL season?
Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo jointly hold the record for the most wickets in a single IPL season, with 32 wickets each. Harshal achieved it in IPL 2021 for Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Bravo did it in 2013 for Chennai Super Kings.
How many wickets did Harshal Patel take in IPL 2021?
Harshal Patel took 32 wickets in 15 matches during IPL 2021, becoming the Purple Cap winner and tying the all-time record for most wickets in a single season.
Who was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2021?
Harshal Patel won the Purple Cap in IPL 2021 for taking the highest number of wickets—32 wickets—in the season.
Has anyone taken more than 32 wickets in one IPL season?
As of now, no player has taken more than 32 wickets in a single IPL season. Harshal Patel and Dwayne Bravo share the top spot with 32 wickets each.
Which foreign player has taken the most wickets in one IPL season?
Dwayne Bravo (West Indies) and Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) are among the top foreign bowlers. Bravo took 32 wickets in 2013, and Rabada took 30 wickets in 2020.
Which bowler has the best bowling figures in a single IPL match?
The best bowling figures in a single IPL match are Alzarri Joseph’s 6/12 for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019. However, this is different from the most wickets in a single season.
Who are the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in an IPL season?
The top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in a single IPL season are:
1. Harshal Patel – 32 (2021)
2. Dwayne Bravo – 32 (2013)
3. Kagiso Rabada – 30 (2020)
4. Lasith Malinga – 28 (2011)
5. James Faulkner – 28 (2013)
As the IPL continues to grow, fans eagerly await to see if anyone can break this record.
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