Every time we appreciate batsmen's effort who scores more or scores in crucial times. Although, we often neglect the bowler's contribution in the game. Taking important wickets in crucial time is also one of the most game changing moment, especially when it comes to the shortest format of the game. Some of the men in this list prove that experience matters when it comes to the shortest format of the game. The second leg of IPL 2021 edition will kick off on September 19th in UAE.
Lasith Malinga has played for Mumbai Indians from the start to the end of his IPL Carrier. Malinga single handedly won many matches for Mumbai Indians. However, the Sri-Lankan leads the list of maximum wicket-takers in the IPL. Malinga took 170 wickets in 122 matches that he played in IPL. All over with a best bowling figure of 5/13 with an economy of 7.14. Moreover, Malinga has taken four wickets in a single over six times through the IPL years. He was last played against CSK in IPL 2019 Final & won the match and the trophy with a wicket in the last ball.
Amit Mishra plays for Delhi Capitals from IPL 2018. However, previously he was played for Sunrisers Hyderabad back in 2013. After Malinga it's Amit Mishra, who comes at second place in our list of most wickets in IPL history. Although, Amit Mishra is just close behind with 166 wickets in 154 matches. The Delhi Capital's leg-spinner has a Best Bowlling figure of 5/17 with an economy of 7.34. He has taken four wickets in over three times in his IPL career. We will see him again in the second leg of IPL in UAE starting next month.
Piyush Chawla is currently playing for Mumbai Indians in this season. Although, he has already played for Punjab Kings, KKR & CSK respectively in previous seasons. However, he has played 164 matches in the IPL and bagged an impressive 156 wickets. Chawla's Best Bowling figure is 4/17 with an economy of 7.87. Piyush Chawla will be playing for Mumbai Indians in this season at UAE.
Dwayne Bravo is a household name for all CSK fans. He has been playing for the franchise for long years & won many matches single handedly. Although, he comes at fourth spot in our most wickets list.The West Indian has taken 156 wickets in 144 matches. Also with a Best Bowling figure of 4/22 with an economy of 8.39. However, Twice he has managed to take four wickets in a single over. He will be playing for Chennai Super Kings in this season.
Harbhajan Singh knows for his excellence at the International level. He has also played some crucial knocks with the bat in both IPL and international cricket. Bhajji has already playayed for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. However, he has a record of taking 150 wickets in 163 matches with an economy of 7.08. Bhajji will play for Kolkata Knight Riders this year after skipping the last season for CSK in the UAE.
The most devastating bowling spell in the history of T20 WC is Ajantha Mendis' 6-wicket haul in 2012. Read the full article to know in depth and discover the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups.
Bowling contribution in a format like T20 matters a lot. One single good spell can crush the opponent down and turn the game completely in a blink. The T20 World Cup is a stage where some truly legendary bowlers have delivered such game-changer spells that are remembered for years!
So, let's take a look at such a fabulous class and display of bowling that goes down in history. Here are the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups:
1. Ajantha Mendis (6/8 in 4 overs) vs ZIM | 2012
Ajantha Mendis celebrating a wicket against Zimbabwe in T20 WC 2012. Image | Firstpost
Wickets taken: 6
Runs conceded: 8
Overs: 4.0
Maidens: 2
Economy: 2.0
The Sri Lankan mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis, holds the record for the best bowling spell in T20 World Cup history. Playing against Zimbabwe in 2012, he achieved this feat with his carrom ball and variations, tearing through their batting lineup.
Mendis bowled 4 overs, two of which were maidens, conceding only 8 runs while picking up 6 wickets. With this extraordinary performance, he became the first and only bowler to deliver a 6-wicket haul in the T20 World Cup.
He is deserving of all the credit for Sri Lanka's dominant victory in the match and for ending the contest single-handedly.
Rangana Herath celebrating after a dismissal against New Zealand in 2014 T20 World Cup. Image | Facebook
Wickets taken: 5
Runs conceded: 3
Overs: 3.3
Maidens: 2
Economy: 0.85
Another spinner from Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath, has secured his position right at the 2nd spot for best bowling spells in T20 World Cups. His spell was full of unbelievable control and precision, which did not let New Zealand chase down a mere target of 120 runs.
Herath's destructive spell fetched him 5 wickets in only 3.3 overs, with two maidens. He took the first three wickets without conceding a single run, and later gave away only 2 more runs!
His match-winning efforts collapsed the strong middle order and sealed the victory. This was a very special spell, that too, coming in the same year when Sri Lanka lifted the T20 World Cup for the first time (2014).
3. Umar Gul (5/6 in 3 overs) vs NZ | 2009
Umar Gul celebrates a wicket against New Zealand in 2009 T20 World Cup. Image | X
Wickets taken: 5
Runs conceded: 6
Overs: 3.0
Maidens: 0
Economy: 2.00
The Pakistani pacer Umar Gul's performance against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup stands out as one of the most destructive fast-bowlingspells in the tournament's history. His pinpoint yorkers and smart changes in pace dismissed the batters in quick succession.
In just 3 overs, Gul picked up 5 wickets, conceding only 6 runs. His contribution helped them restrict the opponent to 99 runs in the first innings, and he eventually bagged him the POTM trophy after their one-sided victory.
Indian won seven ICC trophies over the years. A few players have been part of several of these victorious campaigns. let's take a look at the Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is cricket’s global governing body, overseeing various prestigious tournaments. These include the ICC Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the World Test Championship. The ICC tournaments are considered the most prestigious in cricket, and players strive to lift the trophies.
India have always had the services of the best players. And thanks to them, India have been a consistent force in world cricket. The same consistency is visible in the ICC tournaments. This has helped the Indian team win seven ICC trophies over the years. A few players have been part of several of these victorious campaigns.
So, let's take a look at the Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles.
Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles
6. Harbhajan Singh | 3 Titles
2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
Having started his career in 1998, Harbhajan Singh is one of the few Indian cricketers to have won all three ICC white-ball titles.
He was part of India's 2002 ICC Champions Trophy title-winning campaign, where they were joint winners with Sri Lanka. Five years later, he played a key role in India's triumph in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup, in 2007. He was also a part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup winning squad.
5. Yuvraj Singh | 3 Titles
2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
One of India's greatest all-rounders, Yuvraj Singh has also won all three ICC white-ball tournaments. He was part of the teams that won the 2002 Champions Trophy, 2007 T20 World Cup, and 2011 ODI World Cup.
In the 2011 ODI World Cup, Yuvraj was the Player of the Tournament for his stellar all-round performance. He made history in the 2007 T20I World Cup by hitting six sixes in an over against England.
4. Ravindra Jadeja | 3 Titles
2013 Champions Trophy
2024 T20 World Cup
2025 Champions Trophy
After India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, Ravindra Jadeja went level with Dhoni. The star all-rounder now has three ICC trophies.
Before the latest win, Jadeja was part of another Champions Trophy victory in 2013. He picked up the most wickets in that tournament to win the Golden Ball. Fast forward to 11 years, and Jadeja found himself in the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad. After this, he retired from T20I cricket.
3. MS Dhoni | 3 Titles
2007 T20 World Cup
2011 Cricket World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy
MS Dhoni was the first Indian player to win three ICC trophies. Interestingly, he won all three of them as skipper. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India had a successful run in limited-overs. And he showed a glimpse of his tactical acumen early in his captaincy stint.
Captain Cool guided a young team to the inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007. Then he followed it with the ODI World Cup triumph in 2011. And Dhoni completed the ICC ODI tournament trophy with the Champions Trophy win in 2013.
2. Rohit Sharma | 4 Titles
2007 T20 World Cup
2013 Champions Trophy
2024 T20 World Cup
2025 Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma is level with Kohli when it comes to ICC trophy victories. The current Indian captain has won two of the four titles while leading the Indian team. Before that, he was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
Then, alongside Kohli, he took India to the Champions Trophy victory in 2013. Rohit repeated the feat in 2024 and 2025, but this time as a captain. He guided the Men in Blue to the T20 World Cup win in 2024, followed by the Champions Trophy triumph in 2025.
Virat Kohli has been a proven match-winner for India. And the same is true when it comes to ICC events. The top-order batter hardly fails to perform in these high-stakes tournaments. He has powered the team to many wins, including four ICC title victories.
Kohli managed to land his hands on an ICC trophy for the first time in 2011. He was part of the 2011 World Cup squad that defeated Sri Lanka in the final at home. Two years later, he was on the podium yet again as India won the Champions Trophy in England. But then Kohli had to endure a decade’s wait to add the third title. He helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2024 before clinching his fourth silverware in 2025 as India landed the Champions Trophy.
India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?
From playing careers to coaching, commentary, and other ventures, where are the 2011 WC winning heroes? Explore the present status of India's 2011 World Cup winning squad and where are they now, 14 years after historic victory.
It's been 14 years since India lifted the 2011 World Cup, a moment etched in every fan's memory. That legendary squad brought joy to millions on that unforgettable night in Mumbai, but where are they now?
While many retired, some explored new paths in cricket, and others found different callings, one key player continues to represent India in ODIs.
Explore the current status of India's 2011 World Cup winning squad and know their journeys since the victory and where are they now.
The unforgettable 2011 World Cup Winning squad
India's 2011 World Cup winning squad members. Image | sportzpoint.com
Here's the overview of squad members:
MS Dhoni (C & WK), Virender Sehwag (VC), Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel, S Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla, Ravichandran Ashwin.
Coach: Gary Kirsten
Find out the updates on each one of them below:
1. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni with the World Cup in 2011. Image | SportsCafe
MS Dhoni is the winning captain of 2011 World Cup, who finished off in style with a six to seal the victory for India. He also led India to victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, becoming the first captain to claim all ICC limited-overs trophies.
He continued to captain India for several years and played a crucial role as a finisher in white-ball cricket. He also led CSK to win four IPL titles from 2011-2023.
Retirement: Dhoni retired from test cricket in December 2014, and announced his retirement from international cricket (ODIs and T20Is) on August 15, 2020. However, he continues to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Currently doing: Continues to captain Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He is involved in various business ventures and endorsements.
Virender Sehwag with the World Cup in 2011. Image | TOI
Virender Sehwag was the vice-captain of India's 2011 WC-winning squad and provided explosive starts at the top of the order, including a stunning knock of 175 runs against Bangladesh in the opening match.
He continued his attacking batting in Test and ODI formats for a few more years.
Retirement: Sehwag retired from all forms of international cricket in October 2015.
Currently doing: He is a prominent cricket analyst and commentator, and a member of the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel of the National Anti-Doping Agency under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. He also runs the Sehwag International School in Haryana and has ventured into the sports gear and organic farming business.
3. Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir in World Cup final against Sri Lanka in 2011. Image | Facebook
Gautam Gambhir was an integral part of India's success in the 2011 WC, especially with his knock of 97 runs in the final. He continued to play a key role in India's top order for a period. He also led Kolkata Knight Riders to 2 IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.
Later, he served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants and then KKR, guiding them to their third title in 2024.
Retirement: Announced retirement from all formats in December 2018.
Currently doing: In July 2024, Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of India for three years until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He got his first major ICC title in a coaching role by leading India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as the head coach.
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar after the World Cup win in 2011. Image | DNA India
Sachin Tendulkar was the leading run-scorer for India and the second overall in the tournament (482 runs in 9 innings), including two centuries.
He scored his record-setting 100th international century in March 2012 and became a member of the Rajya Sabha in the same year. Additionally, he was a part of Mumbai Indians team that won the IPL in 2013.
Retirement: Retired from ODI cricket in December 2012, and from tests in November 2013. He also retired from the IPL in 2013.
Currently doing: Sachin continues to be involved in cricketing and social initiatives, and remains a global ambassador for the sport.
Yuvraj Singh after the World Cup win in 2011. Image | India Today
The "Player of the tournament," Yuvraj Singh, delivered an exceptional all-rounder performance throughout the World Cup. He successfully battled germ-cell cancer in 2011 and returned to cricket the next year (2012).
Yuvraj continued to play white ball cricket for India occasionally and played in various IPL teams, winning twice with SRH in 2016 and MI in 2019.
Retirement: Formally retired from international cricket in June 2019.
Currently doing: He is involved in various cricketing leagues and charitable initiatives. He also mentored India's emerging star, Abhishek Sharma, and has a significant role in shaping his career.
6. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina in action for India in 2011 World Cup. Image | Instagram
Suresh Raina played an attacking role in the lower middle order, particularly in the quarter-final against Australia (unbeaten 34), and the semi-final against Pakistan (unbeaten 36).
He continued to be a significant part of India's white-ball setup for several years and was a key player for CSK in the IPL.
Retirement: Announced retirement from all forms on August 15, 2020, on the same day as Dhoni. However, he continued to play domestic cricket and in various T20 leagues for a period.
Currently doing: Raina has been involved in commentary and various cricket-related activities.
7. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli after the 2011 World Cup win. Image | AI Jazeera
As the youngest batsman in the squad (22 years 95 days), Virat Kohli showed glimpses of his future greatness by performing well in the 2011 World Cup, including a century against Bangladesh.
Kohli rose to be one of the world's premier batsmen and captained India across all formats. He became the most successful test captain in history for India. He led India to numerous victories and broke several batting records.
He is the only player from India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad who is still actively playing international cricket (ODI format).
Retirement: He retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in 2024, and also retired from Test Cricket in 2025.
Currently doing: He won the IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 and had a phenomenal season. He is also expected to play in the 2027 World Cup.
Yusuf Pathan with the WC trophy in 2011. Image | Twitter
Yusuf Pathan was a part of India's World Cup-winning squad in 2011 and played as a batting all-rounder, primarily in the lower middle order. He continued to play in domestic cricket and the IPL, playing for various franchises, including KKR and SRH.
Pathan was also a part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup winning squad.
Retirement: Retired from all formats in February 2021.
Currently doing: He became a member of parliament from the Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency of West Bengal, and has been seen participating in the Legends League Cricket.
9. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan holding the WC trophy in the final in 2011. Image | Getty Images
The shepherd of India's pace attack, Zaheer Khan, was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2011 World Cup with 21 wickets in 9 matches. His contributions to the bowling unit were phenomenal.
He continued to represent India in internationals for a few more years.
Retirement: Khan retired from international cricket in October 2015.
Currently doing: He has been involved in commentary and coaching roles. He is also a cricket expert and analyst.
10. Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh celebrating the 2011 World Cup Win. Image | Sportstar
Harbhajan Singh proved to be crucial for the team in the WC 2011, with the kind of experience he had in the game. He continued to play for India occasionally after the World Cup, but his international appearances became less frequent.
He continued to play IPL for franchises like MI, CSK and KKR.
Retirement: Retired from all formats in December 2021.
Currently doing: He is a cricket commentator and an analyst. He has also ventured into politics, serving as a member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Ashish Nehra in 2011 World Cup. Image | TV9 Bharatvarsh
Ashish Nehra played three matches in the 2011 World Cup and was particularly effective in the semi-final against Pakistan, where he took 2 wickets for 33 runs.
He faced injuries but made a remarkable comeback to the Indian T20I team and played the T20 World Cup that year.
Retirement: Nehra retired from all forms of international cricket in November 2017.
Currently doing: He has been involved in coaching in the IPL (head coach: Gujarat Titans) and won the 2022 season.
12. Munaf Patel
Munaf Patel in 2011 World Cup. Image | IBTimes India
Munaf Patel played a significant role as a consistent medium-pacer in the 2011 WC winning squad, picking 11 wickets in 8 matches. He continued to play domestic cricket and in various T20 leagues after the World Cup.
Retirement: He retired from all formats in December 2018.
Currently doing: Served as the bowling coach for Delhi Capitals since the 2024 season and has been seen participating in Legends League Cricket.
13. S Sreesanth
Sreesanth in 2011 World Cup. Image | Circle of Cricket
S Sreesanth came in as a replacement for Praveen Kumar (ruled out due to injury) in India's 2011 WC squad. He played 2 matches, including the final.
His career was significantly impacted by a spot-fixing scandal in the 2013 IPL, which led to a ban from cricket.
Retirement: He made a comeback in domestic cricket after the ban was reduced, and retired from all domestic forms in March 2022.
Currently doing: Sreesanth is the co-owner of the Kollam Aeries team in the Kerala Cricket League. He also participated in reality shows like Big Boss and was involved in acting and other ventures.
14. Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla in 2011 World Cup. Image | Instagram
The youngest player in India's 2011 World Cup winning squad, Piyush Chawla (22 yrs 46 days), picked 4 wickets in the three matches he played. He continued to play domestic cricket and IPL for various franchises and won.
Retirement: Chawla announced from all forms of cricket in June 2025. His last international appearance for India was in 2012.
Currently doing: He has been associated with the sport as an analyst and was seen giving inputs in per-match shows in IPL and other leagues.
Ravichandran Ashwin in 2011 World Cup. Image | The SportsRush
The spin master, Ravichandran Ashwin, played only 2 matches in the tournament, picking up 4 wickets. He turned out to be one of the most successful Test bowlers for India, with 537 Test wickets.
Ashwin later developed into a useful all-rounder and could bat well. He was also named ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
Retirement: Announced retirement from international cricket in December 2024.
Currently doing: He is actively involved in playing cricket in IPL and played in the TNPL as well. Ashwin is also an active YouTuber, who analyses and shares cricketing stories on his channel, which currently has 1.71M subscribers.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. And as the IPL 2025 is about to enter the Playoff stage, the level of competition goes significantly up.
The IPL Playoff is an intense phase of the tournament where players need to perform at their best. Thus, there’s constant pressure on batters and bowlers to give their 100 percent, as a tiny mistake can make or break the team’s campaign. Bowlers are under even more pressure as they are the ones who can help teams win the tournament.
Let's take a look at the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has dismissed the batters 17 times in the IPL playoffs at an economy rate of 7.27. During his playing time in the IPL, he has 150 wickets under his name with a stellar economy of 7.08.
The veteran off-spinner has won IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
4. Ravindra Jadeja | 19 Wickets
Off-spinner Ravindra Jadeja has claimed 19 wickets in the IPL playoffs. He traps the bowler with his spin and is also quite handy with the bat. He has a brilliant average of 22.52 in 23 games. The tally includes an economy rate of 7.75.
Jadeja was part of Rajasthan Royal's title-winning side in the inaugural IPL season (2008). He also won the trophy in 2018, 2021, and 2023 with the Chennai Super Kings.
3. Mohit Sharma | 20 Wickets
Gujarat Titans pacer Mohit Sharma took 20 wickets in the IPL playoffs. He has been consistently providing breakthroughs when the team needed it most. Having represented CSK and GT in the playoffs, Mohit has taken 20 wickets from 10 games at 15.80. His tally includes an economy rate of 8.77 along with a fifer.
Mohit also played for the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 final.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin | 21 Wickets
With 21 wickets in the IPL playoffs, Ravichandran Ashwin has been a key bowler for Chennai Super Kings, delivering vital spin breakthroughs in pressure moments. Ashwin played for three franchises - CSK, Delhi Capitals, and RR - in the IPL playoffs.
Ashwin snapped up 21 wickets from 24 IPL playoff games at 30.23. Notably, Ashwin also has a maiden over in the playoffs. He won the title with CSK in 2010 and 2011. He bowled a match-winning spell (3/16) in the 2011 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
In IPL 2025, he has claimed seven wickets in the nine games he has featured in.
Former CSK all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has taken the most wickets in the IPL playoffs, becoming a standout bowler for Chennai Super Kings. He was known for his death-over skills and crucial wickets in crunch situations. All-rounder Bravo was a mainstay seamer in Chennai Super Kings' pace attack for a decade.
Bravo starred in three of their title-winning campaigns (2011, 2018, and 2021). He also played the final with CSK in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019. Bravo, who also played for Gujarat Lions, took 28 wickets from 19 playoff matches at 18.21.
With the IPL 2025 playoffs just around the corner, the tension is reaching its peak. Over the years, the Indian Premier League has given fans plenty of memorable moments full of surprises at the fag end of the group stage. Generally, the fans have to wait till the last over of the group stage to know who will qualify for the IPL Playoffs.
Sometimes, it even goes to the final ball as well, to decide the fourth team to qualify.
From teams that regularly reach the playoffs to underdogs who’ve shocked everyone, the path to the final four has always been full of drama.
Let's take a look at the IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025.
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