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Most Wickets in the T20 World Cup History

Let's look at the players with the most wickets in the history of the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is at the top with the most number of wickets in the history of this prestigious competition.

Oct 9, 2022, 6:21 AM6 min read

Shakib al Hasan has taken the most wickets in the history of T20 World Cup | Image: X

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will be played in America and West Indies from June 2 to 29. Team India will start its campaign with a match against Ireland on June 5. England are the defending champion of the tournament. The team won the title for the second time by defeating Pakistan in 2022. They delivered a complete performance with both the bat and the bowl.

The shortest format of the game seems to be a batter-dominating game but the trend has changed now. Bowlers also keep equal importance as batsmen. Cricket fans have witnessed several T20 matches where a team's batsmen failed to achieve a good defending total but bowlers then saved the match.

Just as a batsman plays a vital role in winning the match in the same way, bowlers are equally responsible for saving the total added by batters. Otherwise, a team can never be successful based on batsmen only. So, let's check out the top five bowlers who have taken the most wickets in the T20 World Cup history.

Also Read: Most Runs in T20 World Cup History

Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history

#5. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) | 35 wickets

Ajantha Mendis, a former right-arm off-break of Sri Lanka, is placed in the number 5th position for having the most wickets in T20 World Cup. Mendis played 21 T20 matches in the T20 World Cup from 2009 to 2014 and took 35 wickets at an economy of 6.70 and an average of 15.02. His best with the ball in the T20 World Cup is 6 for just 8 runs which is still an unbreakable record for taking the highest wicket in an inning.

Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history | Sportz Point
Image - Geo TV

Ajantha Mendis made his T20 debut in the match against Zimbabwe at King City (NW) on  October 10, 2008, where he performed superbly by taking 4 wickets, and became the Man of the Match. Overall, he appeared in 39 T20I and took 66 wickets with an economy of 6.45 and an average of 14.42. 

#4. Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan) | 36 wickets

Saeed Ajmal, a former right-arm off-breaker of Pakistan, is listed at the number 4th position in the list of the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. In his T20 World Cup career from 2009 to 2014, he played 23 matches and took 36 wickets with an economy of 6.79 and an average of 16.86 and his best in bowling was 4 for 19.

Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history | Sportz Point
Image - Sportskeeda

Saeed Ajmal made his T20I debut in the match against Pakistan at Dubai (DSC) on May 07, 2009, and he played his last T20I against Bangladesh at Mirpur on April 24, 2015. Overall, he appeared in 64 T20I for Pakistan and took 85 wickets with an economy of 6.36.

Also Read: Most Sixes in the T20 World Cup

#3. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) | 38 wickets

Lasith Malinga, a former right-arm pace bowler of Sri Lanka, is sitting at the number 3 position for taking the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. Malinga was well known for his yorker deliveries especially slow yorkers in the death overs. His journey from 2007 to 2014 in the T20 World Cup was very crucial for lifting the T20 World Cup title for Sri Lanka.

Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history | Sportz Point
Image - Cricinfo

From 2007 to 2014, Sri Lankan pacer, Malinga appeared in 31 matches and took 38 wickets for his team with an economy of 7.43 and an average of 20.07. In T20I, he made his debut against England at Southampton on June 15, 2006, whereas he played his last match against West Indies at Pallekele in 2020. Overall, he appeared in 84 T20 matches and took 107 wickets at an economy of 7.42.

#2. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) | 39 wickets

Shahid Afridi, a former all-rounder of Pakistan, stands at the number 2 position for taking the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. He is a right-arm leg spinner who played in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2016, he appeared in 34 matches of the T20 World Cup for Pakistan where he took 39 wickets at an economy of 6.71 which is pretty good and an average of 23.25.

Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history | Sportz Point
Image - ESPNCricinfo

Shahid Afridi played a crucial role for the Pakistan team when they won the T20 World Cup in 2009 against Sri Lanka and he was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance of unbeaten 54 runs and 1 wicket. Shahid Afridi made his T20 debut against England at Bristol on August 28, 2006. In his T20 career, he played 99 T20I and took 98 wickets with an economy of 6.63.

#1. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) | 41 wickets

Shakib Al Hasan, a left-arm spinner from Bangladesh, holds the top position for having the most wickets in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2022. He is one of the best all-rounders who has enough caliber to change the situation of the match at any point.

Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history | Sportz Point
Image - CA

In his T20 World Cup career from 2007 to 2022, he appeared in 36 T20I for Bangladesh where he has taken 47 wickets which makes him the highest wicket-taker of the competition. He has also been able to sustain a good economy of below 7 runs per over with an average of 18.63 and his best is 4 for 9. In the T20 international, Shakib Al Hasan made his debut for Bangladesh in the match against Zimbabwe at Khulna on November 28, 2006, since then he has played 122 T20Is and taken 146 wickets with an economy of 6.78.

Also Read: Most runs in Knockouts of ICC tournament 

List of Most Wickets in T20 World Cup

2007-2022 36 35 775 876 47 4/9 18.63 6.78 3 0
2007-2016 34 34 810 907 39 4/11 23.25 6.71 2 0
2007-2014 31 31 616 763 38 5/31 20.07 7.43 0 1
2009-2014 23 23 536 607 36 4/19 16.86 6.79 3 0
2009-2014 21 21 471 526 35 6/8 15.02 6.70 1 1
2007-2014 24 24 496 604 35 5/6 17.25 7.30 1 1
2012-2022 24 24 510 552 32 4/11 17.25 6.49 1 0
2021-2022 16 16 366 355 31 3/8 11.45 5.81 0 0
2009-2016 23 23 499 579 30 4/17 19.30 6.96 1 0
2007-2014 26 25 521 671 30 3/17 22.36 7.72 0 0
Next Article

5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history

Let's take a look at the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history.

May 23, 2025, 11:17 AM3 min read

5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history

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.

Also Read: IPL Table toppers: IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025

Most Wickets in IPL Playoffs History

5. Harbhajan Singh | 17 Wickets

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

5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history

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

5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history

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

5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history

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.

Also Read: Which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times?

1. Dwayne Bravo | 28 Wickets

5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history

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.

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Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and more, have dominated the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Discover the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 and get their stats and best bowling figures.

May 14, 2025, 3:53 PM3 min read

Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 | sportzpoint.com

As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.

Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

Jasprit Bumrah | India

Jasprit Bumrah holds the first rank in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram 

Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09. 

Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah becomes first-ever player to pick 200 Test wickets with an average below 20

Jasprit Bumrah stats in WTC 2023-2025

Span Matches Innings 

Balls

Overs Maidens Runs  Wickets 

BBI

Avg Economy SR
2023-2025 15 28 2362 393.4 91 1162 77 6/45 15.09 2.95 30.67

Pat Cummins | Australia 

Pat Cummins ranks 2nd in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 | sportzpoint.com
Pat Cummins in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | BBC

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa. 

His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.

Pat Cummins stats in WTC 2023-2025

Span Matches Innings  Balls Overs Maidens Runs Wickets BBI Avg Economy  SR
2023-2025 17 33 3172 528.4 70 1792 73 6/91 24.54 3.38 43.45

Read Also: WTC Final: Australia and South Africa announce their squads

Mitchell Starc | Australia 

Mitchell Starc holds the 3rd rank in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 | sportzpoint.com
Mitchell Starc in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram 

Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.

Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.

Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025

Span Matches Innings  Balls Overs Maidens Runs Wickets BBI Avg Economy  SR
2023-2025 18 35 3062 510.2 77 1964 72 6/48 27.27 3.84 42.52

Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25

Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.

Read Also: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Here are the other players who crossed the 60 wickets mark and deserves a shoutout in the list of highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.

Player  Span Matches Innings  Balls  Overs Maidens Runs Wickets  BBI Avg Economy  SR
Nathan Lyon 2023-2025 16 28 3077 515.2 69 1584 66 6/65 24.00 3.08 46.62
Ravichandran Ashwin  2023-2025 14 26 2673 445.3 61 1547 63 7/71 24.55 3.47 42.42

Next Article

Most Wickets in IPL history

Over the years, it has been seen that teams who possess quality bowlers perform quite well, while those who struggle in this department generally lag behind. So, let's take a look at the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.

Apr 30, 2025, 11:34 AM7 min read

Most Wickets in IPL history

We have all heard multiple times that T20 cricket is a batter’s game. However, one thing is to be noted that it is a bowler who turns the game for his team most times. The teams across the world have understood the fact that they need a good set of bowlers to win a tournament. This is true in the biggest T20 tournament IPL as well.

Over the years, it has been seen that teams who possess quality bowlers perform quite well, while those who struggle in this department generally lag behind.

So, let's take a look at the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.

Also Read: Fastest 50 IPL Wickets Among Pacers (by Matches)

Top 10 bowlers with most wickets in IPL history:

10. Ravindra Jadeja | 166 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Ravindra Jadeja is easily the most well-rounded cricketer India has ever produced. A major portion of his success needs to be credited to the IPL, as the Saurashtra superstar built his international career by learning in the IPL under cricketing greats like Shane Warne, MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, and others. 

Apart from missing the 2010 season, Ravindra Jadeja has played all the other seasons with him representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2012. He has played 249 games taking 166 wickets with the ball with an average of 30.43 and an economy rate of 7.64.

His generational fielding skills have also shined, as the 36-year-old has taken 103 catches in the competition, making him ‘The Ultimate All-rounder’ as he is the only player to have 1000+ runs, 100+ wickets, and 100+ catches, fulfilling his 3-dimensional abilities to the fullest. 

9. Lasith Malinga | 170 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Lasith Malinga, who is undoubtedly the greatest pacer in the IPL history has taken 170 wickets in 122 games he has played. Malinga averages 19.79 with the bowl and maintained an economy rate of 7.14 in the cash-rich league. 

Though 108 of these wickets have come in death overs where batters try to score at a faster pace and often get out in the process, still his overall numbers are too good to be questioned.

Malinga started playing for Mumbai Indians in the 2009 season, and last appeared in the 2019 season. His final over in the 2019 final was enough to prove his greatness even at that stage of his career.

8. Amit Mishra | 174 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

The next bowler on the list is Indian leggie Amit Mishra who has picked 174 wickets in 162 games. The eighth-highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL, Mishra, went unsold in the mega auction of IPL 2025. 

He has recorded an impressive economy of 7.37 in the league and has been crucial in taking wickets in middle overs. However, previously he has played for Lucknow Super Giants.

7. Jasprit Bumrah | 174 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Jasprit Bumrah, the game-changer of the game has put his name at no. 7 on this list of bowlers who scalped the most wickets in IPL history. Bumrah has been playing for Mumbai Indians since the 2013 season, in which the franchise bought him at a cheap price.

Bumrah has scalped 174 wickets in 139 games with an average of 22.38. Meanwhile, Bumrah has bowled at an economy rate of 7.30 in the franchise cricket league. This year he is playing for MI again as the franchise retained him before the mega auction.

6. Dwayne Bravo | 183 Wickets 

Most Wickets in IPL history

Dwayne Bravo with 183 wickets is the sixth name on the list. Bravo had been a vital cog in Chennai’s bowling lineup, particularly in the death overs. With MS Dhoni being captain, Bravo’s potential has been used very cleverly for the team’s benefit. 

The all-rounder has played 161 IPL games and averages 23.82 with the ball. He played his last IPL match in the 2022 season for Chennai.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Best Economy in IPL Since 2024

5. Ravichandran Ashwin | 185 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Ravichandran Ashwin is always known as a great bowler in Test cricket but he has also proved his ability in the shortest format of the game. Meanwhile, Ash comes at number five on this list of bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history. 

Ashwin has picked 185 wickets in 219 matches with an average of 30.22. He has also maintained an economy rate of 7.18. 

Ashwin went on to play for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, and returns to the CSK fold after having featured for Rajasthan Royals for the last three seasons.

The Indian off-spinner was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs. 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Ashwin had burst onto the scene in 2009 with CSK under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. He represented Super Kings till 2015 and was part of two title-winning campaigns, in 2010 and 2011. 

4. Sunil Narine | 190* Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

The next bowler on this is none other than the West Indies magician Sunil Narine. Narine has taken 190 wickets in 186 games with an average of 25.39 and bowls with an economy rate of 6.77. 

He has been a crucial member of the Kolkata-based franchise KKR, as the franchise won the league back in 2012, 2014, and 2024.

Narine has also played as an opener under Gambhir's captaincy. However, currently, he is with the KKR franchise as they retain the off-spinner before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

3. Piyush Chawla | 192 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Piyush Chawla, who was bought by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2021 in the mini-auction is the third-highest wicket-taker in the league history. He has picked 192 wickets in 192 matches with an average of 26.60 and an economy being 7.96. 

Piyush Chawla has earlier featured for Chennai, Punjab, and Kolkata-based franchises in the cash-rich league.

Over the last two years, Chawla was the lead spinner for Mumbai Indians. But, no teams went for him in IPL 2025 auction.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 193 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 193 wickets is the second name in this list of players with the most wickets in IPL. Bhuvi has played in 185 matches in which he took those 193 wickets at an average of 27.01. However, he has bowled with an economy rate of 7.60 in the league. 

Meanwhile, Bhuvi is playimg for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise as they bought him in the IPL 2025 mega auction at a whopping 10.75 crore price.

Also Read: Most Dot Balls Bowled in IPL History: No one is catching Bhuvi

1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 214 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Yuzvendra Chahal has taken the most wickets in IPL history. Chahal has played in 169 games in which he has scalped 214 wickets with an average of 22.63. Moreover, he has an economy of 7.90 in the league.

Previously Chahal has played for RCB till 2021 and this season he is featuring the Punjab Kings as they bought him in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Chahal was with Rajasthan Royals since the 2022 season, claiming 66 wickets in 46 games. He has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians earlier in the IPL. He is among the 19 bowlers to have claimed a hat-trick in the IPL.

The leg-break bowler also won the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker during the 2022 season, with 27 wickets to his name in 17 games at an average of 19.51 and an economy of 7.75.

Next Article

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah is the highest wicket taker for Mumbai Indians with 174 wickets. Lets take a look at the other players on this list.

Apr 29, 2025, 6:35 AM3 min read

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com

Mumbai Indians are one of the most successful teams in IPL history. They’ve won the title five times and are known for having some of the best bowlers in the league.

Throughout the seasons, MI has produced some of the finest bowling talents of the modern era. The combination of legendary pacers and crafty spinners has played a huge role in their success.  

Read Also | Fastest 50 IPL Wickets Among Pacers (by Matches)

1. Jasprit Bumrah (2013-present, 174* wickets)

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah celebrating his wicket against CSK. Image | Jagran English

Since his debut in 2013, Jasprit Bumrah has been the leader of MI's bowling attack. He is known for his pin-point yorkers, deceptive slower balls and as a death over specialist. With 174 wickets, Bumrah has surpassed Lasith Malinga as the highest wicket taker for MI including his best figures 5/10.

2. Lasith Malinga (2009-2019, 170 wickets)

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com
Lasith Malinga enjoying his last IPL campaign in 2019. Image | The Indian Express

Slinga Malinga is undoubtedly MI's one of the most iconic players. Known for his deadly yorkers and unorthodox bowling action, Malinga was MI's leading wicket taker throught the seasons. With the best figures of 5/13, he was the purple cap holder in the 4th edition of the IPL.

3. Harbhajan Singh (2008-2017, 127 wickets)

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com
Harbhajan Singh during his time in Mumbai Indians. Image | IndiaTV

The Turbanator, Harbhajan Singh was a crucial bowler during his tenure in MI. Being an experienced off-spinner, he provided control and important break-throughs in the middle overs. His best bowling figures of 5/18 came in the 4th edition and he also played an important role in MI's 1st title.

4. Mitchell McClenaghan (2015-2019, 71 wickets)

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com
Mitchell McClenaghan celebrating a wicket. Image | Mumbai Indians

McClenaghan was known for aggressive bowling which helped him bag wickets during crucial moments. With his fierce pace, the kiwi added firepower to MI's bowling attack. He has the best bowling figure of 4/21 against Gujrat Lions in the 2016 season.

5. Kieron Pollard (2010-2022, 69 wickets)

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com
Kieron Pollard during his time in Mumbai Indians. Image | ESPNcricinfo

Being an all-rounder, Kieron Pollard has made some key contributions as a medium pacer for MI. Often called the "man with the golden arm", Pollard had knack for breaking partnerships during crunch situations. He has his career-best figures of 4/44 against the Rajasthan Royals.

6. Hardik Pandya (2015- 2025, 65* wickets)

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com
Hardik Pandya celebrating a wicket. Image | The Statesman

The current captain of MI, Hardik Pandya is known for his versatility in his bowling. Though he can be expensive at times, Pandya has delivered wickets during the powerplay, middle overs, and at the death. With the best figures of 5/36, he has been one of the key players for MI over many years.

Read Also | IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya becomes the new captain of Mumbai Indians

7. Krunal Pandya (2016-2021, 51* wickets)

IPL facts: Most wickets for Mumbai Indians | sportzpoint.com
Krunal Pandya celebrating a wicket for the Mumbai Indians. Image | Times Of India

Krunal Pandya was known for his tight bowling during the middle overs. With his economical bowling, he had the ability to control the run-rate and bowl during pressure situations. Krunal proved to be a valuable asset to the MI's squad and has the best bowling figures of 5/36.

Next Article

CSK’s Struggles in IPL 2025: A Season to Forget?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time IPL Champions have not been able to perform the way it was expected from them in this year's IPL, which is why CSK is at the bottom of the points table, and this shows CSK's struggles in IPL 2025.

Apr 27, 2025, 2:08 PM8 min read

CSK's struggles in IPL 2025 leads them to the bottom of the points table | sportzpoint.com
CSK's struggles in IPL 2025 leads them to the bottom of the points table in IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time IPL Champions known for their consistency and tactical moves which usually leads them to success, find themselves in an unfamiliar position this season. CSK is at the bottom of the points table with just 2 wins out of their 9 matches, marking their worst IPL season till date. 

The main reasons of CSK’s struggles in IPL 2025 are a combination of poor auction strategy, some important players getting injured, very weak & out of form batting line-up, horrible fielding performances, and being unable to find a proper & effective playing 11 combination despite playing half of their matches in IPL 2025.

POS Team P W L NR NRR FOR AGAINST PTS Recent Form
1 Gujarat Titans (GT) 8 6 2 0 1.104 1550/153.5 1431/159.3 12 W W L W W
2 Delhi Capitals (DC) 8 6 2 0 0.657 1474/151.1 1449/159.2 12 W L W L W
3 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 9 6 3 0 0.482 1560/166.4 1490/167.5 12 W W L W L
4 Punjab Kings (PBKS) 9 5 3 1 0.177 1405/148.3 1405/151.2 11 N L W W L
5 Mumbai Indians (MI) 9 5 4 0 0.673 1530/162.2 1568/179.1 10 W W W W L
6 Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) 9 5 4 0 -0.054 1705/175.4 1690/173.1 10 L W L W W
7 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) 9 3 5 1 0.212 1238/147.4 1219/149.1 7 N L L W L
8 Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) 9 3 6 0 -1.103 1618/177.1 1665/162.4 6 W L L W L
9 Rajasthan Royals (RR) 9 2 7 0 -0.625 1672/180.0 1735/175.0 4 L L L L L
10 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 9 2 7 0 -1.302 1440/178.4 1540/164.3 4 L L W L L

Also Read: Impactful Overseas players in IPL 2025

(1) Poor Auction Strategy

Chennai Super Kings team at the IPL Auction 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Chennai Super Kings team at the IPL Auction 2025

From the Auction Table only, CSK’s management started making mistakes by failing to grab impactful players who could fill the gaps in their squad.

Instead of investing in young and in-form players, the management made some confusing choices by buying mediocre players with poor form like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar, especially with a few key players nearing the end of their careers like Ravichandran Ashwin. 

Former CSK great, also known as “Mr. IPL”, Suresh Raina has publicly criticised CSK’s poor auction strategy by pointing out the missed opportunities to buy match-winning players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Faf Du Plessis, etc., due to a lack of funds. 

While other franchises focused on acquiring young and dynamic talent, CSK appeared to rely heavily on their tried-and-tested players like Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sam Curran, etc., who are unable to perform in crucial situations for CSK in IPL 2025. 

CSK’s management overlooked many promising domestic and overseas players who have been performing nicely in other T20 leagues, which resulted in a poor out-of-form bunch of players.

Some auction picks like Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed were great buys for CSK in IPL 2025, as these 2 players are performing really well and clinching wickets on a regular basis.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Where's what each team need to do to qualify for the playoffs

(2) Batting Collapses in almost every match

Batting Collapses in almost every match has been one of the reasons of CSK's struggles in IPL 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Batting Collapses in almost every match has been one of the reasons of CSK's struggles in IPL 2025

CSK’s batting has been one of the weakest in this season. Their top-order batsmen like Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have failed to perform consistently, and batted with a very low strike-rate in power-play which leads the team one step backwards from the start of the game. 

The middle-order batsmen like Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dubey, and Vijay Shankar have failed to capitalize in the middle overs, and batted with a slow strike rate, and poor shot selection, which made most of their chases or first innings totals look below par. 

Even their reliable lower order batters or finishers like Ravindra Jadeja and Mahendra Singh Dhoni haven't been able to rescue them as they are also out of form and being overburdened with responsibility. So, the lack of a proper finisher is glaring. 

Also Read: Top 5 game-changing factors that could send MI to IPL 2025 Playoffs

Some young and new batters of CSK like Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, and Dewald Brewis who got a chance to play from the previous 2-3 matches have performed nicely and played exceptionally well and showed potential that they can be the future stars of CSK. 

After the recent loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, MS Dhoni highlighted the problems because of which CSK is continuously losing matches this season.

His words were, “In a tournament like this, if there are one or two areas to plug in the holes, then it's good, but when a majority of the players are not doing well, then you need to make changes. You can’t just keep going. We are just not putting enough runs on the board”, while addressing the post-match presentation.

Also Read: Glenn Maxwell in IPL Since 2024

(3) Poor Fielding and Catch Drops at Crucial Moment

CSK have dropped the most catches so far in IPL 2025 | sportzpoint.com
CSK have dropped the most catches so far in IPL 2025

CSK’s fielding, which was a strength for them earlier, has been horrible this year. CSK has dropped 13-14 catches in IPL 2025 till now which is most by any team this season and after these catch drops of important players at crucial moments, all those players scored a good number of runs and lead their respective teams to a very good total or chased the runs made by CSK. 

In a highly competitive league like the IPL, every run saved with a good fielding effort makes a difference and creates pressure on the opposition, but CSK has failed to do this in this IPL season, which is one of the reasons for CSK’s struggles in IPL 2025. 

MS Dhoni’s wicket-keeping skills is the only thing which deserves appreciation when CSK is fielding. At the age of 43, Dhoni’s wicket-keeping is still lethal with lightning-fast stumping and very smooth ball receiving technique. 

CSK’s bowling has also been very outstanding this season. Bowlers of CSK, like Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad, have taken crucial wickets continuously. They have been able to create chances with their effective bowling, but the fielders were not able to grab those chances and take advantage of them.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Lowest Total Defended in IPL

(4) Important Players Getting Injured

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of IPL 2025 because of injury and Devon Conway have returned to New Zealand because his Father passed away | sportzpoint.com
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of IPL 2025 because of injury and Devon Conway have returned to New Zealand

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Captain of CSK, got injured and was ruled out of this IPL, which made the CSK batting line-up very weak and inexperienced. Devon Conway has to return to New Zealand because his father passed away. 

After Gaikwad’s exclusion from the playing 11 because of an unfortunate injury, MS Dhoni has again become the Captain of CSK and Ayush Mhatre has been signed by the CSK management as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Also Read: IPL 2025, CSK vs KKR: CSK's five lowest totals in IPL history

(5) Where will the CSK team go from here?

Poor Batting Performance and Horrible Display of Fielding shows CSK's struggles in IPL 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Poor Batting Performance and Horrible Display of Fielding shows CSK's struggles in IPL 2025

After losing 7 out of 9 matches, and with 5 games left, only CSK’s qualifying chances for IPL 2025 Play-offs are practically gone. Even MS Dhoni seems to be looking ahead to next season, as after their recent loss to Mumbai Indians, Dhoni highlighted the importance of getting a secured playing XI for the next year, while addressing the post-match presentation.

As the season progresses, one thing is clear: CSK's struggles in IPL 2025 serve as a reminder that even the most successful teams need to evolve and adapt to the current playing style to stay competitive. 

If CSK wants to bounce back next season, they need figure out what went wrong in 2025 and correct those things as soon as possible. The auction errors, poor on-field execution, poor display of batting & fielding, and over-reliance on aging players have all contributed to a season they’ll want to forget. 

The Chennai Super Kings have built a legacy over the years. But this year, that legacy has taken a hit and only a superb comeback in the next season of IPL can earn them their respect again which CSK deserves, and as we all know that CSK is also known as the Comeback Super Kings so every CSK fan will pray for their team’s strong comeback in the next season of IPL.

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