A player can perform well in particular matches, however, performing consistently throughout the whole tournament is always a plus. This thin line separates the goods from the greats. Consistently delivering in a series is what makes a player a threat to the other teams. Let us look at those players who bagged the Player of the series awards in each T20 World Cup edition.

Read Also: Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments

Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 2007

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi won the Player of the Series award back in the 2007 T20 World Cup edition. The leggie scalps 12 wickets in the edition and also contributed 91 runs with the bat when needed. He was also the joint-highest wicket-taker (12 wickets) in that edition of the tournament.

Tillakaratne Dilshan | Sri Lanka | 2009

Sri Lankan legendary batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan won the Player of the Series award in the T20 World Cup 2009 edition. Dilshan was the top scorer for that edition with 317 runs to his name with an average of 52.83. Although, Sri Lanka loses in the final against Pakistan. But Dilshan was adjudged with the Player of the Series award for his extraordinary batting in that edition.

Also Read: Most Runs in T20 World Cup history

Kevin Pietersen | England | 2010

England lifted the T20 World Cup in 2010 as Kevin Pietersen was named the player of the tournament for the edition. Kevin Pietersen scored 47 runs in 31 balls in the final game against the Aussies to help his team chase down 148. However, KP adjusted to the award as England lifted their first major ICC trophy.

Shane Watson | Australia | 2012

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson won the Player of the Series award in the 2012 edition of the T20 WC. Shane Watson has batted six innings in the tournament. In which he smashed 249 runs at an average of 49.80. Moreover, Watson also took 11 wickets at an average of 16.00 in that edition. For his brilliant performance with both the bat and bowl, he was declared the player of the tournament for the 2012 edition.

Read Also: Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history

Virat Kohli | India | 2014

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was in top form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2014 edition. Virat has scored 319 runs as he helps his team to reach the finals of the 2014 World Cup edition. Virat had scored 77 runs in 58 balls in the final game against Sri Lanka before he got run out.

However, his innings went in vain as Sri Lanka chased down the below-average target Inside 18 overs. However, Kohli adjusted with the Player of the Series award for his good performance throughout the tournament.

Also Read: Virat Kohli vs Joe Root vs Steve Smith Test Captaincy Records

Virat Kohli | India | 2016

Indian captain Virat Kohli again received the Player of the Series award in the 2016 edition. Virat scored 273 runs in that edition with a half-century in the Semi-Final game. Kohli scored 82 runs against the Aussies in that edition of the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, that innings has been named the greatest moment of the ICC T20 World Cup history.

Although, India completed their journey in the semi-finals Virat again emerged with his top batting skills and grabbed the award.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Records as T20I Captain

David Warner | Australia | 2021

Australian opener David Warner was out of form just before the T20 World Cup 2021. However, Warner again emerged again in the World Cup stage as he smashed 289 runs in the tournament at an average of 48.16. Meanwhile, it's also included with the tournament-winning knock of 53 off 38 balls against New Zealand. He ended up as the 2nd highest run-scorer of the tournament behind Pakistan's Babar Azam.

Read Also: Fastest to 3000 runs in T20I

Sam Curran | England | 2022

English pacer Sam Curran continued his red-hot form in the tournament with three more wickets in the final. Curran took three wickets while conceding only 12 runs from his four-over spell and won the Player of the Match award as well. He also ended the tournament as England's leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets from just six innings at an impressive economy rate of 6.52 to grab a Player of the Tournament award.

Also Read: ICC Team of the Tournament for T20 World Cup 2022

Jasprit Bumrah | India | 2024

Jasprit Bumrah won the player of the tournament award for his 15 wickets in the T20 World Cup 2024. Bumrah was impeccable with his disciplined bowling and gave India breakthroughs whenever Rohit Sharma asked him to bowl. Not only that, his economy rate of 4.17 was the best in tournament history for a bowler who has played all the games in a single edition. 

Bumrah was great with his variation and proved to be India's match-winner in nearly every match. He became the only Indian player except for Virat Kohli to win the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Cups. 

N.B: Last Updated on 13/11/2022.

A total of 20 matches have been played in IPL 2025 till April 7 and most of the matches have been exciting. Many records have been made in these matches on the basis of the excellent performance of the batsmen and bowlers. 

At the same time, if we talk about the most wickets for a pacer in IPL then Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar overtook West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo to become the pacer with the most wickets in the history of the Indian Premier League.

Bhuvneshwar achieved this milestone during the IPL match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. During the match, Bhuvneshwar gave away 48 runs but got a crucial wicket of Tilak Varma, who threatened to take the game away from RCB.

Also Read: MI vs RCB: Most Wickets against RCB in IPL

In this article, we will be discussing about the most wickets for a pacer in IPL. 

Most Wickets for a pacer in IPL

4. Jasprit Bumrah | 165 Wickets

One of the most lethal pacers in modern-day cricket, Jasprit Bumrah has been Mumbai Indians’ spearhead since his debut. He has taken 165 wickets in 134 matches, with a best performance of 5/10, finishing as the team’s leading-wicket taker during three title-winning campaigns (2017, 2019 and 2020). His ability to bowl in the powerplay and nail yorkers at the death makes him a standout bowler.

Bumrah made his long-awaited injury comeback after he was picked in the Mumbai Indians Playing XI for the IPL 2025 encounter against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 31-year-old has been missing from action since he suffered a back problem during the final Test of India’s series defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

3. Lasith Malinga | 170 Wickets

Arguably the greatest fast bowler in IPL history, Lasith Malinga was a key figure in Mumbai Indians’ success. With his deadly yorkers and deceptive slower balls, he took 170 wickets in 122 matches, boasting a stunning best of 5/13. His economy rate of 7.14 and strike rate of 16.62 highlight his dominance.

Malinga made his debut for his only IPL team Mumbai Indians, in the year 2009. He bagged a purple cap in 2011 for his exceptional performance of 28 wickets in just 16 matches.

2. Dwayne Bravo | 183 Wickets

Former West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo is at second place in the list of most wickets for a pacer in IPL. Bravo's slower balls and variations made him a CSK legend. He remains one of IPL's most iconic and successful death over specialist. 

Bravo, who last played in the IPL in 2022, has 183 scalps to his name. Bravo has played a total of 161 matches in IPL for three different teams. His best performance was 4 wickets for 22 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar broke Bravo's record against Mumbai in Wankhede.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 184 Wickets

RCB's fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the most wickets in IPL as a pacer. Kumar has taken 184 wickets in 179 matches. His best performance is 5 wickets for 19 runs. 

The right-arm swing bowler is also the third-highest wicket-taker in the IPL. Above him are Punjab Kings (PBKS) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (206 wickets in 162 matches at an average of 22.83 and best figures of 5/40) and Piyush Chawla (192 wickets in 192 matches at an average of 26.60, with best figures of 4/17). 

Bhuvi is one of the finest bowlers in the history of the IPL, and is still going strong at the age of 35. He played for Pune Warriors initially, and then was the one of the pillars of SRH unit for a long time. He played a big role in their success and picked wickets both with the new ball and at the death, and is now doing the same for RCB in IPL 2025.

Harry Brook was recently named England's white-ball captain, succeeding Jos Buttler, who stepped down in February 2025 following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. Brook now has become the 38th ODI captain for England and 15th to be named as T20I captain of the country as well. 

Ray Illingworth was the first-ever ODI and white-ball captain of England, who was also part of the first-ever men's One-day cricket match in 1971. Mike Denness and Tony Greig followed him on the list.

Michael Vaughan was the first T20I captain of England as he led the team in the shortest format of the game for the first time in 2005. Stuart Broad and Craig Kieswetter are a few of the players who captained the team only in T20Is. In the meantime, Michael Vaughan, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, and Jos Buttler led them in both ODIs and T20Is. 

Read Also | Highest Totals in ODI cricket history

As Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to face off at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai today, all eyes will be on the bowlers who could make the difference in this high-stakes encounter. 

Now Mumbai Indians will get a boost as Jasprit Bumrah returns for their MI vs RCB clash. The pacer, sidelined since India’s final Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January due to a back injury, also missed the Champions Trophy and IPL’s early matches. Now fit, the 31-year-old is set for his season debut.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL as a Captain

So, before start of the MI vs RCB IPL 2025 match, let's take a look at the bowlers with most wickets against RCB in IPL.

MI vs RCB: Most Wickets against RCB in IPL

5. Ravichandran Ashwin | 26 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin is the fifth-highest wicket-taker against Royal Challengers Bengaluru among the active bowlers and sixth overall. The veteran spinner has enjoyed bowling for this team, and his spell in the finals of the 2011 season while playing for CSK helped Chennai win the tournament. 

Overall, Ashwin has played 31 games against RCB and taken 26 wickets at a brilliant economy rate of 7.12 and a best of 3/16. His bowling average is 28.03 against them.

The 38-year-old is still active in the IPL. He is representing his inaugural season team, the Chennai Super Kings, in the ongoing season.

4. Ravindra Jadeja | 26 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja has played 34 matches against RCB and bowled 594 deliveries, taking 26 wickets at an impressive average of 28.38. His economy and control in the middle overs make him a key weapon, especially at spin-friendly venues.

With the bat, Jadeja has also been impactful. He batted in 27 innings, scoring 383 runs. Though not always at the top of the order, he has been a reliable lower middle-order batter. His highest score against RCB is 62*, and he averages 23.93 with a strike rate of 128.95.

3. Sandeep Sharma | 27 Wickets

Sandeep Sharma is an important member of RR’s bowling unit. The veteran pacer matched the performance of Trent Boult with the new ball and then also restricted the batters in the final overs. 

The veteran pacer has played just 19 innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru until now. He has picked up a total of 27 wickets at an economy rate of 8.17. If he can take three wickets in the coming game, he will become the leading wicket-taker against RCB. His best figure against RCB is 3/15.

Sandeep has enjoyed bowling against RCB and its batters. He has also dismissed Virat Kohli seven times in the IPL.

Also Read: IPL facts: Players to play 100 IPL matches for each team

2. Sunile Narine | 27 Wickets

Having made his IPL debut in 2012, Sunile Narine has an incredible bowling average of 20.57 against RCB. He has played 22 IPL matches for KKR against RCB and has taken a phenomenal 27 wickets. His economy rate is a brilliant 6.69, which only adds to his reputation as one of the most dangerous bowlers in the league.

With the bat, Narine also has an exceptional strike-rate of 180.97 against RCB in the IPL. He has hammered 333 runs from 13 innings at 30.27 in this regard. His tally includes 35 fours and 23 sixes.

1. Jasprit Bumrah | 29 Wickets

In 19 matches against the Rajat Patidar-led side, Jasprit Bumrah has scalped 29 wickets at an average of 19.03 and an economy rate of 7.45. His best performance came just last season at the Wankhede, where he dismantled the RCB batting lineup with a sensational 5/21.

Notably, the last time Bumrah missed an entire IPL season was in 2023 due to injury. He returned in 2024 with a bang, playing 13 matches and bagging 20 wickets for the franchise. Across his IPL career, the India pacer has featured in 133 matches, claiming 165 wickets and establishing himself as one of the most consistent fast bowlers in the league.

Bumrah's return is particularly significant given his stellar record against RCB.

MI skipper Hardik Pandya went on to script history as he became the first-ever skipper in Indian Premier League history to take a five-wicket haul. Hardik’s spell of 5 for 36 is also his best-ever bowling figures in T20 cricket.

Hardik’s fifth wicket was also his 30th IPL wicket as a skipper, which takes him level with Anil Kumble’s tally of 30 wickets as the second-most wickets in IPL as a captain.. Former Aussie great and Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne is the only bowler ahead of him with 57 wickets.

Also Read: Most wins in IPL as captain

So, let's take a look at the players with most wickets in IPL as a captain.

10. Shane Watson | 13 Wickets

Shane Watson is placed at no. 10 with 13 wickets to his name. Watson led the Rajasthan Royals in the 2014 and 2015 ipl seasons. Under his captaincy in 2015 Rajasthan also qualifies for the playoffs. He also led Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017 for some matches as interim captain.

A notable all-rounder, Watson also mustered 2372 runs with the bat for RR at 36.49. He smashed two tons and 14 fifties. Overall, the Aussie hammered 3874 runs (100s: 4, 50s: 21). He hit 190 sixes.

9. Sam Curran | 13 Wickets

English all rounder Sam Curran comes in with 13 wickets. Sam Curran led Punjab Kings in 11 matches of the IPL 2024 as Shikhar Dhawan was injured. That year, Sam Curran showed his brilliant all round game by clinching 16 wickets and scoring 270 runs in 13 matches ,but punjab couldn’t do well finishing at 9th position just above Mumbai Indians.

8. Daniel Vettori | 17 Wickets

Former New Zealand allrounder Daniel Vettori comes at 8th position in this list. He led Royal Challengers Banglore in 2011 and 2012 IPL.

As a captain Vettori has taken 17 wickets for RCB. Under his captaincy, Rcb also reached the final of 2011 IPL season but lost to csk.

7. Yuvraj Singh | 18 Wickets

Yuvraj Singh has taken 18 wickets as a captain in IPL and placed at no. 6 in this list. He captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2008-2009 season and Pune Warriors in 2011. 

Yuvi also has two hat-tricks to his name in IPL, which he took against RCB and Deccan Charges in the 2009 season. He is only the second bowler in IPL history to take multi hat-tricks in IPL, after Amit Mishra, who has taken 3 hat-tricks in IPL.

Also Read: IPL records: 5 youngest centurion in IPL

6. Zaheer Khan | 20 Wickets

Indian pace legend Zaheer Khan has captained Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016 and 2017. He is placed fifth in the list of highest wicket taking captains in ipl with 20 wickets. 

In 2017, Zaheer Khan was overall 10th or 9th Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in the IPL. After 2017, Zaheer Khan took retirement from all formats of cricket.

5. Pat Cummins | 21 Wickets

Australia’s captain and SRH skipper Pat Cummins has taken 21 wickets as a captain in IPL. Cummins comes at fourth position in this list. 

Cummins is also the second highest wicket-taker as a captain in a single season, taking 18 wickets, just behind Shane Warne, who took 19 wickets in the 2008 season. With the help of this brilliant performance by Cummins, SRH also reached the 2024 IPL final.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 25 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin led Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. 

As a captain he has taken 25 wickets and grabs the third position in the list of most wickets in IPL as captain. In 2019 R Ashwin took 15 wickets for Punjab Kings with an economy rate of 7.27.

2. Hardik Pandya | 30 Wickets

Next we have, Hardik Pandya who joins Anil Kumble in this list. Pandya ranks second in the elite list of captains with the most wickets in IPL. 

Till now, as a captain Hardik has taken 30 wickets in IPL. Pandya has led Gujrat Titans in 2022- 2023 season and out of that in 2022, under Hardik’s captaincy, Gujarat won the trophy in its first season and was runner up in 2023. Since 2024, Hardik has been captaining Mumbai Indians.

In 2025 season, Hardik became the first-ever captain in IPL history to claim a five-wicket haul during the match against Lucknow Super Giants in Ekana Cricket Stadium. Pandya's fiery spell of 5 for 36 was also his personal best in T20 cricket.

2. Anil Kumble | 30 Wickets

Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble is the second highest wicket taker in IPL as captain with 30 wickets. He led Royal Challengers Banglore in 2009- 2010. 

As a player, Kumble had a good run, ending the 2009 season as highest wicket taker for Rcb and overall second highest wicket taker with 21 wickets at an economy rate of 5.86 . He also took his team to the finals in 2009.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

1. Shane Warne | 57 Wickets

The late Shane Warne is the record holder for the most wickets in IPL as captain. Leg-spinner Warne represented the Royals across four IPL seasons, claiming 57 scalps from 55 matches at 25.38. He took one four-wicket haul.

Warne also captained Rajasthan Royals to win the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. The 2008 campaign saw the multiple World Cup-winning ace pick up 19 wickets from 15 games at 21.26. He was the side’s second-highest wicket-taker after Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir (22 wickets). Notably, Tanvir won the Purple Cap that season. 

Warne took 14 wickets in 2009, 11 wickets in 2010 and 13 wickets in 2011 to highlight his consistency.

In a tournament like the IPL, the role of the captain is of utmost importance given that the game can change very quickly. However, it is not an easy job to lead a side in such a big tournament. The franchises also do not give a longer run to a player if he fails to perform as a captain. 

There have been few cricketers who have enjoyed a long run in captaincy in IPL because of their consistent performance and mind blowing winning percentage. 

In this article, we will be discussing the most wins in IPL as captain.

Most wins in IPL as captain 

6. David Warner | 40

Australian player David Warner has captained Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in 83 games, winning 40 and losing 41, two of which were tied. 

He is also the third Aussie to win the IPL title as captain.

5. Shreyas Iyer | 40 Wins

Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last season, he has joined the IPL winning captains along with greats MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

Iyer has been the captain in 72 games for three different franchise (DC, KKR, and PBKS), in which he has won 40 games and lost 29.

4. Virat Kohli | 66 Wins

Virat Kohli is the most successful Test captain for India and also led Royal Challengers Bangalore for several seasons in the IPL. Overall, Virat Kohli captained for a total of 143 matches and won 66 and lost 70 of these matches with a win percentage of 46.15. 

Later, Faf du Plessis took over from him as skipper. Now Rajat Patidar is leading the team in 18th season. 

3. Gautam Gambhir | 71 Wins

Gautam Gambhir has proved his leadership skills in the IPL and international cricket alike. In total, Gautam Gambhir won 71 matches out of the 129 he captained. 

The left-handed batter was Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper in their successful campaigns in 2012 and 2014, making him the third-most successful IPL captain. He also led the team for the Delhi Capitals in multiple seasons. His winning percentage in IPL as captain is 55.03.

2. Rohit Sharma | 87 Wins

One of the most successful leaders of IPL, Rohit Sharma has captained Mumbai Indians in 158 games, in which he won 87 of them and lost 67. Under Rohit's captaincy, MI has won 5 IPL titles ( 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020).

Rohit's win percentage in IPL as captain is 55.06.

1. MS Dhoni | 133 Wins

India's legendary leader Mahendra Singh Dhoni has captained two franchise (CSK and RPS) in his career. In 226 games as a leader, Dhoni has won 133 and lost 91 times. He also led CSK to five IPL titles in the years 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023.

Dhoni's win percentage of 58.84 is the highest among captains to have led in more than 50 matches. He also holds the record for playing the most number of IPL matches as a captain.