Indian Premier League (IPL) is often regarded as the graveyard for the bowlers just like any other T20 competition. However, there are occasions when a brilliant bowling spell is enough to run through batting line-ups on a given day. The last edition of IPL in 2021 witnessed some of the most jaw-dropping bowling performances. We rewind the clock and take a look at the five best bowling figures in IPL 2021.
Top 5 Bowling Performances in IPL 2021
Here's a look at the Top-5 bowling figures in IPL 2021:
1. Andre Russell (5/15 vs Mumbai Indians)
One of the key players for KKR in the IPL, Andre Russell claimed the best bowling figures in IPL 2021. The Caribbean all-rounder was struggling with his full-fitness and hence wasn't available to bowl for a couple of seasons before 2021. However, his return to bowling in IPL 2021 was a major boost for Kolkata Knight Riders, especially in the first half of 2021.
He was entrusted with the job of bowling in the slog overs. The experienced T20 campaigner delivered the goods for his team with his pre-calculative plans and strategy. During a match against Mumbai Indians, Andre Russell bagged a five-wicket haul inside two overs. He conceded 15 runs and picked five crucial wickets to stem the flow of runs for the opposition in the final few overs. This was also the best bowling figure for KKR in IPL history.
2. Harshal Patel (5/27 vs Mumbai Indians)
The Purple Cap holder in IPL 2021, Harshal Patel was a gamechanger for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last IPL season. Patel was one of the main reasons why RCB managed to qualify for the playoffs. He picked 32 wickets and finished as the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2021. The franchise used Harshal for a specific role for bowling in the final ten overs.
The Gujarat-born player employed his slower ball variations to good effect for a majority of IPL 2021. He kickstarted his IPL campaign on a high note, claiming a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians. Harshal foxed the likes of Hardik Pandya, Keiron Pollard, Ishan Kishan, and others, on his slow off-cutters. He conceded 27 runs and picked five wickets to claim his best bowling figures in the IPL.
3. Arshdeep Singh (5/32 vs Rajasthan Royals)
In an otherwise disappointing season for the Punjab Kings, the emergence of Arshdeep Singh was one of the bright points for the franchise. The young Punjab fast bowler was in contention for the emerging players of the season in IPL 2021. Singh ended the season as the second-highest wicket-taker for Punjab. He assisted Mohammad Shami as a perfect foil throughout the IPL in 2021.
Singh also became only the second uncapped Indian seamer to pick a five-wicket haul in the league. Arshdeep recorded his best bowling figures against Rajasthan Royals in Dubai. Courtesy of his efficient spell, Punjab managed to restrict the opposition to a total of 185 in the end. He returned with figures of 5/32 in his best IPL outing so far.
4. Deepak Chahar (4/13 vs Punjab Kings)
CSK's Deepak Chahar had a middling season for his franchise in IPL 2021. However, Chennai continued to invest faith in his abilities despite an average performance with the ball in hand. Chahar accounted for 14 wickets in IPL 2021, finishing as the third-best bowler after Thakur and Bravo.
Deepak began his 2021 IPL campaign with a bang against Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium. He troubled the Punjab batters with swing early on in the powerplay. He claimed a four-wicket haul on a batting paradise in Mumbai. He returned with his best bowling figures in IPL of 4/13. Chahar went through the Punjab top-order and produced a Match winning performance to kickstart CSK's campaign on a high.
5. Nathan Coulter Nile (4/14 vs Rajasthan Royals)
In a must-win game for Mumbai Indians, the defending champions were up against Rajasthan Royals at Sharjah. On a low and slow deck in Sharjah, Rajasthan batted first. However, things didn't work out as planned for the ‘Men in Pink'. MI bowlers executed their plans with near perfection in not allowing RR to gather any momentum through their innings.
For Mumbai, Nathan Coulter Nile was the star of the night. The Australian quick worked his magic through the middle-overs, a task that was expected of him specifically in the game. Coulter Nile picked four wickets in a highly economical spell of four overs. He recorded the best bowling figures for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021. His bowling performance of 4/14 was even awarded the Man of the Match in a convincing MI win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has the best bowling figures in IPL?
Alzarri Joseph holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL. Joseph claimed 6/12 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2019.
2. Who is the best bowler in IPL 2021?
Harshal Patel was the best bowler in IPL 2021. Harshal won the Purple Cap award for picking the most wickets in IPL 2021.
