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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen explosive batting performances year after year, but amidst all the fireworks, a handful of bowlers have quietly stolen the show with their tight lines, intelligent variations, and most importantly — best economy rates in IPL. These bowlers have proven that in a format dominated by big hitters, controlling the flow of runs can be just as valuable as picking wickets. This article dives deep into the top 10 bowlers with the best economy rates in IPL, based on available statistics, and analyzes their unique contributions to their teams.
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The Art of Economy in T20 Cricket
In T20 cricket, where every ball can potentially go for a boundary, maintaining a low economy rate is a hallmark of brilliance. The best economy rates in IPL are often a sign of a bowler who not only delivers dot balls but also builds pressure that leads to wickets at the other end. A bowler with an economy under 7 is considered exceptional in this format, and some of the names on our list have gone far beyond this standard.
Top 10 Bowlers with the Best Economy Rates in IPL
Here is a detailed table showcasing the top 10 bowlers with the best economy rates in IPL history based on their career spans, overs bowled, runs conceded, and wickets taken.
Table: Top 10 Best Economy Rates in IPL History
| Player | Span | Matches | Overs | Balls | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Average | Economy | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB Singh (GL) | 2017 | 2 | 4.0 | 24 | 15 | 1 | 1/7 | 15.00 | 3.75 | 24.0 | – | – |
| DJ Thornely (MI) | 2008 | 6 | 7.0 | 42 | 40 | 3 | 2/7 | 13.33 | 5.71 | 14.0 | – | – |
| M Manhas (CSK/DC/PWI) | 2008–2014 | 55 | 7.0 | 42 | 42 | 0 | – | – | 6.00 | – | – | – |
| MJ Clarke (PWI) | 2012 | 6 | 11.0 | 66 | 67 | 2 | 1/12 | 33.50 | 6.09 | 33.0 | – | – |
| A Chandila (RR) | 2012–2013 | 12 | 39.0 | 234 | 242 | 11 | 4/13 | 22.00 | 6.20 | 21.2 | 1 | – |
| MW Short (PBKS) | 2023 | 6 | 4.0 | 24 | 25 | 0 | – | – | 6.25 | – | – | – |
| PH Solanki (CSK) | 2022 | 2 | 6.0 | 36 | 38 | 2 | 2/20 | 19.00 | 6.33 | 18.0 | – | – |
| Sohail Tanvir (RR) | 2008 | 11 | 41.1 | 247 | 266 | 22 | 6/14 | 12.09 | 6.46 | 11.2 | 1 | 1 |
| KA Maharaj (RR) | 2024 | 2 | 6.0 | 36 | 39 | 2 | 2/23 | 19.50 | 6.50 | 18.0 | – | – |
| SMSM Senanayake (KKR) | 2013 | 8 | 32.0 | 192 | 209 | 9 | 2/26 | 23.22 | 6.53 | 21.3 | – | – |
NB Singh – The Surprise Package with the Best Economy
NB Singh, who played for Gujarat Lions in 2017, tops the list with an economy rate of 3.75, the best economy rate in IPL history. While he played only 2 matches and bowled 4 overs in total, conceding just 15 runs, his remarkable control in those limited appearances earned him a unique place in the record books.
DJ Thornely – Under the Radar but Effective
DJ Thornely of Mumbai Indians featured in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He bowled just 7 overs across 6 matches but impressed with an economy of 5.71. His best figures of 2/7 and a strong strike rate of 14.0 underscore his effectiveness in the few chances he got.
M Manhas – The Reluctant Bowler
Known more for his batting, M Manhas bowled just 7 overs over a long career spanning 55 matches across three teams (CSK, DC, PWI). Despite never taking a wicket, he maintained an economy of 6.00, making him an unlikely but notable entrant in this list of best economy rates in IPL.
Michael Clarke – A Part-Time Spin Wizard
Australia’s Michael Clarke, who played a brief IPL stint with Pune Warriors India in 2012, delivered 11 overs with an economy rate of 6.09. He might be better known for his batting exploits, but Clarke showed he could be economical with the ball as well.
Ajit Chandila – A Bowling Revelation
Ajit Chandila was one of Rajasthan Royals’ surprise weapons in 2012 and 2013. His mystery spin yielded 11 wickets in just 39 overs, and his economy of 6.20 along with best figures of 4/13 made him a critical bowler during his time in the league.
MW Short – Small Sample, Big Control
Matthew Short, known for his batting, bowled only 4 overs for Punjab Kings in 2023. Even without any wickets, his economy of 6.25 places him among the best economy rates in IPL, highlighting how even occasional bowlers can make a difference.
PH Solanki – Emerging Talent
In 2022, PH Solanki bowled 6 overs across 2 matches for Chennai Super Kings, conceding just 38 runs and taking 2 wickets. With an economy of 6.33, he showed promise as a disciplined bowler capable of stifling opposition scoring.
Sohail Tanvir – Legendary Efficiency
Sohail Tanvir was a standout performer for Rajasthan Royals in 2008, where he not only maintained an economy of 6.46 but also picked up 22 wickets in 11 matches. His best figures of 6/14 still stand among the best in IPL history. Tanvir’s contribution in the inaugural season makes him one of the most impactful bowlers with the best economy rates in IPL.
KA Maharaj – A Recent Addition
Keshav Maharaj, playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2024, brought his international experience into the IPL. With 2 wickets in 6 overs at an economy of 6.50, he became another spinner to watch with a strong showing in the shortest format.
Senanayake – Sri Lankan Accuracy
SMSM Senanayake played for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013 and bowled 32 overs in that season, taking 9 wickets at an economy of 6.53. His ability to contain runs in the middle overs made him a reliable asset in the KKR bowling lineup.
What Makes a Great Economy Bowler?
The bowlers with the best economy rates in IPL come in all shapes and roles: from part-timers to specialist spinners, to unexpected fast bowlers. Their success hinges on three main factors:
- Consistency in line and length
- Clever variation and adaptability
- Reading the batsman and game situations
Some had brief stints, while others like Tanvir and Chandila left long-lasting impressions. Yet all proved that control, not just pace or spin, is the key to success in the T20 format.
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Economy Over Hype
While wickets grab headlines, a bowler’s economy often determines the outcome of tight T20 matches. These players with the best economy rates in IPL have shown that even in a high-scoring format, subtlety and precision can be match-winning traits. Whether it’s a veteran like Tanvir or a newcomer like Maharaj, economy bowlers continue to be indispensable in IPL strategies.
In a league that values boundaries and sixes, let’s also appreciate the silent warriors who keep the scoreboard quiet — one miserly over at a time.
FAQ
Who has the best economy rate in IPL history?
NB Singh holds the record for the best economy rate in IPL history, conceding only 3.75 runs per over during his short stint with Gujarat Lions in 2017.
Which bowler combined economy and wicket-taking most effectively?
Sohail Tanvir stands out with an economy of 6.46 and 22 wickets in the 2008 IPL season, including best figures of 6/14.
Are part-time bowlers among the best in economy rates?
Yes, players like Michael Clarke and M Manhas, primarily known for their batting, maintained impressive economy rates of 6.09 and 6.00 respectively.
