Most Wickets In Powerplay: With IPL 2025 looming on the horizon, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match on March 22, fans cannot wait for the action to begin. One of the most important features of the game is the work of spinners, particularly during the powerplay overs.
In the years gone by, several spinners have made a big difference in the initial phases of the game, taking key wickets and changing the momentum in their team’s direction. Here, we take a glimpse at the spinners who have taken the highest number of wickets in the powerplay in the history of IPL.
Most Wickets In Powerplay by top 6 spinners
1. Ravichandran Ashwin – 49 Wickets in Powerplay
Ravichandran Ashwin ranks number one in the most wickets section for IPL powerplay overs. He has taken 49 wickets in the powerplay and served as an important performer for his franchises for many years.
Known for his clever variations and sharp cricketing mind, the abandoned spinner has been consistent over the years, particularly in the first overs of the IPL. In IPL 2025, Ashwin will once again take to the field with MS Dhoni and offer his experience to the game.
2. Harbhajan Singh – 30 Wickets in Powerplay
The illustrious Harbhajan Singh ranks second on the all-time list with 30 powerplay wickets in IPL history. He has played 163 IPL matches and is one of the most distinguished spinners in the history of the tournament.
His ability to bowl in the early overs and take key wickets has made him a pivotal player for his teams. Harbhajan Singh played his last IPL season in 2021, claiming a total of 150 wickets in the IPL league, which makes him the most successful bowler in the IPL.
3. Sunil Narine – 27 Wickets in Powerplay
Sunil Narine, who is arguably the most successful all-rounder from the West Indies, has had a considerable IPL career, particularly within his role during the powerplay.
He holds the record for the most number of wickets (27) during the powerplay and hails his success from his mystery spin, which has provided trouble for many top-order batsmen.
Narine has played his entire IPL career for the KKR franchise and has tested partnerships to break in the powerplay stage of the innings. As IPL 2025 continues, Narine will look to continue being an influential player for KKR, with important breakthroughs during this powerplay stage of the innings.
4. Piyush Chawla – 21 Wickets in Powerplay
Experienced Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has done well even during the powerplay overs of the IPL, with a tally of 21 wickets. With 192 IPL matches and 192 wickets, Chawla has been an ongoing performer with various franchises over the years – well known for his effective leg-spin and ability to slightly fool batsmen.
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Chawla has been known to extract some purchases in the initial overs of the game. Continuing through IPL 2025, he is still one of the cornerstones of his franchise’s spin attack.
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 18 Wickets in Powerplay
Bangladesh’s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is still doing well in the IPL, as he has picked up 18 wickets in the powerplay. Shakib, who has played 71 IPL matches and taken 63 wickets overall, has established himself as a reliable spinner throughout the game.
He’s particularly valuable in the powerplay because he is adept at keeping the line tight, working well under pressure, and picking up valuable early wickets for his franchise.
6. Yuzvendra Chahal – 17 Powerplay Wickets
Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken a staggering 205 wickets in 160 IPL matches, is the number-one wicket-taking spinner in IPL history. His wicket-taking ability also applies during the powerplay overs, where Chahal has taken 17 wickets.
This means that Chahal can not only bowl well in the powerplay but also take wickets early in the innings. Chahal relies on his ability to bowl leg-spin, to flight the ball, and to change pace. He has been a consistent bowler for both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals and will surely be a considered player for IPL 2025.
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