5 bowlers with most dot balls in IPL career
Bowling dot deliveries and keeping the runs flow in control is a big ask for bowlers in the T20 format. Such is the nature of this format that a batter looks to go after the bowling right from ball one. They say it’s a batter’s format but it’s the bowlers who win you matches and tournaments with their solid spells. To bowl a dot ball is a rarity but the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some great players achieving this feat.
Here’s a look at 5 bowlers who have bowled the most dot balls in their IPL career:
5.Lasith Malinga (1217)
Lasith Malinga has delivered 1217 dot balls in 122 innings, with the best figures of 5/13. Having made his debut in 2009, he played all his matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) till 2019. He bowled 471.1 overs with an average of 19.79 and an economy rate of 7.14. The Sri Lankan international took a five-wicket haul once and a four-for six times in his career.
4.Sunil Narine (1298)
Sunil Narine has delivered 1298 dot balls, having joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012. He is the overseas spinner with the most wickets (144) in the IPL. In 136 matches, Narine has bowled 528.1 overs at an average of 24.54 and an economy of 6.69. The West Indian, who is playing his tenth season with the same franchise, has the best figures of 5/19. He has one five-for and seven four-wicket hauls to his name.
3.Harbhajan Singh (1312)
Harbhajan Singh bowled 1312 dot balls in IPL. Playing since the inception of the league in 2008, Harbhajan has taken 150 wickets in 163 games at an 26.86 average and 7.07 economy rate. In 569.2 overs, the ‘Turbanator’ has snared a five-for and four-for once with best figures of 5/18.
2.R Ashwin (1313)
R Ashwin has bowled the second-most dot balls in the IPL (1313). In 168 games, Ashwin has taken 145 wickets with an average of 27.94 and an economy rate of 6.90. Playing since 2009, he has delivered 587 overs and has the best figures of 4/34. Having played for five different franchises so far, Ashwin has is also the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
1.Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1340)
Known for his accuracy and line and length, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has bowled the most dot balls in IPL history. In 133 games, he has delivered 1340 dots and has bowled at an average of 25.29 and a 7.29 economy rate. Amongst the above four names, Bhuvneshwar has delivered the most maidens (9). He has snared 143 wickets in 495.3 overs with the best figures of 5/19.
