Most Dot Balls bowled in IPL history
Over the years, the IPL has witnessed some of the world’s greatest batsmen displaying their talent on the big stage. These power-hitters have often grabbed headlines with their swashbuckling performances. And when they’re going all guns blazing, poor bowlers are at the receiving end of a carnage. Be it Test cricket or ODIs, dot balls are extremely important. It helps ease the pressure on the bowler and the fielding side but puts extra pressure on the batsmen.
And when it comes to Twenty20 cricket, it’s significance is doubled. With only 4 potential overs in their kitty every match, bowlers have no room for error in this monstrous format.
Here are the top 4 bowlers who have bowled the most number of dot balls across the 12 seasons of IPL:
1. Harbhajan Singh (Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings)
A permanent name in the Mumbai Indians’ line-up from 2008 to 2017, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh moved to the Chennai camp in 2018. His impressive bowling figures have earned him the top spot in this list. Bhajji has bowled 1249 dot balls out of the 3374 balls in 160 IPL matches.
2. Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians)
Another popular name in the Mumbai Indians camp, Lasith Malinga brings a unique slinging action and his ferocious yorkers year after year to lit up the IPL. Despite the predictability of his bowling plans, batsmen are often dumbfounded against him, especially in the death overs. It is his ability to bowl those crucial dots that have frequently helped Mumbai win in the final moments of the game. He takes the 2nd spot in this list!
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors, SunRisers Hyderabad)
There’s not much to differentiate between Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Indian bowler and the IPL bowler. On both fronts, his bowling style is a reflection of his personality – clear and precise. Having plied his trade for 3 franchises so far, Bhuvi remains one of the most dependable Indian bowlers. It is no surprise that he has bowled 1124 dot balls in 117 matches so far.
4. Amit Mishra (SunRisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals)
This willy leggie has been one of the most successful spin bowlers in the IPL. In 12 editions of the tournament, Amit Mishra has claimed as many as 157 wickets. While batsmen tend to take on him quite often, it does not deter ‘Mishy’ from putting his best foot forward. And when he does, batsmen take a step back and defend his deliveries. It is how he has bowled 1111 dot balls so far.
