IPL 2019: Two Indian spinners will be aiming to break Lasith Malinga’s record

At the start of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League, there will be quite an interesting battle amongst the bowlers which we will get to witness. Lasith Malinga who will back as a player after donning the hat of a mentor for Mumbai Indians last season, will have a big fight on his hands to save his record against two Indian spinners. Malinga currently holds the record for most wickets in IPL history with 154 scalps in 110 matches which he has played.

Back as a bowler after a stint as a mentor

Last season, Malinga went unsold in the auctions after which he took up the role of a bowling mentor with Mumbai Indians. This year though, he was bought for his base price of rupees 1 crore by Mumbai who were looking to add some experience in their bowling unit. Malinga is the only bowler to have picked over 150 wickets in the history of the IPL but he will be soon joined on the list by two Indian spinners who will be eyeing his record.

Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla in the race

The two Indian spinners who are in the race to break Malinga’s record are both leggies; Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla. Both have been consistent performers over the years in the IPL and are very close to joining the club of 150+ wickets in the tournament.  

Amit Mishra who was bought for 4.5 crores by the Delhi Capitals is only four wickets away from becoming only the second bowler to pick over 150 wickets in the league. The only bowler to have picked up three hat-tricks in IPL history will not only aim to enter the club, but will also have a realistic chance of breaking Malinga’s record in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Piyush Chawla is also excruciatingly near to picking up 150 wickets in the league, with 140 scalps to his name in 144 matches which he has played. A decent season will surely lead to him entering the 150 wickets club in the IPL.

Most wickets in IPL history:

Lasith Malinga: 110 matches, 154 wickets

Amit Mishra: 136 matches, 146 wickets

Piyush Chawla: 144 matches, 140 wickets

Dwayne Bravo: 122 matches, 136 wickets

Harbhajan Singh: 149 matches, 134 wickets