IPL 2021: Top five wicket-takers from the first phase in India

The IPL 2021 first phase saw some outstanding bowling performances and saw some key individuals emerge from the bowling departments of each side. Interestingly enough, all the five players in the top 5 wicket-takers list were from different sides. Here is the list of the top 5 wicket-takers from the IPL 2021 first phase:

5) Rashid Khan

In a season where Sunrisers Hyderabad experienced a major downfall in their performances, their star spinner Rashid Khan was on point with his skills with the ball. He picked up 10 wickets in seven matches for them at an average of 17.20. His economy of 6.14 was one of the best during the first phase and shows how difficult it is to score runs against the Afghan player. His best figures of 3 for 36 came against Chennai Super Kings in New Delhi.

4) Rahul Chahar

Mumbai Indians’ lead spinner Rahul Chahar will go into the IPL 2021 phase 2 with a lot of confidence, having played well to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup 2021 Indian squad. His performance in phase 1 back home did play a part in him getting the nod ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal. He picked up 11 wickets in seven matches at an average of 18.36. His strike rate was 15.2, which means he was picking up a wicket every 2.3 overs.

3) Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan in #IPL2021:

4-0-23-2
4-0-32-3
4-0-33-1
2-0-15-2
4-0-34-3
4-0-24-1

Wickets of some of the big fishes like Kohli, Dhoni, Suryakumar Yadav, Bairstow but most impressive was the 19th over against AB Devilliers tonight.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 27, 2021

Avesh Khan had been around the Indian domestic scene for a while having represented the India U-19 side in the 2016 U19 World Cup. But, the 2021 season was a breakthrough season for him. Delhi Capitals preferred him ahead of Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma and he didn’t disappoint, in fact, outperformed, considering the expectations. He picked 14 wickets at 16.50, picking up a wicket in every 12.8 deliveries. His economy after eight games was 7.70.

2) Chris Morris

Chris Morris with a well deserved Man of the Match award for his bowling figures of 4/23 as @rajasthanroyals win by 6 wickets.#VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/EBtxwcEASp

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 24, 2021

Rajasthan Royals spent tons of money in getting Chris Morris at the auction and the South African all-rounder didn’t disappoint the management. In the absence of Jofra Archer, he managed to shoulder the responsibility of a senior overseas bowler. He picked up 14 wickets in seven matches, with a strike rate of just 11.1. His economy was around 8.6, despite him being one of the leading death bowlers.

1) Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel was one of the surprise packages of the IPL 2021 phase 1. He showed all his skills and variations for a time when his team Royal Challengers Bangalore had a lot of success. He picked up 17 wickets in seven matches, with an unbelievable strike rate of just 9. He was also one of the two players who got a five-for during the first phase. When the IPL 2021 phase 2 starts, all the bowlers will be chasing him to get the purple cap that currently sits on his head.