IPL: Most wickets against an opponent
The shortest format of the game, especially the franchise leagues, has left the bowlers with no room for error. However, India’s premier T20 competition, IPL has seen several bowlers take a liking to specific batters of specific teams. Here is a list of the bowlers who have taken the most wickets against a single opposition in IPL history.
3. Lasith Malinga- 31 wickets against CSK
Sri Lankan bowling great and former Mumbai Indians star Lasith Malinga was a crucial part of Mumbai’s relentless IPL-conquering side during his playing days. The second leading wicket-taker in the competition history was a one-club man as he featured for Mumbai Indians for nearly a decade, scalping 170 wickets in just 122 matches. He loved playing against Mumbai’s arch-rivals and fierce competitors Chennai Super Kings as he returned with 31 wickets against the Yellow Army during his playing days.
2. Dwayne Bravo – 33 wickets against MI, and Sunil Narine – 33 wickets against PBKS
Champion players rise against champion teams and that goes true for Chennai Super Kings icon Dwayne Bravo. The Caribbean all-rounder, who bid farewell to the competition ahead of IPL 2023, loved playing against five-time champions Mumbai Indians as he scalped 33 wickets against the Men in Blue and Gold.
Bravo’s compatriot and former teammate Sunil Narine is another bowler who enjoys playing against Punjab Kings. Endowed with the title of mystery spinner, Narine has fond memories of playing against the Punjab-based outfit not only because he has 33 wickets against them, but also because KKR defeated them in the 2014 IPL final to claim their second title.
1. Umesh Yadav- 34 wickets against PBKS
Veteran Indian pacer Umesh Yadav has been one of the most successful pacers in the competition’s history. He has scalped 136 wickets in the competition over the years, the third most by an Indian pacer and out of his 136 wickets, 34 came against Punjab Kings (previously Kings XI Punjab). His love affair against the Punjab-based outfit continued in IPL 2022, when he returned with brilliant bowling figures 4/23, his career-best figures in the competition.
