Introduction
The powerplay is often the most crucial phase in a T20 match, where early wickets can change the course of the game. The Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in IPL history have mastered this phase, consistently providing breakthroughs and putting opposition teams under pressure with the new ball.
The IPL 2026 season witnessed a remarkable resurgence from two elite fast bowlers, Kagiso Rabada and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who consistently dismantled top orders and guided their teams deep into the tournament. Their outstanding performances have placed them among the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in IPL history.
In this article, we look at the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in a single IPL edition.
5. Trent Boult
Trent Boult was instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ successful title defense during IPL 2020. The New Zealand speedster consistently struck with the new ball, removing dangerous batters early and setting the tone for Mumbai’s victories.
His ability to swing the ball at pace made him one of the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in IPL history.
Trent Boult Stats
| Player | Team | Season | Matches | Total Wickets | Powerplay Wickets | Economy Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Boult | Mumbai Indians | IPL 2020 | 15 | 25 | 16 | 7.97 | 4/18 |
Boult claimed 64% of his wickets inside the first six overs, highlighting why he belongs among the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in a single season.
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4. Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson was Mumbai Indians’ pace spearhead during IPL 2013. His aggressive bowling and relentless pace troubled batters throughout the tournament.
Johnson’s contributions helped Mumbai secure their maiden IPL title and earned him a place among the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets.
Mitchell Johnson Stats
| Player | Team | Season | Matches | Total Wickets | Powerplay Wickets | Economy Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Johnson | Mumbai Indians | IPL 2013 | 17 | 24 | 16 | 7.17 | 3/27 |
Johnson’s ability to strike early in crucial matches made him one of the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in IPL history.
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar rediscovered his best form in IPL 2026. The veteran Indian pacer consistently troubled batters with his swing, accuracy, and exceptional control.
His remarkable season helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru reach the final and firmly established him among the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Stats
| Player | Team | Season | Matches | Total Wickets | Powerplay Wickets | Purple Cap | Best IPL Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | IPL 2026 | 16 | 28 | 17 | Yes | 2026 |
Bhuvneshwar’s consistency throughout the campaign proved why he ranks among the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets ever recorded in a single IPL season.
2. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami enjoyed the finest IPL season of his career in 2023. Leading Gujarat Titans’ pace attack, he delivered breakthrough after breakthrough during the powerplay.
His exceptional performances helped Gujarat reach another IPL final and secured his position among the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets.
Mohammed Shami Stats
| Player | Team | Season | Matches | Total Wickets | Powerplay Wickets | Economy Rate | Final Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | Gujarat Titans | IPL 2023 | 17 | 28 | 17 | 8.03 | 2/29 |
Shami’s new-ball mastery makes him one of the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in IPL history.
1. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada produced one of the greatest new-ball bowling performances ever seen in the IPL during the 2026 season. Bowling consistently above 145 km/h, Rabada demolished opposition top orders throughout the tournament.
His record-breaking campaign places him at the summit of the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets list.
Kagiso Rabada Stats
| Player | Team | Season | Total Wickets | Powerplay Wickets | Bowling Speed | Key Strength | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | Gujarat Titans | IPL 2026 | 29 | 20 | 145–150 km/h | Test-Match Length Bowling | 1st |
Rabada’s historic achievement redefined powerplay bowling and cemented his place among the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets in IPL history.
Conclusion
The Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets showcase the immense value of early breakthroughs in T20 cricket. From Mitchell Johnson’s explosive spells in 2013 to Trent Boult’s brilliance in 2020, these bowlers changed matches within the first six overs.
Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar further demonstrated the importance of accuracy and movement with the new ball, while Kagiso Rabada’s sensational 2026 campaign set a new benchmark for future generations. As the IPL continues to evolve, the race for early breakthroughs in the powerplay will remain one of the tournament’s most fascinating and competitive achievements.
The achievements of these stars highlight why the Top 5 bowlers with the most powerplay wickets category is regarded as one of the toughest records to break in IPL
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