T20 is seen as a batsmen's game and the matches are filled lots of sixes and fours. But despite less hope, bowlers have made their own mark in the game and IPL is one such example in which bowlers and especially spinners have shined. They have not only able to pick wickets, but have been able to stifle the flow of runs.
We present to you the top 5 most economical bowlers in the IPL.Â
(rpo= runs per over)
5. Glenn McGrath (Delhi Daredevils) - 6.61 rpo
Glenn McGrath played for Delhi Daredevils in the very first edition of IPL and provided tremendous support to Mohd. Asif by bowling economic spells. He picked 12 wickets in 14 matches and bowled at an economy of 6.61 runs per over and was instrumental in Delhi reaching the play-offs that year. The legendary bowler only played one season of IPL for Delhi Daredevils, retiring from cricket soon after.
4. Anil Kumble (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - 6.57 rpo
Anil Kumble proved that spinners could be match winners in the shortest format of the game as well. The veteran spinner had retired from the game the same year IPL started and captained the Royal Challengers Bangalore in two seasons. He even led them to the finals of IPL in 2009 in South Africa. Kumble picked up 45 wickets in 42 matches at 6.57 runs per over, charting a path for other leg spinners to flourish in the league.
3. R. Ashwin (Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants) - 6.54 rpo
Current Indian spinner R. Ashwin also possesses a very good economy rate of 6.54 rpo in IPL. Most of his better performances came in his time with the Chennai Super Kings, in which he formed a lethal spin bowling attack with Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin also picked up 100 wickets in 111 matches and currently plays for Rising Pune Supergiants, along with his CSK skipper MS Dhoni.
2. Shaun Pollock (Mumbai Indians) - 6.54 rpo
South African fast bowler Shaun Pollock featured in the IPL for the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural edition of the tournament. He played 13 games and picked up 11 wickets at 6.54 rpo. Despite playing for one season, Pollock led the Mumbai attack and provided them with early wickets in most of the matches.Â
1. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) - 6.18 rpo
West Indian off-spinner Sunil Narine takes the top spot when it comes to bowling economically in the IPL. His bowling economy of 6.18 rpo, along with 85 wickets in 66 matches has been one of the major factors in Kolkata Knight Riders winning two IPL trophies in recent times and performing exceedingly well. His impressive economy is also commendable because he usually bowls in the last 8-10 overs when the batsmen are looking to double their team's score from the first 10 overs.Â
