Cricket

Top 5: Most expensive bowling figures in the IPL history

April 24, 2024

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed numerous memorable performances over the years, from scintillating centuries to breathtaking hat-tricks. However, amidst the glory of batting fireworks, there have been instances where bowlers have faced the wrath of marauding batsmen, resulting in some embarassing bowling figures.

In the ongoing clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Gujarat Titans (GT), Mohit Sharma, the experienced campaigner, ended up featuring in an unwanted record. In a match that saw fireworks from the bat and despair for the bowlers, Mohit endured a catastrophic outing, registering the worst bowling figures ever witnessed in the tournament’s history.

Mohit Sharma’s forgettable performance

Mohit’s dismal figures of none for 73 in his quota of four overs left cricket aficionados stunned and Gujarat Titans reeling. The seamer’s miseries culminated in the 20th over of the innings when Delhi Capitals’ skipper Rishabh Pant launched an onslaught, pummeling Mohit for an astonishing 31 runs.

Rishabh Pant’s punishing assault

While Pant remained unbeaten on a blistering 88 off just 43 deliveries, it was his merciless treatment of Mohit that stood out. The left-hander plundered 62 runs off Mohit’s bowling alone, decimating the seamer with four towering sixes and a boundary off the final five deliveries he faced. With this disastrous spell, Mohit joined a dubious club, becoming only the second bowler in IPL history to concede 70-plus runs in a single match.

Also WATCH: Noor Ahmad takes a brilliant forward diving catch to dismiss Prithvi Shaw during DC vs GT clash | IPL 2024

Top 5 most expensive bowling spells in IPL history:

1. Mohit Sharma (Gujarat Titans) – 0/73

Match: Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals, Delhi, 2024

As explained above, Mohit found himself on the wrong end of history. Facing Delhi in IPL 2024, the right-arm pacer endured a nightmare spell, conceding a whopping 73 runs without picking up a single wicket. His figures mark the worst bowling performance in IPL history, as he struggled to contain the fury of Delhi’s batters, particularly Pant.

2. Basil Thampi (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 0/70

Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2018

Basil Thampi‘s name finds a place on this ignominious list for his performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2018. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, Thampi leaked 70 runs without managing to dismiss a single batter. Despite his ability to generate pace and bowl yorkers, Thampi was unable to stem the flow of runs, enduring a forgettable outing.

3. Yash Dayal (Gujarat Titans) – 0/69

Match: Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Ahmedabad, 2023

Another instance from Gujarat when Yash Dayal experienced a tough day at the office against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023. Despite his skills with the ball, Dayal struggled to contain the aggressive batting of Kolkata’s lineup, conceding 69 runs without making any breakthroughs. His expensive spell remains etched in IPL history as one of the costliest bowling performances.

4. Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 0/68

Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bengaluru, 2024

Reece Topley, the tall left-arm seamer from England, faced a daunting challenge against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. Representing RCB, Topley found himself under immense pressure as he conceded 68 runs without managing to dismiss any batter. Despite his ability to extract bounce and movement off the pitch, Topley struggled to contain the onslaught from Hyderabad’s batters.

5. Ishant Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 0/66

Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings, Hyderabad 2013

Ishant Sharma, the experienced Indian pacer, rounds off the top 5 with his performance against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2013. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ishant endured a tough outing as he conceded 66 runs without taking a wicket. Despite his wealth of experience and ability to bowl accurate lines and lengths, the lanky pacer was unable to contain the aggressive batting display from Chennai’s lineup.