Narine has delivered 1478 dot balls in 162 matches, showcasing his exceptional control and ability to restrict batsmen.
In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, where batsmen aim to score runs at a rapid-fire rate, bowlers who can stifle the flow of runs are invaluable assets to their teams.
One way to measure a bowler’s control is by looking at the number of dot balls they bowl. A dot ball is a delivery where the batsman doesn’t score any runs. While wickets are crucial, bowlers who can restrict scoring opportunities and build pressure can be just as valuable to their team’s success. Let’s take a look at the top 5 bowlers with the most dot balls bowled in IPL history:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Indian swing bowler, leads the pack. Nicknamed the “Swing Sultan” for his ability to seam the ball prodigiously, Kumar has been a mainstay for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise throughout his IPL career. His accuracy and control are his biggest strengths. He can swing the new ball both ways and has a knack for bowling yorkers at the death. With 1534 dot balls in 160 matches, Kumar stands tall as the bowler with the most dot balls bowled in IPL history. His ability to consistently hit the top of the off-stump and his clever change of pace make him a nightmare for batsmen to face.
Sunil Narine has bowled 1478 dot balls in the IPL
Sunil Narine, the enigmatic mystery spinner from Trinidad and Tobago, occupies the second spot on this list. Narine’s unorthodox bowling action and variations — the off-break, the carrom ball, the doosra — have bamboozled batsmen across the globe. Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Narine has been a vital cog in their bowling attack over the years. His ability to bowl tight lines and lengths, coupled with his mystery deliveries, makes him extremely difficult to score off. Narine has delivered 1478 dot balls in 162 matches, showcasing his exceptional control and ability to restrict batsmen.
The ever-reliable Ravichandran Ashwin finds himself at number three on this list. Ashwin, a veteran off-spinner known for his tactical acumen and variations, has been a key player for various franchises throughout his IPL career. Currently playing for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), Ashwin has impressed with his ability to control the middle overs and exploit chinks in the batsmen’s armour. His ability to flight the ball, deceive batsmen in the air, and bowl to a tight field makes him a potent weapon. With 1477 dot balls in 197 matches, Ashwin has proven himself to be a master of control in the shortest format of the game.
(Credit: TOI) Chawla has delivered 1272 dot balls in 181 IPL matches
Piyush Chawla, the experienced leg-spinner, takes the fourth spot in this ranking. A veteran of the IPL, Chawla has played for several franchises over the years, including the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he enjoyed a particularly successful stint. Known for his sharp googly and his ability to bowl wicket-taking deliveries, Chawla is also a shrewd operator who can tie down batsmen. His ability to flight the ball and deceive batsmen in the air makes him a challenging proposition. Chawla has delivered 1272 dot balls in 181 matches, showcasing his effectiveness in containing the flow of runs.
Rounding out the top 5 is the legendary Harbhajan Singh, fondly known as the “Turbanator.” The veteran off-spinner has been a vital part of the IPL since its inception. While his wicket-taking prowess has diminished over the years, Harbhajan’s experience and control in the middle overs remain valuable assets. His ability to read the batsman’s mind and bowl to a specific field placement makes him a shrewd operator. Playing for various franchises throughout his IPL career, Harbhajan has delivered 1268 dot balls in 163 matches, a testament to his ability to restrict batsmen and build pressure on the opposition.
