The IPL has revolutionised T20 cricket since its inception in 2008. The popularity of the format has grown manifold with stadiums full for every match. People just go to games matches with the hopes of seeing a flurry of strokes from the likes of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Mahendra Singh Dhoni or Andre Russell. They cheer for every six and demand for more. It is as if their appetite to watch power-hitting never diminishes.
But then spare a thought for the bowlers also. They are always under the sword. It is as if they have come to the theatre to be slaughtered. If a bowler dismisses Kohli for a paltry score, public opinion turns out to be ‘we missed Kohli’s knock’ rather than lauding the bowler. He turns out to be the villain who scuttled the dreams of the spectators.
But even if we try, can we just ignore the bowlers? We discuss about the batsmen hitting the maximum number of sixes or the most runs scored. Rarely does a bowler figure in the thoughts… of the economy level he has achieved or the number of maidens he has bowled.
Here’s the list of bowlers who have bowled more than a 1,000 dot balls in the history of the IPL. If the runs scored by a batsman can be praised, this feat is certainly laudable also. They certainly are the unsung heroes.
Harbhajan Singh: He was once called the ‘Turbanator’ for his wicket-taking skills. The wily off-spinner may be well past his prime, but he still on his day can be a handful as Royal Challengers Bangalore found out during the opening game of the 12th edition of the IPL. But Harbhajan has another unique record – he tops the list of bowlers who have bowled the maximum number of dot balls in the tournament. Not an easy fact though, keeping in mind the slam-bang variety of the game.
Matches played: 149, Balls bowled: 3,098, Dots: 1,128
Praveen Kumar: This UP-based medium fast bowler announced his retirement from all forms of the game in October 2018. However, prior to that this exponent of seam and swing bowling was a handful for all batsmen. His ability to out think the batter helped him to have a tight control over them. He appeared innocuous but could consistently deliver even in Indian conditions which are not conducive to a bowler of Kumar’s nature. He played for five IPL franchises and was a successful player for all.
Matches played: 119, Balls bowled: 2,524, Dots: 1,075
Lasith Malinga: The Sri Lankan pacer has been a permanent member of Mumbai Indians – sometimes as a player and at other times as a mentor. ‘Slinga Linga’ as he is popularly known for his round-arm action has been one of the main reasons for MI’s success in the tournament. His ability to vary pace and his toe-crushing yorkers make him a valuable asset to the team. Batsmen rarely are able to pick him and that makes the bowler a dangerous proposition for any opposition.
Matches played 110, Balls bowled 2,558, Dots: 1,060
Amit Mishra: This leg-spinner has played for a number of teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Deccan Chargers (now Sunrisers Hyderabad). Termed by many as the ‘wily old fox’, Mishra’s experience helps him to restrict batsmen. He is also the only bowler to have achieved three hat-tricks in the IPL.
Matches played: 136, Balls Bowled: 2,861, Dots 1,027
Piyush Chawla: Another leg-spinner who is a constant feature in the Kolkata Knight Riders side. Chawla’s variations – the leg-spinner, flipper and googly always has the opposition batsman guessing. He is a wicket-taker bowler who also dons the hat of a restrictive bowler with elan.
Matches played: 144, Balls bowled: 2,857, Dots: 1020
There are others like Dale Steyn, Ravichandran Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who have also bowled close to a thousand dot balls. But they still are not in the league of the top five.
PNN