Stats: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets in the first over in IPL

In T20 cricket, taking early wickets in the first six overs is crucial. It helps the bowling team put pressure on the opposition. In the IPL, many bowlers, both Indian and overseas, have delivered top performances with the new ball. They have taken key wickets at the top to give their teams an early advantage.

In IPL 2025, when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batted against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium, MI’s pace trio of Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and Ashwani Kumar struck early. Boult dismissed Sunil Narine in the first over itself. After the powerplay, KKR were 41/4 while they lost both of their openers within the first two overs.

Over the years, Boult has built a reputation for doing this regularly, no matter which team he plays for. The Kiwi pacer holds the record for the most wickets in the first over in IPL history. He has taken 30 wickets in 96 matches. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, now playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is second with 27 wickets in 126 matches. 

Praveen Kumar is third with 15 wickets in 89 matches. Sandeep Sharma, currently with Rajasthan Royals (RR), is fourth with 13 wickets in 78 matches. His performances with the old ball also have been phenomenal over the years. 

Another MI pacer, Deepak Chahar, is fifth with 13 wickets in 77 matches. When Chahar used to play for Chennai Supr Kings (CSK), since then only, his role was to give early breakthroughs with the new ball.

All these bowlers are known for their ability to swing the new ball. That has been a key factor behind their success in the IPL. Hitting the right line and length along with that swing has helped them a lot. This season, Boult and Chahar can be a deadly pair for MI. If they stay consistent and take wickets regularly, they could be a major threat in the upcoming matches.

Here are the top five bowlers with the most wickets in the first over in the IPL

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