Bowling in the Indian Premier League is no easy feat. While batsmen often dominate the headlines with explosive strokes and towering sixes, it’s the economical bowlers who quietly change the course of matches. The Best Economy Rates in IPL History belong to those who have consistently delivered tight overs under pressure, restricting runs and forcing mistakes. These bowlers may not always grab the spotlight, but their contributions are invaluable. In this feature, we’ll count down the top 5 bowlers with the Best Economy Rates in IPL History—ranked from fifth to first—including some underrated heroes who made a lasting impact.
List of Top 5 Best Economy Rates in IPL History
5. Ajit Chandila (Rajasthan Royals)
Ajit Chandila lit up the 2012 season with his mystery spin for Rajasthan Royals, famously claiming a hat-trick and rattling top-order batters with ease. In just 12 matches across two IPL seasons (2012–2013), he picked up 11 wickets and recorded a stunning economy rate of 6.20, placing him among the Best Economy Rates in IPL History. His ability to vary pace and length made him a tricky customer, particularly on slower pitches.
Chandila’s best figures—4/13—remain a highlight of his IPL career. He regularly bowled during powerplay overs, a zone where most bowlers leak runs. Yet, he stayed consistent and miserly. Despite his career being cut short due to off-field issues, his brief success on the field showed what impact an unorthodox bowler can make with just the right rhythm and belief.
| Mat | Overs | Wkts | Econ | BBI |
| 12 | 39.0 | 11 | 6.20 | 4/13 |
4. Michael Clarke (Pune Warriors India)
The former Australian captain is better known for his elegant stroke play, but during his brief stint with Pune Warriors India in 2012, Michael Clarke also showcased his smart part-time off-spin. Over 6 matches, he bowled 11 overs, gave away just 67 runs, and picked up 2 wickets, maintaining a brilliant economy rate of 6.09 — one of the Best Economy Rates in IPL History.
Clarke’s best spell of 1/12 proved his ability to chip in as a surprise bowler. He often bowled during middle overs, using flight and variations to keep batsmen guessing. Though he didn’t bowl much, his calm approach and tactical intelligence made those few overs incredibly valuable for his team.
| Mat | Overs | Wkts | Econ | BBI |
| 6 | 11.0 | 2 | 6.09 | 1/12 |
3. Mithun Manhas
Mithun Manhas is remembered more for his gritty batting in the domestic circuit and his steady hand in the middle order. But surprisingly, he features among those with the Best Economy Rates in IPL History. Across 55 matches for franchises like CSK, DC, and PWI, Manhas bowled only 7 overs, conceding just 42 runs.
That gives him an economy rate of 6.00, which is remarkable given he wasn’t a specialist bowler. While he didn’t take a single wicket, the fact that he bowled with such control and discipline adds another layer to his underrated all-round capabilities.
| Mat | Overs | Wkts | Econ | BBI |
| 55 | 11.0 | 0 | 6.00 | – |
2. DJ Thornely
Australian all-rounder DJ Thornely played just a single IPL season in 2008 for Mumbai Indians, but his bowling made a quiet impact. Across 6 matches, he bowled 7 overs, took 3 wickets, and conceded only 40 runs—resulting in a fantastic economy rate of 5.71, placing him among the players with the Best Economy Rates in IPL History.
Thornely was used as a surprise option to break partnerships or slow the scoring rate. His best performance of 2/7 shows how he capitalized on limited opportunities. While his IPL career didn’t extend beyond the debut season, his efficient spells deserve recognition among the best in the league’s history.
| Mat | Overs | Wkts | Econ | BBI |
| 6 | 7.0 | 3 | 5.71 | 2/7 |
1. NB Singh (Gujarat Lions)
NB Singh leads the pack with the best economy rates in IPL history—3.75. Even though he played only 2 matches for Gujarat Lions in 2017, his performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He bowled 4 overs, gave away just 15 runs, and picked up a wicket.
His best bowling figure, 1/7, indicates how effective and tight he was with his line and length. Singh didn’t get many chances after that season, but his IPL numbers remain unmatched in terms of economy. He is a shining example of how even a short opportunity, if grabbed with discipline, can etch a bowler into record books.
| Mat | Overs | Wkts | Econ | BBI |
| 2 | 4.0 | 1 | 3.75 | 1/7 |
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