In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), every ball matters. The pressure is immense, and one over can change the course of a match. While big-hitting batters often steal the limelight, bowlers with quick breakthroughs can be game-changers. One key metric to judge a bowler’s performance in T20 cricket is the strike rate the number of balls taken to claim each wicket. The lower the number, the more dangerous the bowler. In this context, the Best Bowling Strike Rates in an IPL Innings highlight those exceptional spells where bowlers turned the game on its head with lethal efficiency.
This article dives into the top 5 Best Bowling Strike Rates in an IPL Innings, celebrating those who made maximum impact in minimum deliveries. These are rare moments where bowlers took wickets at lightning speed, flipping the match on its head. Let’s count them down from 5 to 1.
List of Top 5 Best Bowling Strike Rates in an IPL Innings
5. Sachin Baby – 2.00 SR (RCB vs Gujarat Lions, 2016)
Sachin Baby, primarily a batsman, surprised everyone with a magical bowling spell during a clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions. He bowled just four balls, picked up two wickets, and conceded only four runs. With a strike rate of 2.00, his performance not only stunned fans but also earned him a place among the Best Bowling Strike Rates in an IPL Innings, making it one of the most unexpected and exciting moments in IPL bowling history.
It’s rare to see a part-time bowler shine like this in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL. His over may have been short, but its impact was huge showing that anyone can rise to the occasion.
Match Details:
- Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Opponent: Gujarat Lions
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Date: 14 May 2016
| Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Strike Rate |
| 0.4 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2.00 |
4. Shreyas Gopal – 2.00 SR (RR vs RCB, 2019)
Shreyas Gopal, known for his clever leg-spin, was at his absolute best in a rain-affected match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019. He bowled one over and stunned everyone by taking three wickets in just six deliveries, earning one of the Best Bowling Strike Rates in an IPL Innings with a strike rate of 2.00.
What made this spell more thrilling was that he dismissed three big names Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Marcus Stoinis. In a short spell, Gopal reminded everyone of the magic a spinner can weave with control and confidence.
Match Details:
- Team: Rajasthan Royals
- Opponent: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Date: 30 April 2019
| Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Strike Rate |
| 1.0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 2.00 |
3. Laxmi Ratan Shukla – 1.66 SR (KKR vs Daredevils, 2008)
In one of the early seasons of the IPL, Laxmi Ratan Shukla produced a fiery spell that helped KKR dominate Delhi Daredevils. Shukla bowled just five balls, took three wickets, and gave away only six runs. His strike rate of 1.66 put him among the legends with the best bowling strike rates in an IPL innings.
Shukla’s aggressive bowling left the opposition stunned. He may not be a household name today, but this short and sharp spell remains etched in IPL history.
Match Details:
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Opponent: Delhi Daredevils
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Date: 13 May 2008
| Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Strike Rate |
| 0.5 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 1.66 |
2. Suresh Raina – 1.50 SR (CSK vs RR, 2011)
Suresh Raina is best known for his batting, but he created a magical moment with the ball during a 2011 match against Rajasthan Royals. Bowling just three balls, Raina claimed two wickets without conceding a single run. His strike rate of 1.50 is among the Best Bowling Strike Rates in an IPL Innings.
Though not a regular bowler, Raina’s ability to deliver in clutch moments added a new dimension to his IPL legacy. His quick strikes turned the game around and showcased his all-round value.
Match Details:
- Team: Chennai Super Kings
- Opponent: Rajasthan Royals
- Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Date: 9 May 2011
| Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Strike Rate |
| 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1.50 |
1. Andre Russell – 1.50 SR (KKR vs GT, 2022)
At number one is the powerful all-rounder Andre Russell, who delivered one of the most explosive spells in IPL history. In the 2022 match between KKR and Gujarat Titans, Russell bowled a single over, took four wickets, and conceded just five runs. His strike rate of 1.50 is the Best Bowling Strike Rates in an IPL Innings to date, shared with Suresh Raina but with double the wickets.
Russell’s bowling was aggressive and smart, targeting the stumps and forcing mistakes. Known for his six-hitting power, this spell showed that Russell can destroy batting lineups with the ball as well.
Match Details:
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Opponent: Gujarat Titans
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium
- Date: 23 April 2022
| Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Strike Rate |
| 1.0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1.50 |
READ MORE:
FAQ
Q1. What is bowling strike rate in cricket?
Bowling strike rate refers to the average number of balls a bowler takes to dismiss a batsman. A lower number means a better performance.
Q2. Who holds the best strike rate in a single IPL innings?
Both Andre Russell and Suresh Raina have the best strike rate of 1.50 in an IPL innings.
Q3. Is it common for batters like Raina and Sachin Baby to take wickets?
No, it’s rare. Their performances were unexpected but highly impactful in those games.
Q4. What is considered a good bowling strike rate in T20s?
In T20 cricket, a strike rate below 15 is considered good. The ones listed here are extraordinary with strike rates between 1.5 to 2.0!
Q5. Does strike rate alone determine a bowler’s effectiveness?
Not always. Other factors like economy rate and consistency also matter, but a great strike rate can change the match quickly.
