Bowlers with Most Dot Balls in IPL History: In the fast-paced world of IPL cricket, batters often steal the spotlight with powerful sixes and quick fifties. But behind many match-winning moments stand bowlers who quietly build pressure through dot balls. These deliveries might not make headlines, but they are crucial in turning the tide of a match. This article highlights the Top 5 bowlers with the Most Dot Balls in IPL History, celebrating those who consistently kept batters quiet from 2008 to 2025.
List of Top 5 Bowlers with Most Dot Balls in IPL History
5. Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla may not be a regular name in international cricket, but in the IPL, he has built a strong and consistent record. As a leg-spinner with solid control, Chawla has bowled for multiple franchises including Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians.
Chawla’s success in the IPL comes from his ability to stick to a good line and length, mixing in googlies to surprise the batters. Over time, he became a trusted option for captains, especially in the middle overs.
His 1358 dot balls in 191 innings prove his worth as a bowler who can stop the scoring rate. He stands tall among the names with the Most Dot Balls in IPL History.
Dot Balls | Matches | Wickets |
1337 | 192 | 192 |
4. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the most feared death-over bowler in IPL. With his unorthodox action, deadly yorkers, and unmatched accuracy, Bumrah has shut down some of the best batters in the world.
Despite missing a few seasons due to injury, Bumrah has still bowled 1397 dot balls in 145 matches an extraordinary feat. His calm nerves in crunch moments make him a match-winner for Mumbai Indians.
Ranked fourth in Most Dot Balls in IPL History, Bumrah continues to be MI’s bowling backbone. His ability to strike at will and choke run flow has been critical in many title wins for the team.
Dot Balls | Matches | Wickets |
1397 | 145 | 183 |
3. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin is not just a spinner but a thinker of the game. His IPL journey started with Chennai Super Kings in 2009 and has since seen him bowl for Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
Ashwin’s strength lies in his ability to read the batter and change his bowling style accordingly. Whether it’s the carrom ball, off-spin, or arm-ball, he has a trick for every situation. He is often used in pressure moments and has done well to keep runs down.
With 1621 dot balls, Ashwin has proved himself to be one of the most economical and dependable bowlers in the tournament. His place in the Most Dot Balls in IPL History list is a result of both skill and experience.
Dot Balls | Matches | Wickets |
1623 | 221 | 187 |
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2. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine has been the mystery spinner that every IPL team feared. Since joining Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012, Narine has been their go-to bowler during tough phases of a match.
His unique bowling action and unreadable variations make it very difficult for batters to score freely. Even the most aggressive players struggle to take risks against him, often resulting in quiet overs full of dot balls.
With 1641 dot balls, Narine has created more pressure than almost any other spinner. He stands proudly at the second spot in the list of bowlers with the Most Dot Balls in IPL History, showing the value of tight bowling in T20 cricket.
Dot Balls | Matches | Wickets |
1694 | 189 | 192 |
1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the pack when it comes to delivering dot balls in the IPL. A specialist in swing and seam, Bhuvi is known for his accuracy and calm approach. He started his IPL career with Pune Warriors in 2011 and soon became a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Over the years, Bhuvneshwar has shown that he can bowl both at the start and in the death overs with great control. His yorkers, slower balls, and seam movement make him very difficult to score against.
Now playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2025 season, Bhuvi has bowled an impressive 1738 dot balls the most in IPL history. He tops the list of bowlers with the Most Dot Balls in IPL History, and continues to be a role model for young pacers.
Dot Balls | Matches | Wickets |
1793 | 190 | 198 |
FAQ
Q1. What is a dot ball in cricket?
A dot ball is a delivery in which the batter fails to score a run. It is marked as a dot on the scorecard and is a valuable tool for building pressure on the batting side.
Q2. Why are dot balls important in IPL?
In a fast-scoring format like the IPL, dot balls stop the run flow, create pressure, and increase the chances of taking wickets. They play a crucial role in turning games.
Q3. Who has bowled the Most Dot Balls in IPL History?
As of 2025, Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the record with 1738 dot balls.
Q4. Which spinner has bowled the most dot balls in IPL History?
Sunil Narine, with 1641 dot balls, leads the chart among spinners in IPL history.
Q5. Do dot balls help win matches?
Yes, dot balls often force batters to take unnecessary risks, which can lead to wickets. Bowlers who bowl more dot balls play a big part in restricting totals and winning matches.