IPL : Wickets taken in the first over of innings

In the Indian Premier League, some names have done this numerous times, giving a magnificent start to their team. Let us discuss the top five bowlers in IPL to take wickets in the very first over of the inning.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Talking about some of the best bowlers in the IPL, how can we ever miss Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The bowler is equipped with numerous variations turning into an immense threat for the opponents. He can also be considered the most versatile bowler as he can start the inning with the ball and bowl in the death overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar tops the list with 20 wickets in the first over at an average of 22 runs and an economy of just 4.80. These are pretty impressive figures, even for a bowler of his calibre. The right-arm pacer has been a critical player for his franchise for many years and captains the team when needed. In his IPL career of 142 matches, Bhuvneshwar has bagged 152 wickets with an average of 25.25.

Praveen Kumar

The right-arm pacer Praveen Kumar has become history in the Indian Premier League, but he still has his name on the second position on the list. He has played 119 matches in IPL and grabbed 90 wickets at an average of 8.95. He has clinched 15 wickets in the first over of the innings, second-most in the history of IPL. Praveen Kumar has represented multiple teams in his IPL career. He played his last IPL match for Gujarat Lions in 2017 before signing off from the league.

Sandeep Sharma

Considered one of the best bowlers with the new ball, Sandeep Sharma ranks third on the list. With his brilliant ability to extract massive swing and multiple variations, the bowler has proved to threaten the opponent batters. He usually bowls most of his overs up top with the new ball, as he is less effective in the middle order. In the first over of the innings, Sharma has clinched 13 wickets to give a rocket start to his franchise. A particular achievement in the pacer’s career is that he holds the record for dismissing Virat Kohli on most occasions in IPL. The 28-year-old pacer has picked up 114 wickets in 103 IPL outings at 25.97. Sandeep currently represents Punjab Kings, and his effectiveness in the top overs is still consistent.

Trent Boult

He is one of the best-left-arm fast bowlers from New Zealand we have seen in the IPL so far. He rules the ball with his lethal swing and precarious angle. The Kiwi pacer is seen chiefly bowling in the top overs to trouble the opening batters. He ranks fourth in most wickets in the first over with 12 wickets. Trent Boult concedes about 5.65 runs on an average in the first over, which prevents the openers from getting quickly off the blocks. His skills and experience are what make the pacer dangerous for any opponent. In his IPL career so far, Boult has clinched 85 wickets at an average of 26.65 in 71 innings. The pacer currently plays for Rajasthan Royals and is doing his job brilliantly for the team.

Zaheer Khan

The veteran Indian pacer ranks fifth on the list with 12 wickets in the first over of an inning. His immense experience in the game and outstanding bowling abilities have gained him this feat in fewer innings than others. In his IPL career, Zaheer has clinched 102 wickets with an appreciable economy of 7.59 in 100 matches, making him one of the best bowlers in the league. Due to his great sense of cricket, he has also captained Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He had a perfect blend of brawns and brain with an astute cricketing mind and ability to match.