Best Leg Spinners in IPL History

Best Leg Spinners in IPL:Have you ever wondered why every IPL team desperately hunts for top quality leg spinners in the player auction? Their ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs makes these magician spinners an invaluable asset.

Over the last 17 years, the Indian Premier League has had some really good leg spinners who have confused the best batsmen with their clever tricks and different types of balls. They have been able to fool the batsmen with their quick googlies, accurate leg breaks, and small changes in speed. These leg spinners are very skilled and have a lot of different ways to try and get the batsmen out!

In this article, find out the names of the best 5 leg spinners in IPL history who have left their mark on the tournament.

Best  Leg Spinners in IPL History

Leg spin bowlers have always been key in T20 cricket and IPL. Let’s look at some of the best leg spinners in IPL over the 17 seasons.

Rank	Player	Wickets
1	Yuzvendra Chahal	205
2	Amit Mishra	174
3	Imran Tahir	82
4	Rashid Khan	139
5	Piyush Chawla	156

#1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 205 Wickets

Matches Played: 160 | Wickets: 205 | Economy Rate: 7.84

Yuzvendra Chahal is India’s premier leg spinner and a key player in IPL history. With 205 wickets in 160 games, Chahal has been a match-winner for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and is often relied upon to take wickets in the middle overs.

Chahal’s ability to control the game with his variations and clever use of flight has made him one of the best in the business. His best figures of 5/40 highlight his knack for breaking partnerships, especially on batting-friendly pitches. With an economy rate of 7.84, he is known for not just taking wickets but also containing the batsmen.

#2. Amit Mishra – 157 Wickets  

Matches Played: 155 | Wickets: 174 | Economy Rate: 7.38

Amit Mishra is widely regarded as the best leg-spinner in IPL history. With 174 wickets in 155 matches, Mishra has consistently been a top performer for Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His consistency with the ball and ability to deliver in crucial moments has made him an essential player for his teams.

Mishra is the only player to have taken three hat-tricks in the IPL, showcasing his exceptional skills. His best performance came in 2008, where he took 5 wickets for 17 runs. With an impressive economy rate of 7.38, Mishra has been one of the most successful and feared leg spinners in IPL.

#3. Piyush Chawla – 192 Wickets  

Matches Played: 170 | Wickets: 192 | Economy Rate: 7.96

Piyush Chawla has been a reliable performer in the IPL for several seasons. With 192 wickets in 170 matches, Chawla has played for Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings.

Chawla’s best figures of 4/17 and his economy rate of 7.96 highlight his ability to take wickets while maintaining control over the game. His experience and consistency have earned him a spot in IPL franchises, with CSK buying him in the 2023 auction to strengthen their spin department.

#4. Rashid Khan – 149 Wickets

Matches Played: 121 | Wickets: 149 | Economy Rate: 6.82

Rashid Khan, the Afghan sensation, has been a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad since his IPL debut in 2017. With 149 wickets in just 121 matches, Rashid has a remarkable economy rate of 6.82, proving his dominance with the ball in T20 cricket.

Known for his sharp googlies, accurate leg breaks, and pace variations, Rashid has turned games around for SRH many times. His ability to bowl in the middle overs and take crucial wickets has made him one of the most feared leg spinners in IPL history. 

#5. Imran Tahir – 82 Wickets 

Matches Played: 59 | Wickets: 82 | Economy Rate: 7.84

Although Imran Tahir has played only 59 matches in the IPL, he has made a significant impact with 82 wickets. Playing for Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiants, Tahir’s ability to take wickets with his sharp spin and enthusiasm has made him a fan favorite.

Tahir’s joyful celebrations after taking wickets have also earned him a place in the hearts of IPL fans. His Purple Cap win in 2019 was a testament to his exceptional leg-spin skills. Tahir’s economy rate of 7.84 shows that he’s not only a wicket-taker but also an efficient bowler.

Final Thoughts

Leg spinners have always been an integral part of the IPL, and over the years, some of the best in the world have graced the tournament. Amit Mishra, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Rashid Khan have redefined leg-spin in T20 cricket with their variety and skill. These bowlers, with their ability to outwit batsmen and control the game, have proven that leg spin can be the difference between winning and losing.

As the IPL progresses, leg spinners like Rashid Khan and Piyush Chawla continue to show that the future of leg spin in T20 cricket is in safe hands.