IPL: Which bowler has most wickets in middle overs?
The middle overs (7-16) in T20 cricket play a crucial role in an innings. Just like the other two (Powerplay and death overs), the middle-over phase can make or break a side. Spinners usually rule the roost during the same as up to five fielders can be moved outside the 30-year circle. Notably, Yuzvendra Chahal owns the most IPL wickets in the middle overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal: 150 wickets
As mentioned, Rajasthan Royals leg-spinner Chahal has the most IPL wickets for a bowler in the middle overs. He is one of the brave spinners who often tosses the ball to lure the batter for a big hit. This ploy gives him wickets aplenty. Chahal has 150 middle-over wickets at 21.26 in the IPL. His economy rate reads 7.39.
Amit Mishra: 139 wickets
Amit Mishra, another veteran leg-spinner, braces this list. He follows Chahal with 139 IPL wickets in the middle phase. Mishra, who has played for a host of franchises, averages 25.07 and has an economy rate of 7.12 in this regard. Notably, Mishra has bowled more dot balls (1,050) than Chahal (916) in this phase in the IPL.
Piyush Chawla: 135 wickets
Like Mishra, his compatriot Piyush Chawla has been featuring in the IPL since the inaugural edition (2008). The latter has also represented as many as four franchises. Piyush, who is currently with Mumbai Indians, has taken 135 IPL wickets in the middle overs with an economy rate of 29.28. The leg-spinner averages 29.28, while his tally includes 1,031 dot balls.
Ravindra Jadeja: 126 wickets
Ravindra Jadeja is the only finger spinner in the top four of this tally. Over the years, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has used the left-arm spinner to claim crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. Jadeja has an immaculate line and length as his weapon. All of this has resulted in 126 middle-over wickets at an economy rate of 7.41 in the IPL.