IPL 2026: Top 10 bowlers of the season

The Indian Premier League 2026 has come to an end, with players now returning to their respective international commitments after another thrilling season of T20 cricket. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully retained their crown by defeating Gujarat Titans in the final, capping off a memorable campaign.

While batters once again grabbed plenty of headlines with record-breaking performances, several bowlers made a significant impact throughout the tournament and played crucial roles for their teams.

Here are the top ten best bowlers of the season:

10. Prince Yadav

Although Lucknow Super Giants endured a disappointing season and finished at the bottom of the standings, Prince Yadav emerged as a bright spot. The young pacer collected 16 wickets in 14 matches and impressed with his fearless approach. His performances offered optimism for the franchise despite a difficult campaign.

9. Anshul Kamboj

Anshul Kamboj emerged as one of the breakout stars of the season. After a disappointing previous campaign, the young pacer responded impressively by taking 21 wickets in just 14 matches. His disciplined bowling and knack for picking up wickets at important stages highlighted his growing potential as a future star.

8. Jason Holder

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder played a crucial supporting role in Gujarat Titans' bowling attack. Utilizing his height and bounce to great effect, Holder picked up 17 wickets in just 11 matches. In addition to taking wickets, he maintained excellent economy rates and consistently applied pressure on opposition batting line-ups.

7. Eshan Malinga

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Eshan Malinga enjoyed an impressive season, claiming 20 wickets in 15 matches. The Sri Lankan pacer frequently outsmarted batters with his clever slower deliveries and cutters. His ability to vary pace effectively made him a reliable option during pressure situations and earned him recognition among the tournament's standout bowlers.

6. Rashid Khan

After enduring a difficult IPL 2025 season, Rashid Khan bounced back strongly in 2026. The Afghanistan leg-spinner claimed 21 wickets in 17 matches and once again showcased his immense value for Gujarat Titans. Rashid's variations, accuracy and ability to contain runs in the middle overs made him a key contributor to his team's journey to the final.

5. Sakib Hussain

Young fast bowler Sakib Hussain showcased his talent throughout IPL 2026, taking 15 wickets in 11 matches. Despite limited opportunities compared to some of his counterparts, he made a significant impact whenever selected. His pace, aggression and ability to break partnerships made him one of the most promising young bowlers of the season.

4. Rasikh Salam Dar

Rasikh Salam Dar played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign. The pacer claimed 19 wickets in 12 matches and delivered several important performances during the knockout stages. His most memorable contribution came in the final, where he produced a match-winning three-wicket haul that helped RCB secure the championship. Rasikh's ability to perform under pressure made him one of the standout bowlers of IPL 2026.

3. Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer returned to his destructive best in IPL 2026, finishing with 25 wickets from 16 matches. The England speedster consistently clocked high speeds and delivered match-winning spells for Rajasthan Royals. Archer's ability to strike in both the powerplay and death overs made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the tournament.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Veteran Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar enjoyed a remarkable campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches and played a vital role in RCB's successful title defence. Known for his exceptional control and swing bowling, Bhuvneshwar repeatedly troubled batters, particularly with the new ball. His experience and consistency proved invaluable throughout the season.

1. Kagiso Rabada

Gujarat Titans pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada finished as the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2026. The South African fast bowler claimed 29 wickets in 17 matches and consistently delivered breakthroughs at crucial moments. Rabada's ability to generate pace, bounce and movement made him a nightmare for opposition batters. His outstanding performances earned him the Purple Cap for the second time in IPL history, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's premier fast bowlers.