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Fast bowlers have always been the backbone of any cricket team, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no exception. Known for their ability to generate pace, swing, and seam movement, fast bowlers play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of matches in the world’s most popular T20 league. Over the years, the IPL has witnessed the emergence of several lethal pacers who have left an indelible mark with their blistering deliveries and match-winning performances.
From seasoned international stars to rising domestic talents, fast bowlers in the IPL have captivated fans with their ability to deliver high-intensity spells that often turn the tide of the game in their team’s favor. As the league continues to evolve, the role of fast bowlers remains pivotal, with each season showcasing a new generation of pace merchants ready to showcase their skills on the grand stage of IPL cricket.
However, amongst the many, only a few stands tall as the holder of the most Player of the Match awards, a testament to their consistency and match-winning abilities across various IPL seasons. On that note, let’s have a look those pace bowlers who have bagged this prestigious award the maximum times.
5 pacers with most Player of the Match awards in IPL history:
Umesh Yadav (DC, RCB, KKR, GT)
Umesh Yadav, known for his blistering pace and ability to trouble batsmen with his swing, has plied his trade for multiple IPL franchises including Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, For the upcoming IPL 2024, Umesh will ply his trade for the Gujarat Titans.
With a total of 10 Player of the Match awards to his name, Umesh leads the pack among pacers, showcasing his invaluable contributions to his teams over the years. In his IPL career spanning 141 matches, the right-arm pacer has scalped 136 wickets with a best bowling figure of 4/23, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers in the league.
Jasprit Bumrah (MI)
Following closely behind Umesh is India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who has been a stalwart for the Mumbai Indians since his IPL debut in 2013. Bumrah’s remarkable ability to bowl lethal yorkers and deceive batters with his variations has earned him widespread acclaim in the cricketing world.
With 8 Player of the Match awards under his belt in 120 IPL matches, Bumrah has been a pivotal figure in Mumbai Indians’ bowling arsenal, amassing a total of 145 wickets with a best bowling performance of 5/10.
Also READ: DC batter Harry Brook opts out of IPL 2024; here’s the reason
Lasith Malinga (MI)
Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga, renowned for his unorthodox sling-arm action and deadly yorkers, plied his trade solely for the Mumbai Indians throughout his IPL career. Having retired from IPL cricket in 2019 after playing 122 matches and claiming 170 wickets, Malinga secured 6 Player of the Match awards, leaving an indelible mark on the league.
Ashish Nehra (DC, MI, PWI, CSK, SRH)
Former India pacer Ashish Nehra showcased his skills for various IPL franchises including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Pune Warriors, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Nehra’s crafty left-arm pace bowling earned him 6 Player of the Match awards in 88 IPL matches, with a best bowling figure of 4/10.
Jaydev Unadkat (KKR, RCB, DC, RPS, RR, MI, LSG, SRH)
Completing the top 5 list is Jaydev Unadkat, a seasoned Indian pacer known for his left-arm bowling prowess. Unadkat has represented several IPL franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiants, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants. In the IPL 2024, he will play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Having featured in 94 IPL matches, Unadkat has clinched 91 wickets and secured 6 Player of the Match awards, showcasing his ability to deliver match-winning performances under pressure.
