The league stage of the IPL 2019 came to an end on Sunday, 5 May, with Mumbai Indians beating Kolkata Knight Riders by 9 wickets. In the process, they replaced Chennai Super Kings at the top the table on superior run-rate.
The season so far has seen the bowlers step up and deliver match-winning performances for their respective teams time and time again, and also making a substantial contribution to the team’s success in the season.
Here’s a look at the top five wicket-takers of the season.
Kagiso Rabada (25 Wickets from 12 Matches)
The young South African pacer was retained by Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2019 auctions and he repaid the faith. Twenty five wickets from 12 games including a Super Over win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Delhi justified his importance in the side.
A back injury ruled him out of the IPL just at the fag end of the league stage.
Delhi will miss him dearly in the playoffs as they look to make the finals for the first time in IPL history.
Imran Tahir (21 Wickets from 14 Matches)
The 40-year old spinner led Chennai Super Kings’ spin attack with his skill and guile.
With 21 wickets from 14 games, Tahir was one of the match-winners for CSK this season, befuddling the batsmen at will.
He was backed by his captain to the hilt and his combination with MS Dhoni behind the stumps worked wonders. His marathon celebration after taking a wicket has been another interesting feature of performance as he has won many hearts this season.
With CSK playing the first qualifier in Chennai against Mumbai Indians, Tahir will be Dhoni’s go-to man in the playoffs.
Shreyas Gopal (20 Wickets from 14 Matches)
Shreyas Gopal has had a season to remember despite Rajasthan Royals not making it to the playoffs.
He made headlines picking the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers twice this season.
Even on pitches that offered little turn and bounce, Gopal weaved his magic around the batsmen as he became a regular in the playing XI throughout the season.
Mohammed Shami (19 Wickets from 14 Matches)
Kings XI Punjab bought Mohammed Shami for Rs 4.80 crores to strengthen their bowling line up, and he did not disappoint. He picked up 19 wickets from 14 matches while bowling both at the start and at the death for Punjab.
His IPL performance made the selectors take notice of his abilities and give him a place in the Indian World Cup Squad.
Back fitter and leaner, the season was a good dress rehersal for the lead Indian pacer who will be one of the key bowlers for Virat Kohli going into the World Cup.
Yuzvendra Chahal (18 Wickets from 14 Matches)
A part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore outfit since 2014, Yuzvendra Chahal picks up wickets every season despite his team’s irregular performances over the years.
RCB’s highest wicket-taker took 18 wickets this season and in the process, got to 50 IPL wickets at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
Chahal has beeen selected in the India’s 2019 World Cup squad and alongside Kuldeep Yadav makes a formidable spin duo.
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