Top 5 best bowling figures on IPL debut

The inaugural season of the IPL was held in 2008.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has emerged as the biggest franchise cricket league in the world. Its establishment has not only helped India nurture young superstars, but has also unearthed several international gems in front of packed stadiums.

The league has recently become extremely batting-friendly, with scores of 200 or more becoming a common sight. Despite this challenge, several young bowlers have managed to make a name for themselves with impressive performances on debut.

In this article, we will take a look at top five best bowling figures on IPL debut.

Top five best bowling figures on IPL debut:

5. Kevon Cooper (Rajasthan Royals) – 4/26 vs Punjab Kings, 2012

Rajasthan Royals bowler Kevon Cooper put on a stellar show on his IPL debut in the league-stage match against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) during the 2012 season in Jaipur.

Defending 192, Cooper kept the Royals ahead with a superb spell of 4/26 in his four overs. He dismissed three of Punjab’s top four batsmen, including Shaun Marsh and Abhishek Nayar.

Thanks to his efforts, Rajasthan won the game by 31 runs.

4. Ashwani Kumar (Mumbai Indians) – 4/24 vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2025

MI unearthed a gem in left-arm speedster Ashwani Kumar during their IPL 2025 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.

Bowling first, MI’s attack was led by debutant Ashwani who registered figures of 4/24 to restrict KKR to a low total of 116. His victims included international superstars Ajinkya Rahane, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Manish Pandey.

His efforts helped Mumbai seal their first victory of the season.

3. Shoaib Akhtar (Kolkata Knight Riders) – 4/11 vs Delhi Capitals, 2008

KKR pacer Shoaib Akhtar picked up four wickets on his IPL debut against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) during the 2008 season.

Defending a low total of 134, Akhtar’s spell helped the home team restrict DD to just 110 runs. The Pakistani pacer wreaked havoc, taking the first four wickets of the Daredevils which included Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Manoj Tiwari, and AB de Villiers.

He was awarded Player of the Match for his match-winning spell.

2. Andrew Tye (Gujarat Lions) – 5/17 vs Rising Pune Supergiants, 2017

Now-defunct Gujarat Lions’ pacer, Andrew Tye, delivered a sensational spell of 5/17 on his IPL debut against Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2017 league stage match. Bowling first, Gujarat faced the tough challenge of containing RPS’ formidable batting lineup.

Tye’s masterclass restricted the Supergiants to 171 runs. His victims included middle-order players like Ben Stokes and Manoj Tiwary.

The Lions ultimately won the match by seven wickets, with Tye earning the Player of the Match award.

1. Alzarri Joseph (Mumbai Indians) – 6/12 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2019

Former MI pacer Alzarri Joseph holds the record for the best bowling figures on IPL debut. He registered figures of 6/12 in the league stage match of IPL 2019 between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.

His brilliance helped MI bundle out SRH for just 96 runs while defending a target of 137. His spell included the crucial wickets of David Warner and Rashid Khan.

Alzarri was named Player of the Match for his efforts.

(All stats are updated till 31st March 2025)

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