Top 5 players with most wickets as captain in IPL
One player has taken more than 50 wickets as a captain in the IPL.
Captaincy is a challenging task in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While captains are rewarded when a team performs brilliantly, they also face scrutiny when the team witnesses dismal form. Moreover, captains have to lead from the front with their own performances.
Over the years, a few leaders in IPL have been known for big decisions, handling pressure, and leading a team to success. Some of these captains emerged as true game-changers with the ball in their hands.
By breaking crucial partnerships and executing match-winning spells, they excelled in leading the team’s bowling attack. In this listicle, let’s look at the top 5 players with the most wickets as a captain in the IPL.
IPL captains with the most wickets (Top 5)
| Player | Team(s) as Captain | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Shane Warne | Rajasthan Royals | 57 |
| Hardik Pandya | Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians | 40 |
| Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 38 |
| Anil Kumble | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 30 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | Punjab Kings | 25 |
5. Ravichandran Ashwin – 25 Wickets
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was appointed as captain of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2018 and 2019.
Across two seasons, he scalped 25 wickets in 28 games at an average of 32.40 and an economy of 7.66. The right-arm spinner announced his retirement from IPL after the 2025 edition.
4. Anil Kumble – 30 Wickets
From 2009 to 2010, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble was the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Under his leadership, RCB finished as runners-up in the 2009 edition. During his stint as RCB skipper, Kumble hunted 30 wickets in 26 games at an average of 20.90 and an economy of 6.31.
3. Pat Cummins – 38 Wickets
Ahead of IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) nominated Pat Cummins as their new captain. The right-arm pacer has clinched 38 wickets in 34 games at an average of 30.60 and an economy of 9.18. Cummins is also leading SRH in the IPL 2026.
2. Hardik Pandya – 40 Wickets
After their inception in IPL 2022, the Gujarat Titans (GT) named Hardik Pandya as their new captain. He has also led the Mumbai Indians (MI) since 2024.
As a skipper, Pandya has featured in 68 games for both teams, clinching 40 scalps in 55 innings. He has also bagged a five-wicket haul and owns an average of 35.62 and an economy of 9.68.
1. Shane Warne – 57 Wickets
Former Australian spin legend Shane Warne steals the top spot on this list with 57 wickets in 55 games. He was the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) from 2008 to 2011, and also led the team to the title in the first edition.
Bowling at an average of 25.38 and an economy of 7.27 across four seasons, the leg spinner did an incredible job for his team.
Which player holds the record for most wickets in IPL as a captain?
Shane Warne (57) holds the record for most wickets as a captain in the IPL.
Which Indian player holds the record for most wickets in IPL as a captain?
Hardik Pandya (40) is the Indian player with the most wickets as a captain in the IPL.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.