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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), a success built not just on explosive batting but also on a formidable bowling attack over the years. Behind their multiple title victories and consistent playoff appearances are bowlers who have delivered crucial spells and picked up vital wickets.
On Wednesday, (May 7, 2025) Ravindra Jadeja became CSK’ most successful bowler in IPL history with a solitary wicket at the Eden Gardens. The veteran all-rounder sent back Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane for 48, taking his tally to 141 wickets for CSK – surpassing Dwayne Bravo.
Most wickets for Chennai Super Kings in IPL T20
1) Ravindra Jadeja
A true CSK legend, Jadeja has been a cornerstone of their bowling attack for over a decade. In 171 innings, he has claimed 141 wickets, showcasing his consistency and longevity in the league. His best bowling figures of 5/16 underscore his capability to run through a batting lineup on his day. With an average of 28.41 and an economy rate of 7.62, Jadeja has been effective in both containing runs and taking wickets, often operating in the middle overs and providing crucial breakthroughs. His strike rate of 22.3 means he takes a wicket approximately every 22 balls he bowls.
2) Dwayne Bravo
Hot on Jadeja’s heels is the West Indian maestro of the death overs, Dwayne Bravo. Known for his variations, particularly the slower ball, Bravo has been CSK’s go-to bowler in pressure situations. Despite playing fewer innings (113) than Jadeja, Bravo has taken an impressive 140 wickets, just one shy of the top spot. His exceptional average of 22.47 and a remarkable strike rate of 16.1 highlight his incredible wicket-taking ability, especially when batsmen are looking to accelerate. While his economy rate is higher at 8.36, this is often expected from bowlers operating during the death overs where batsmen are swinging hard. Bravo’s ability to consistently pick up wickets at the crucial junctures made him invaluable to CSK.
3) Ravichandran Ashwin
Third on the list is the wily off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin. A product of the Tamil Nadu domestic circuit, Ashwin was a vital part of CSK’s early success. In 102 innings, he bagged 95 wickets. Ashwin’s strength lay in his control and variations, making it difficult for batsmen to score freely against him. His economy rate of just 6.64 is testament to his ability to tie down the opposition, often bowling in the powerplay and middle overs. With an average of 25.49 and a strike rate of 23, Ashwin provided stability and crucial wickets for CSK during his tenure with the team.
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4) Deepak Chahar
Following Ashwin is the swing bowler Deepak Chahar. he was a key component of CSK’s bowling attack with the new ball. Ahead of the IPL 2025, Chahar was signed by Mumbai Indians (MI) during the mega-auction.
In 76 innings, the right-arm pacer has taken 76 wickets, maintaining a wicket-per-innings ratio. His best bowling figures of 4/13 demonstrate his potential to cause significant damage in the powerplay. Chahar’s average stands at 27.71, and his economy rate is 7.91. His strike rate of 21 is impressive for a bowler who primarily operates upfront, indicating his knack for picking up early wickets and providing the team with crucial momentum.
5) Albie Morkel
Rounding out the top five is former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel. An explosive lower-order batter and a handy medium-pacer, Morkel was a valuable asset for CSK in the initial years of the IPL. In 75 innings, he claimed 76 wickets, matching Chahar’s tally in slightly fewer matches. Morkel’s average was 27.02, and his economy rate was 8.08. His strike rate of 20 is the best among the pacers on this list, showcasing his effectiveness in picking up wickets whenever called upon. Morkel’s all-round abilities provided crucial balance to the CSK side.
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