The 3 worst bowling spells in IPL history feature bowlers who struggled under intense pressure. One bowler conceded 66 runs in 2013, another leaked 28 runs in five balls during a 2023 match, and a third gave away 70 runs in just four overs in 2018. These spells became unforgettable for their excessive run-leakage against dominant batting line-ups.
3. Ishant Sharma (SRH) 0/66 vs CSK, 2013
In IPL 2013, veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma delivered one of the most expensive spells in the tournament’s history during a match between SRH and CSK in Hyderabad. Bowling against a rampant Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey, Ishant leaked 66 runs in his four overs at a staggering economy of 16.5. Raina smashed an unbeaten 99, while Hussey contributed 67, dominating Ishant throughout. Playing under MS Dhoni for the national team, Ishant struggled to find rhythm that night, marking a low point in his IPL career with this costly performance.
2. Yash Dayal (GT) 0/69 vs KKR, 2023
In the 2023 Indian League, Gujarat Titans’ left-arm seamer Yash Dayal had a nightmare match against KKR in Ahmedabad. After conceding 38 runs in his first three overs, his final over turned disastrous. With 28 runs required off the last 5 balls, Rinku Singh hammered Dayal for five consecutive sixes, sealing an unforgettable victory for KKR and marking a low point in Dayal’s bowling career. This performance stands out as one of the most costly overs in league history.
1. Basil Thampi (SRH) 0/70 vs RCB, 2018
Former SRH speedster Basil Thampi holds the record for the most expensive bowling spell in IPL history, conceding 70 runs against RCB in 2018. Thampi struggled in the batting-friendly conditions of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, facing a dominant RCB lineup led by AB de Villiers and Moeen Ali, with quick cameos from De Grandhomme and Sarfraz Khan. As RCB piled up 218 runs, Thampi’s costly spell of 4 overs became a memorable low point in the league’s history.