The Debate on the Best Fast Bowlers in IPL History
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) enters its 19th season, discussions about the greatest players to ever play in the tournament are already in full swing. While batters often steal the spotlight, there have been some truly exceptional bowlers who have made a lasting impact with their consistency and ability to change the course of matches.
On the podcast “Fast Bowling Cartel,” Australian legends Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming, and Jason Gillespie delved into the topic of the best fast bowlers in IPL history. After reviewing years of performances and statistics, they narrowed down their list to two standout names.
Glenn McGrath’s Picks: Malinga and Bumrah
Selecting the top fast bowlers was no easy task for McGrath, but he ultimately settled on Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah as the top two. McGrath shared his reasoning for why Bumrah could potentially overtake Malinga in the rankings.
McGrath said:
“It was tough for me to decide the top two. I think the only reason Bumrah is second in my list is because he is still playing. I think by the end of his career, he would leapfrog Malinga. Malinga was class with 170 wickets in 122 matches. Not many bowlers could nail yorkers at the death as Malinga did.”
Malinga’s numbers speak volumes. The 38-year-old Sri Lankan fast bowler has taken 170 wickets in 122 IPL games, averaging 20.76 with a strike rate of 16.63 and an economy of 7.14. His ability to deliver unmatchable yorkers at the death has made him a key player for the Mumbai Indians. Early in Bumrah’s career, Malinga played a crucial role in helping him refine his skills.
Bumrah, on the other hand, has solidified his place in IPL history. He has taken 183 wickets in 146 games, with an economy of 7.26 and a strike rate of 18.37. His calm demeanor and composure under pressure make him one of the most reliable bowlers in world cricket.
Other Bowlers Recognized in the List
Damien Fleming and Jason Gillespie also agreed with McGrath’s selections and mentioned that their lists were largely similar before the podcast recording.
Fleming praised Bumrah’s unique rhythm, saying:
“Commentators in this IPL have been saying that when playing against the Mumbai Indians, you just have 16 overs to attack. That’s crazy. He has a stutter in his run-up and unbelievable execution.”
Gillespie shared an interesting anecdote about Malinga’s precision, saying:
“When I was with the Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), during a practice session, he just put a shoe at the middle stump and kept hitting it with precision. That shows you why he was able to execute it so efficiently.”
In addition to Malinga and Bumrah, Trent Boult from New Zealand was also a common name in their lists, placed fourth. Dwayne Bravo was another name that came up, though the Australian bowlers questioned whether he should be considered a pure fast bowler.
McGrath said:
“Do you class Bravo as a fast bowler? He is an exceptional all-rounder and quality player. He is a champion like that song which Brian Lara used to sing.”
Other notable mentions included Dale Steyn, recognized for his outstanding economy of 6.91, and Mohammed Shami, who was picked by McGrath at fifth. Both McGrath and Fleming selected Bhuvneshwar Kumar as their number three pick, while Gillespie chose Kagiso Rabada for the third position in his list.
The Legacy of Fast Bowlers in IPL
Despite being a batsman-dominated format, fast bowlers have consistently proven their importance in the IPL. From Malinga’s legendary yorkers to Bumrah’s calm and controlled bowling, these players have left an indelible mark on the tournament.
With more seasons ahead, the debate over the greatest fast bowlers in IPL history will continue to evolve. However, the contributions of Malinga and Bumrah have already secured their places among the legends of the game.
