Most Expensive Spell in IPL History: Top 10

In cricket, an “expensive spell” refers to a bowling performance in which a bowler concedes a relatively high number of runs in a given number of overs. It is considered “expensive” because the opposing batsmen have been successful in scoring a significant number of runs against that bowler during their allotted overs. Cricket is a team sport, and each player’s performance contributes to the overall success of the team. When a bowler has an expensive spell, it puts additional pressure on the team as it becomes challenging to restrict the opposition’s total score. You can install the 4Ra Bet Apk and start to place the bets on the cricket or another sport. 

The rate at which runs are scored is crucial in limited-overs formats like T20s. An expensive spell often results in an increased run rate for the opposition, making it harder for the bowling team to chase or defend the target. An expensive spell can shift the momentum in favor of the batting side. It boosts the confidence of the opposition batsmen while potentially demoralizing the bowling side.

It’s important to note that cricket is a dynamic game, and individual spells are just one aspect of a player’s overall performance. Bowlers can bounce back from an expensive spell in subsequent matches, and the context of the game also plays a role in how a particular performance is perceived.

Top 10 Most Expensive Spells In IPL

First, here is the table with the worst spells in all IPL history from 2008 to 2023 included:

Bowler	Overs, Maidens, Runs and Wickets	Team	Against	IPL Season
Basil Thampi	4-0-70-0	SRH	RCB	2018
Yash Dayal	4-0-69-0	GT	KKR	2023
Ishant Sharma	4-0-66-0	SRH	CSK	2013
Mujeeb Ur Rahman	4-0-66-0	PBKS	SRH	2019
Arshdeep Singh	3.5.0-66-1	PBKS	MI	2023
Umesh Yadav	4-0-65-0	DC	RCB	2013
Sandeep Sharma	4-0-65-1	PBKS	SRH	2014
Siddarth Kaul	4-0-64-2	SRH	MI	2020
Josh Hazlewood	4-0-64-0	RCB	PBKS	2022
Ashok Dinda	4-0-63-0	PWI (now defunct)	MI	2013

Costly bowling performances are a common occurrence in T20 leagues such as the IPL. These instances often lead to the opposing team establishing a formidable target for the chasing side, adding difficulty to their efforts in mounting a comeback. Additionally, such situations can have a detrimental impact on the bowler, making it challenging for them to bounce back and regain control of the game. Here are the details about each of the worst records. 

Basil Thampi

In the 2018 season of the IPL, Basil Thampi, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, encountered a notable setback in one particular match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite his overall stellar performance throughout the season, this specific game marked an exception, as Thampi recorded the most expensive IPL spell in history. During the SRH vs. RCB encounter, he conceded a staggering 70 runs in four overs, resulting in an unprecedented economy rate of 17, which stands as the highest by any bowler in IPL history.

Unfortunately for Thampi, he was unable to recover from this costly spell, and RCB emerged victorious in the contest by a margin of 14 runs. This memorable and challenging experience underscores the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even the most consistent performers can face setbacks in the form of an expensive over.

Yash Dayal

The left-arm pacer hailing from Uttar Pradesh enjoyed a promising start to the previous IPL season as a key player for the champions, Gujarat Titans. Demonstrating consistency, he earned a regular spot in the team, showcasing his prowess by delivering economical spells and claiming crucial wickets in the early stages of matches. A proficient left-arm pacer, he often made opposing batters appear amateurish with his sharp inswingers.

Due to his impressive performances in the previous season, the fast bowler retained his position as a starter for the 2023 IPL season with the defending champions. However, his form took an unexpected downturn in the initial matches of the season. The turning point occurred in a particularly challenging encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Yash Dayal, despite a commendable overall performance, faced a stark reversal of fortune in the match against KKR. With figures of 0/38, he was entrusted with the daunting task of defending 29 runs in the final over. Commentators and fans anticipated a routine finish, deeming it nearly impossible for a bowler to concede five consecutive sixes. However, the unthinkable unfolded as Rinku Singh, against all odds, hammered Dayal for five consecutive sixes, securing a remarkable victory for KKR and dealing a significant blow to Gujarat Titans. Dayal concluded the match with figures of 0/69 in 4 overs, etching his name in IPL history with the second-most-expensive bowling spell of all time. This unexpected turn of events left Dayal’s confidence significantly shaken.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma, renowned as a seasoned fast bowler adept at stifling batters and delivering economical spells, has showcased consistency in the red-ball format. However, his journey in white-ball cricket, particularly in the IPL, has been marked by fluctuations. Having participated in 93 matches, Ishant has claimed 73 wickets but carries an economy rate of 8.12.

In the 2013 IPL season, Ishant Sharma found himself at the center of an unwanted record, enduring the most expensive over (at that time) in the tournament. During a challenging encounter, Ishant conceded 66 runs in three overs, a record that lingered for five years. The tall fast bowler faced a relentless assault from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batters, with Murali Vijay kickstarting the onslaught by smashing three consecutive sixes in Ishant’s second over.

The situation escalated when the prolific Suresh Raina, also known as Mr. IPL, unleashed his aggressive prowess, accumulating 25 runs off Ishant in the 17th over. Ishant, seemingly perplexed, struggled to counter the relentless attacking style of the CSK batters. The repercussions of this expensive spell were substantial, as CSK posted a formidable total of 223/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Raina, adjudged the man of the match, finished with an impressive score of 99*. The struggle to find the right areas in this home match against CSK led to a substantial 77-run defeat for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman

In the 48th match of the 2019 IPL edition between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the youngest to achieve a five-wicket haul in ODIs, faced a formidable challenge against the power hitters of SRH. The match, held in Hyderabad, had raised hopes for a spinner-friendly pitch. Interestingly, KXIP opted for a spin-heavy strategy, deploying R. Ashwin and M. Ashwin, who collectively conceded 62 runs and claimed three wickets in their eight overs.

However, Mujeeb encountered difficulties hitting the right areas, becoming the target of SRH’s aggressive batters during their innings. Starting on an expensive note, Mujeeb struggled to find his rhythm in the powerplay, conceding 28 runs in the two overs he bowled. Despite his counterparts’ success, Mujeeb remained wicketless until his third over, which added 12 runs to his figures, reaching a total of 40 runs in 3 overs.

The situation took a turn for the worse in the 18th over when Mujeeb, under pressure from his Afghanistan teammate Mohd. Nabi and SRH captain Kane Williamson faced a barrage of three sixes and a four. The over concluded with Mujeeb returning with figures of 0/66 in his allocated four overs. It was a challenging and ordinary night for the young spinner, emphasizing the learning curve that accompanies a budding career in the IPL, especially against seasoned power hitters.

Arshdeep Singh

In a crucial match, Arshdeep Singh, the leading wicket-taker for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in that particular season, found himself entrusted with the ball for the pivotal 15th over. The left-arm bowler, already having conceded 16 runs in his first over, faced a challenging situation against the formidable Mumbai Indians (MI) batting lineup.

The match’s context added to the pressure as MI, chasing a target, needed 45 runs from 30 balls to secure victory. Unfortunately for Arshdeep, his second over proved to be particularly costly. The MI batsmen targeted him aggressively, smashing him for 21 runs in that over. This substantial scoring took MI closer to their required total and, in the process, all but sealed the fate of the contest.

The challenging innings and the expensive over by Arshdeep Singh emphasized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where a single over can significantly influence the course of a match, even for a leading wicket-taker. The match eventually concluded with MI achieving the required runs, highlighting the impact of that pivotal over on the outcome of the game.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, known for his intimidating pace, has evolved into a formidable hit-the-deck kind of bowler for India. He initially made waves in the cricket scene with his raw pace, establishing himself as an x-factor in the Indian fast bowling unit. Although he faced challenges at the beginning of his career, Umesh persevered, diligently working on his fitness and skills, eventually becoming a key figure in the Indian bowling lineup alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohd. Shami.

Umesh made his IPL debut in the 2010 season with Delhi Daredevils (DD), where his express pace caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. In the 2013 edition of the IPL, representing DD, Umesh Yadav found himself up against the formidable Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batting lineup, featuring Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. Kohli, a sought-after player among franchises, showcased his prowess with a dazzling innings of 99 runs off 58 balls, helping RCB post a formidable total of 183/4.

However, Umesh Yadav had a challenging day on the field, particularly during the final over of the RCB innings. Virat Kohli unleashed a brutal assault, smashing Umesh for 23 runs. The small Delhi ground and Kohli’s class compounded Umesh’s struggles as he ended up with figures of 0/65 in his four overs, making it a forgettable day for the fast bowler. This match highlighted the difficulties bowlers can face against top-quality batsmen in the fast-paced and dynamic environment of T20 cricket.

Sandeep Sharma

In the 2014 season of the IPL, Sandeep Sharma represented Kings XI Punjab and found himself on the wrong end of an expensive spell in a thrilling encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad. During this high-scoring match, Sandeep conceded a total of 65 runs in his four overs, resulting in a bowling economy of 16.

Despite Sandeep’s costly performance, the match turned out to be one of the most thrilling in IPL history. Sunrisers Hyderabad posted an imposing total of 205 runs in their 20 overs, setting a challenging target for Kings XI Punjab. Sandeep Sharma’s figures reflected a challenging day for the bowler, but the true drama unfolded during the second innings.

In a remarkable turn of events, Kings XI Punjab mounted a successful chase in the last over, securing victory stunningly. While Sandeep Sharma may have struggled with his bowling in that match, his team’s exceptional recovery and ability to chase down the target showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. In the end, despite Sandeep’s challenging spell, Kings XI Punjab emerged victorious, highlighting the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from difficult situations.

Siddarth Kaul

In the 2020 season of the IPL, Siddarth Kaul, a cricketer who might not be widely recognized by many, found himself on the list of players with expensive spells. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kaul played a match that would be remembered for a notable but costly bowling performance.

In this particular game, Siddarth Kaul bowled an expensive spell, conceding 64 runs in his four overs, resulting in an economy rate of 16. Despite the expensive figures, Kaul displayed resilience and managed to claim two wickets during his spell. Unfortunately, his individual efforts weren’t enough to secure a victory for his team against the formidable Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad ultimately lost the match.

Josh Hazlewood

In the 2022 season of the IPL, Josh Hazlewood, a renowned Australian fast bowler, donned the colors of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, he faced a challenging outing in a particular match, contributing to an expensive spell that impacted the team’s performance.

Hazlewood bowled an expensive spell, conceding 64 runs in his four overs, resulting in an economy rate of 16. While he performed well in the opening innings, he encountered difficulties in the last few overs, struggling to contain the opposition batsmen. Unfortunately for Hazlewood and RCB, it wasn’t just an individual struggle, as the overall bowling performance faltered.

The collective challenge faced by RCB’s bowlers became evident when the opposition, Kings XI Punjab, successfully chased the target, securing a victory. The match underscored the significance of collective team efforts and the impact an expensive spell can have on the overall outcome. Despite the setback, Hazlewood remains one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers, showcasing the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket where even top performers can face challenging days on the field.

Ashok Dinda

In the 2013 IPL season, Ashok Dinda, playing for Pune Warriors, conceded 63 runs in 4 overs against Mumbai Indians, earning him the position among Indian bowlers for the most runs conceded in a single IPL innings. Despite Sachin Tendulkar’s onslaught and a dropped catch, Dinda finished with figures of 63/0. Mumbai Indians posted 183/3, eventually winning by 41 runs as Pune Warriors managed 142/8. The match showcased the impact of an expensive spell on the overall outcome, highlighting Dinda’s challenging day on the field.

Top 5 Most Expensive Spells In T20

Unwanted Records also has players in other cricket formats. For example next. In domestic T20s cricket (with 4 Overs and 0 Maidens each): 

Name	Team	Opponent	Runs	Wickets
Mattie Mckiernan	Derbyshire	Somerset	82	0
Sarmad Anwar	Sialkot Stallions	Lahore Lions	81	0
Ben Sanderson	Northamptonshire	Yorkshire	77	0
Qais Ahmad	Quetta Gladiators	Multan Sultans	77	2
Ben Mike	Yorkshire	Derbyshire	74	1

And here are the worst spells in the T20 International format: 

Name	Team	Opponent	Runs	Wickets
Kasun Rajitha	Sri Lanka	Australia	75	0
Chris Sole	Scotland	New Zealand	72	1
Tunahan Turan	Turkey	Czech Republic	70	1
Barry J McCarthy	Ireland	Afghanistan	69	0
Kyle Abbott	South Africa	West Indies	68	1

Conclusion

In conclusion, the IPL has witnessed its share of captivating moments, and the list of most expensive spells stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. From seasoned international stars to emerging talents, bowlers have faced formidable challenges, often underlining the fine line between success and struggle in this dynamic format.

Whether it’s the relentless onslaught from power hitters, unfavorable pitch conditions, or exceptional individual performances, these expensive spells have become indelible chapters in the IPL’s rich history. While some bowlers may have faced difficulties, it’s crucial to recognize the resilience and determination required to bounce back in the face of adversity.

As the IPL continues to evolve, bowlers will inevitably face the daunting task of containing batsmen in high-scoring encounters. The tales of these most expensive spells serve as a reminder that, in the exhilarating world of T20 cricket, every delivery can potentially shape the narrative of a match, leaving an enduring impact on the league’s storied history.

Most Expensive Spells In The History Of IPL (2008-2023) Video

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