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Written by Akash Saha | Edited and fact-checked by Amit Saha | Editorial policy
Sunil Narine: the IPL’s most economical regular
Among bowlers with 50+ IPL wickets, Sunil Narine has the best career economy rate, around 6.8 runs per over with more than 200 wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders. Rashid Khan led the list for years, but expensive recent seasons have pushed his career economy above 7. Over shorter careers, Daniel Vettori (6.56), Anil Kumble (6.58) and Glenn McGrath (6.61) went for even fewer.
Best IPL Economy: Long-Career Bowlers (50+ Wickets)
| Bowler | Team(s) | Career economy | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunil Narine | KKR | ~6.8 | 200+ wickets, only ever played for KKR |
| Rashid Khan | SRH, GT | ~7.2 | Was 6.4 to 2022, rose after 2025–26 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | MI | ~7.3 | Best among fast bowlers |
Lowest Economy in Shorter IPL Careers
| Bowler | Matches | Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Vettori | 27 | 6.56 |
| Anil Kumble | 42 | 6.58 |
| Glenn McGrath | 14 | 6.61 |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 66 | 6.68 |
| Roelof van der Merwe | 21 | 6.74 |
| Dale Steyn | 95 | 6.91 |
Sunil Narine
Narine has played his whole IPL career for KKR since 2012, winning titles in 2012, 2014 and 2024. His mystery spin has kept his economy near 6.8 across more than 700 overs, through every change in the game.
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble went for 6.58 an over in 42 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore, and his 5/5 against Rajasthan Royals in Cape Town in 2009 remains one of the most economical spells in IPL history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bowler has the best economy in IPL history?
Among bowlers with 50+ wickets, Sunil Narine has the best career economy, around 6.8 runs per over. Daniel Vettori (6.56) and Anil Kumble (6.58) went for fewer over much shorter careers.
What is economy rate in the IPL?
A bowler’s economy rate is the runs conceded divided by the overs bowled.
What is Rashid Khan’s IPL economy rate?
Around 7.2 after IPL 2026. It was 6.4 or lower until 2022, which made him the leader for several seasons.
More IPL records: highest team score in IPL · fastest IPL fifties · IPL winners list · IPL 2027 hub
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