Cricket is usually described as a recreation of superb uncertainties, the place fortunes can change within the blink of an eye fixed. Amongst its many thrilling facets, the Indian Premier League (IPL) stands out for its electrifying tempo, high-scoring matches, and relentless aggression from batters. Whereas batters typically steal the highlight with towering sixes and record-breaking innings, bowlers sometimes discover themselves on the receiving finish of this carnage.
In cricketing phrases, an costly spell refers to a bowler conceding an unusually excessive variety of runs of their allotted overs—an final result that no bowler needs to expertise however one that’s inevitable within the fast-paced T20 format.
The IPL, identified for pushing gamers to their limits, has witnessed a number of such situations the place even world-class bowlers have endured forgettable outings. As of 2025, Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer etched his title within the report books for all of the improper causes throughout his staff’s season opener in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a match that noticed a flurry of boundaries and sixes raining down on the Rajiv Gandhi Worldwide Stadium, Archer conceded an unprecedented 76 runs in his four-over spell—making it the most costly bowling efficiency in IPL historical past.
Listed here are the highest 5 most costly spells in an IPL match
- Jofra Archer: The brand new report holder
Within the IPL 2025 season opener of Rajasthan Royals, Archer confronted a nightmarish outing in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad, the place he conceded 76 runs with out taking a wicket. His figures of 0/76 eclipsed the earlier report held by Mohit Sharma, who had conceded 73 runs in an earlier season. Archer’s spell started poorly as he was focused by Travis Head, who smashed him for 23 runs in his first over alone. The onslaught continued with Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen becoming a member of in, leading to Archer’s economic system price hovering to an alarming 19.00.
The match noticed SRH publish a formidable complete of 286 runs, one of many highest scores in IPL historical past, with Kishan scoring an explosive century. Archer’s struggles have been evident as he tried numerous bowling variations however was unable to include the aggressive batting lineup of SRH.
- Mohit Sharma: A painful reminiscence
Earlier than Archer’s record-breaking spell, Mohit held the title for the most costly bowling figures in IPL historical past. In a match in opposition to Delhi Capitals throughout the IPL 2024 season, Mohit conceded 73 runs in his 4 overs. His efficiency was marred by Rishabh Pant‘s explosive batting, which included a number of sixes and limits that crushed Mohit’s confidence.
Mohit’s expertise serves as a reminder of how shortly fortunes can change in T20 cricket, the place one dangerous day can result in lasting information that hang-out gamers for years.
Additionally WATCH: Travis Head unleashes carnage with a brutal 105m six against Jofra Archer in the IPL 2025
- Basil Thampi: A troublesome day on the workplace
Basil Thampi‘s spell for Sunrisers Hyderabad in opposition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2018 stays etched in IPL historical past as one of many costliest. Thampi was hit for 70 runs in his 4 overs, showcasing how even established bowlers can wrestle below strain. His figures mirror the brutal nature of T20 cricket, the place batters are sometimes relentless and bowlers should adapt shortly to outlive.
- Yash Dayal: KKR’s traumatic masterclass
In IPL 2023, Yash Dayal confronted an analogous destiny when he bowled in opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders and ended up conceding 69 runs. This efficiency highlighted the challenges confronted by bowlers once they encounter aggressive batting lineups able to capitalizing on each mistake. Dayal’s expertise underscores the significance of sustaining composure and technique throughout high-pressure conditions.
- Reece Topley and Luke Wooden: Equal misfortunes
Each Reece Topley and Luke Wooden recorded figures of 68 runs conceded throughout IPL matches in 2024. Topley’s efficiency got here in opposition to Mumbai Indians whereas Wooden confronted Delhi Capitals. Their experiences function cautionary tales for bowlers getting into the event; even top-tier expertise can discover themselves on the receiving finish of brutal batting shows.
