Cricket is usually described as a sport of wonderful uncertainties, the place fortunes can change within the blink of a watch. Amongst its many thrilling features, 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 often 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, recognized for pushing gamers to their limits, has witnessed a number of such cases the place even world-class bowlers have endured forgettable outings. As of 2025, Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer etched his identify within the document books for all of the mistaken causes throughout his crew’s season opener towards 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 below are the highest 5 costliest spells in an IPL match
- Jofra Archer: The brand new document holder
Within the IPL 2025 season opener of Rajasthan Royals, Archer confronted a nightmarish outing towards Sunrisers Hyderabad, the place he conceded 76 runs with out taking a wicket. His figures of 0/76 eclipsed the earlier document 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 varied bowling variations however was unable to comprise 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 towards 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 bounds that crushed Mohit’s confidence.
Mohit’s expertise serves as a reminder of how rapidly 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 towards Jofra Archer within the IPL 2025
- Basil Thampi: A tricky day on the workplace
Basil Thampi‘s spell for Sunrisers Hyderabad towards 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 rapidly to outlive.
- Yash Dayal: KKR’s traumatic masterclass
In IPL 2023, Yash Dayal confronted an identical destiny when he bowled towards 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 towards Mumbai Indians whereas Wooden confronted Delhi Capitals. Their experiences function cautionary tales for bowlers coming into the match; even top-tier expertise can discover themselves on the receiving finish of brutal batting shows.