The IPL has always been a stage where West Indian fast bowlers have thrived. This year is no different, with several Windies pacers making their mark and causing headaches for batsmen across the league. While some established names continue to dominate, there are also exciting young talents emerging. Here’s a look at the top five West Indians with the ball in the IPL 2024:
1. Sunil Narine (KKR): The magician continues to weave his magic! While surprising everyone with his batting exploits, Sunil Narine remains a force to be reckoned with when it comes to bowling. He currently leads the list of West Indian wicket-takers in IPL 2024. In just 11 matches, Narine has scalped 14 wickets at a miserly economy rate of 6.61. His ability to spin the web with his mystery deliveries continues to bamboozle batsmen, and his canny use of variations keeps them guessing. Narine’s economical bowling spells often put immense pressure on the opposition, creating opportunities for his team to pick up wickets at the other end.
2. Andre Russell (KKR): Not just a batting powerhouse, Andre Russell is a handy bowling option as well. The Jamaican all-rounder has picked up 13 wickets in 11 matches at a decent average of 17.46 and a strike rate of 10.30. While his express pace can unsettle batsmen, it’s his death bowling skills that truly stand out. Russell’s ability to york the ball consistently and mix it up with slower deliveries makes him a really good mix in the KKR bowling lineup.
3. Alzarri Joseph (RCB): The young Antiguan fast bowler has struggling to get going so far in the IPL 2024. With raw pace and swing bowling capabilities, Joseph could become a vital cog in the Royal Challengers Bangalore attack. Although his stats shows 1 wicket in 4 innings might not seem overly impressive yet, his impact goes beyond the wicket column. Joseph’s ability to consistently bowl at over 140 kmph and generate movement with the new ball creates early breakthroughs or puts immense pressure on the opening batsmen. Expect him to add more wickets to his tally as the tournament progresses.
4. Romario Shepherd (MI): This exciting young Guyanese fast bowling all-rounder is turning out to be a really good batting option for the Mumbai Indians but he has kind of struggled with the Ball. Shepherd can generate serious bounce with his skiddy action, making him a handful on pitches that offer some assistance. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl yorkers at the death makes him a complete bowling package. While his experience in the IPL might be limited, Shepherd has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.
This list showcases the diverse bowling talents that the West Indies possess. From the guile of Narine to the raw pace of Joseph and Romario, these bowlers are keeping batsmen on their toes and contributing significantly to their teams’ success. With the tournament still ongoing, expect these players to continue showcasing their skills and potentially climb higher in the wicket-taking charts.