5 most expensive bowling spells in IPL history

The game of cricket has evolved rapidly, thanks to the introduction of the shorter formats. Earlier, when a team used to score more than 250 runs in an ODI, it used to be considered a big total for the opponents to chase. Nowadays, tables have turned completely, and teams are scoring over 250 runs easily in T20 leagues like the IPL.

Cricket is getting tougher for the bowlers following the decrease in boundary size and rules inclining towards batters. With fielding restrictions, flat pitches and the two new ball rule, it gets even tougher for bowlers to extract something extra out of the wicket. But it also depends on the bowlers to bowl at the right areas and use variations to deceive the batters.

In the ongoing IPL 2025, bowlers have been yet again taken to the cleaners. Big names including Jofra Archer and Mohammed Shami, who are known for their lethal bowling, have been brutally hammered. As a result, they have got themselves on the unwanted list of most expensive spells in IPL history. On that note, let's have a look at the 5 most expensive spells in the history of the Indian Premier League.

5 bowlers with the most expensive spells in IPL history

1. Jofra Archer (RR) - 0/76 vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2025

England's speedster Jofra Archer, who is known for his lethal bouncers and toe-crushing yorkers, was recently thrashed by SRH batters at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The pacer failed to get his line and length right and went wicketless after conceding 76 runs in four overs. This is the most expensive spell ever bowled in IPL history.

2. Mohammed Shami (SRH) - 0/75 vs PBKS, Hyderabad, 2025

India's star pacer Mohammed Shami got bashed by Punjab Kings batters in an IPL 2025 match. The pacer is known for bowling tight lines and lengths but failed miserably to bowl on his strengths. He gave away freebies in the form of full-toss and length balls, which made it easy for PBKS batters to smash him. He conceded 4 consecutive sixes in the final over of his spell and ended with 0/75 in four overs.

3. Mohit Sharma (GT) - 0/73 vs DC, Delhi, 2024

Mohit Sharma, who is currently playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, was smashed all around the park by the same team in the previous season. The player then used to be a part of the Gujarat Titans when he got his name registered in an unwanted list. Known for his slower bouncers and back-of-the-hand deliveries, Mohit failed to use his weapons effectively against DC. As a result, he ended his spell conceding 73 runs in four overs.

4. Basil Thampi (SRH) - 0/70 vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2018

Basil Thampi, another promising talent who found his way to the IPL, was used to clicking over 140 km/h on a regular basis. However, the bowler failed to deliver against the mighty batting lineup of RCB in 2018, which consisted of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Colin de Grandhomme. Thampi got smashed for 70 runs in four overs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

5. Yash Dayal (GT) - 0/69 vs KKR, Ahmedabad, 2023

No. 5 in the list is currently one of the most reliable bowlers playing for RCB, Yash Dayal. Back in 2023, when he played for GT, the pacer got smashed for 5 consecutive sixes by Rinku Singh in the final over that made KKR win the match. With this, he ended his spell at 0/69 in four overs.