IPL 2023 Top 3 overseas bowlers

The season finale of the sixteenth season of the Indian Premier League, which was supposed to take place on May 28, Sunday, was postponed until May 29, Monday to allow for the grandstand conclusion at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. In the end, Chennai Super Kings overcame Gujarat Titans in a nail-biting, rain-drenched thriller to win their fifth title overall, tying Mumbai Indians’ record. As such, the season has seen some exceptional bowling but has been very Indian bowlers-centric. Therefore, here is an attempt at highlighting some of the better overseas bowlers. Here are the three best overseas bowlers.

3. Noor Ahmed (GT)

Gujarat Titans backed the young Afghan spinner Noor Ahmed by paying him 30 lakhs in the IPL Players’ Auction to confirm his services. As his debut season progressed, he ended up as one of the most impressive overseas bowlers of the season with 16 wickets in 13 games for the runners-up franchise. He registered the best figures of 3/37 while bowling at an average of 23.06 and maintaining a respectable economy rate of 7.82 as per T20 standards. He dropped an exceptional spell in the season finale against CSK recording figures of 2/17 in three overs.

2. Matheesha Pathirana (CSK)

Young Sri Lankan pacer, distinctly known for his sling action, Matheesha Pathirana has dazzled among overseas bowlers and has arguably been the best overseas pacer this season. Pathirana made his debut last season when Chennai Super Kings paid just 20 lakhs for his services in the auction. In return, Pathirana took 21 wickets in his 14 games for CSK so far, with an elongated role coming in IPL 2023. He took 19 wickets at an average of 19.53 while maintaining an economy of 8.01, decent for a pacer in T20s. He registered his best figures against Mumbai Indians in the season – 3/15. In the final as well he returned with two scalps but remained expensive at 44 runs from four overs.

1. Rashid Khan (GT)

There is no doubt that Rashid Khan has been the best overseas bowler in IPL 2023. The Afghan mystery spinner ended up as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the season with his teammate, Mohit Sharma, both at 27 wickets. However, Mohit Sharma played three games lesser than Rashid, therefore, ended up a place above the Afghan in the final standings. Rashid’s 27 wickets came at an average of 20.44 whilst maintaining an economy rate of 8.23. He recorded the best figures of 4/30 against Mumbai Indians. However, he flopped in the season finale against Chennai Super Kings remaining goalless and conceding 44 runs in 3 overs.