IPL 2023 final witnessed an epic classic between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans where the Men in Yellow won an unexpected thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. It was a rain-affected game with Chennai needing 171 runs in 15 overs and Ravindra Jadeja pulled off a heist to give CSK their 5th IPL title.
Talking about the whole season, it has been a remarkable one for the batters as prominent names like Faf du Plessis, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal etc. enjoyed the tournament with the willow. On the other hand, there were a few bowlers as well who were dominant on most of the occasions during the season.
Let’s take a look at the top five fast bowlers of this tournament who were effective with their skills. Here’s the list:
#5 Mohammad Siraj
If there’s anyone who has shown tremendous improvement in his fast bowling, then it has to be Mohammad Siraj. He used to be one of the expensive bowlers in the shortest format, however, his lengths have improved a lot now for which he has already been rewarded by being in the Indian team in all formats.
In the recent IPL, Siraj picked up 14 wickets in 19 matches at an impressive average of under 20. His best figures came against Punjab Kings where he picked up four wickets for just 21 runs that eventually helped RCB stun PBKS by 23 runs. Now, Siraj is all set to feature in the World Test Championship Final against Australia which is set to take place at The Oval, London.
#4 Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana was one of the highlights of the IPL 2023 for his bowling
Another Chennai Super Kings bowler, Matheesha Pathirana has been one of the few fast bowlers this season who impressed a lot with his death bowling. He had the backing of MS Dhoni and got multiple chances to prove his worth. The Sri Lankan picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches with an average of less than 20 which is just phenomenal.
Pathirana has now become one of the major faces of CSK and also Sri Lankan cricket from now on. The bowling action like the great Lasith Malinga has not only impressed Chennai fans but also others as well. The right-arm pacer has been perfect to an extent in his execution of the yorkers and slower ones.
#3 Tushar Deshpande
21 wickets in 16 matches is tremendous stuff from the right-arm fast bowler from Chennai Super Kings. He had been consistent throughout and helped Dhoni & Co. win the iconic IPL 2023. His figures of 3 for 45 against RCB was his personal best in the season which came at the right time when Chennai won the battle by 8 runs.
Deshpande has speed, accuracy, and consistent line & length which makes him a genuine new ball bowler and he did exactly the same while playing under the leadership of Dhoni. Though he was expensive in a few games, the 28-year old has always made a strong comeback.
#2 Mohit Sharma
Mohit Sharma proved to be the perfect death bowler for the Ahmedabad-based franchise
Mohit Sharma has impressed every cricket fan in this edition of the IPL with his skilful and intelligent bowling. From being a net bowler for Gujarat Titans to becoming one of the best pacers of this tournament, the journey for Mohit Sharma has been a rollicking one.
The man from Haryana picked up 27 wickets in the season which is the second-highest by any bowler this time. His average has been terrific and best amongst all with around 13 which is just tremendous in T20 cricket.
The Titans seamer used all his experience this season to make his side victorious on multiple occasions apart from the final where he proved to be unlucky in the last over. It is now clear that he is set to be the main bowler alongside Mohammad Shami for the next season.
#1 Mohammad Shami
Experienced, skilful, and splendid are three words for a bowler like Mohammad Shami. Shami has been playing for over 10 years now and his bowling has always improved from the very first day. The regular Indian pacer picked up the maximum wickets in the season with 28 with an average of around 19 which is considered good in T20 cricket.
For his special performance throughout, the veteran pacer received a purple cap at the end of the season. His four-fer against Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad were the highlights of the season where he was so economical with his brilliant bowling.
Shami also got for runs in a few games but his intent never took a backseat and he always made a strong comeback in the next match. Now, he has been in London for the World Test Championship Final against Australia which is set to begin on June 7.