Royal Challengers Bengaluru have often struggled because of their bowlers
Over 18 seasons, some teams have leaked more maximums than others. Can you guess the top 5? Before we reveal the list, let’s play a game—predict your top 5 teams and see if they match ours! Think of franchises with weaker bowling attacks or those playing on flat pitches. Ready? Stay tuned as we unveil the teams whose bowlers have been hit for the most sixes in IPL history!
The one name which will be present in the list of every reader will be the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and this is the team that has been at the top of the list after 18 seasons as the one who has conceded the most number of sixes in their journey so far. In 264 innings, RCB bowlers have given away a massive 1,716 sixes, which is more than any other team in IPL history. This has been one of the biggest reasons why their bowling has often been seen as a weak link despite having strong batting line-ups over the years. While RCB has produced some top moments with the bat, their bowling numbers have not been as impressive.
Along with the 1,716 sixes, they have conceded 3,555 fours and hence opposition batters have often found it easy to score boundaries against them. Along with that, their overall economy rate stands at 8.45 runs per over, and they have taken 1,550 wickets in 264 innings, which is a decent number, but the high number of boundaries has often cost them matches, especially in close run chases.
Looking at the bigger picture, RCB’s bowlers have delivered 30,095 balls and conceded a total of 42,415 runs with a bowling average of 27.36. The strike rate of the bowlers has been 132.87, which again points to the fact that they have struggled to build pressure or control the flow of runs in many games. Extras have also been an issue, with 2,243 runs given away in extras alone.
Another team who has struggled with their bowling lineup and the team along with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru who has failed to grab a title in the last 17 years, the Delhi Capitals (earlier known as Delhi Daredevils) is another team who has found it tough to control the flow of runs. In 260 innings, Delhi bowlers have conceded a huge number of 1,599 sixes, which is one of the highest in IPL history. This shows how their bowlers have often allowed batters to attack freely and dominate games.
Despite showing glimpses of brilliance over the years and reaching playoffs a few times, Delhi’s bowling has never looked settled for a long period. Along with the sixes, they have given away 3,572 fours and it highlights how easily batters have scored boundaries against them. Their overall economy rate stands at 8.36 runs per over, meaning that on average, opposition teams have always found a way to score at a good pace against them.
Delhi’s bowlers have delivered 29,907 balls in IPL history and have given away 41,708 runs, with an average of 26.99 runs per wicket. Even though they have picked up 1,545 wickets, the high number of sixes and fours has often put them under pressure during crunch moments. Their strike rate with the ball is 131.89, and they have also conceded 2,070 runs through extras, adding to their struggles.
For those who are making their list and guessing the teams, the team at number 3 will be a tough one for them to guess as at the number 3, they are having a team who has got 5 titles to their name and yet has conceived the most number of sixes despite having the bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Lasith Malinga and many more in the team. Yes, we are talking about Mumbai Indians who have given away 1,582 sixes in their IPL journey so far.
It comes as a surprise because Mumbai Indians are known for their strong bowling attack, yet the number of sixes they have conceded shows that even the best teams have their weak points. In 271 innings, their bowlers have faced some hard hitting from the batters. Even though they have won five titles, teams have often managed to clear the ropes easily against them. Mumbai Indians have bowled 31,411 balls and conceded 42,975 runs overall, maintaining an economy rate of 8.20 runs per over.
Their bowlers have picked up 1,659 wickets, which is impressive, but the high number of sixes conceded tells the other side of the story. Their bowling strike rate stands at 128.66, and they have also given away 2,373 runs in extras. Along with the sixes, they have also conceded 3,684 fours, meaning batters have regularly found boundaries against them. Despite having some of the biggest bowling names in their squad over the years, opposition batters have not hesitated to go after them, especially at batting-friendly grounds like Wankhede.
When we talk about the teams with poor bowling options and a team that has lacked the most in this area has to be the Punjab Kings. It is no surprise that Punjab Kings (earlier known as Kings XI Punjab) are at number 4 in the list of teams who have conceded the most number of sixes in IPL history. Over the years, their bowling department has often struggled, and the numbers tell the story clearly. Punjab Kings have given away 1,529 sixes in just 255 innings. This is a big number and shows how easily opposition batters have taken on their bowlers.
Their overall performance in IPL also reflects this weakness, as the team has not qualified for the playoffs even once between 2015 and 2024. Even before that, they reached the final in 2014 but lost, and since then, they have failed to make a big impact. The team has bowled 28,985 balls and conceded 41,384 runs, with an economy rate of 8.56 runs per over, which is among the highest in the tournament. Their bowling strike rate is 134.89, meaning it has taken them longer to get wickets, and the longer the batters stay, the more they hit big shots against them.
They have also given away 2,112 runs as extras, another sign of an undisciplined bowling attack. When talking about these kinds of records, the “holy trinity” of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is always present. These teams have often struggled with their bowling and it is seen again here with Punjab’s name being high up on the list. Despite having some big names over the years, Punjab Kings have not been able to build a consistent bowling unit.
For the people who have been making their list, the another surprise entry has to be of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Even though KKR have won the IPL title three times and are known for having a strong bowling unit, they still find themselves on the list of teams that have conceded the most sixes. This shows that even successful teams have their weak spots. Kolkata Knight Riders have conceded 1,514 sixes in 260 innings, which is quite a high number considering the talented bowlers they have had over the years. With players like Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, and many others, KKR has always had a bowling lineup that looks solid on paper.
But somehow, batters have still managed to take them on and hit plenty of big shots. KKR’s bowlers have delivered 29,625 balls and given away 40,465 runs in total. Their economy rate stands at 8.19, which is not the worst but still shows that they have often allowed batters to score freely and their bowling strike rate is 129.19 and along with that, they have taken a wicket roughly every 22 balls, but during that time, they have also leaked plenty of boundaries and sixes.
The fact that KKR, despite their titles and big-name bowlers, are part of this list shows how tough it is to control the game in T20 cricket. No matter how strong the team looks on paper, when it comes to execution on the field, even the best can be punished. They have given away 2,005 runs as extras too, which adds to the runs gifted to opponents. Although they have had championship-winning seasons, there have also been seasons where their bowling has looked average, allowing batters to attack and score heavily.