Perfecting the delivery of yorkers is a vital ability for bowlers in the IPL, which is a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. A well-executed yorker, bowled to the base of the stumps, can quickly change the course of a match in addition to stifling batters. This piece explores the fine art of cricket bowling accuracy, highlighting ten bowlers who have continually amazed with their flawless yorker deliveries. These players have perfected throwing the ideal yorker, making a lasting impression in IPL cricket. They have done it in every part of the game, from dramatic last-over scenarios, and major middle-over breakthroughs, to crucial wickets in the powerplay.
1. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga, a master of the yorker, represented Mumbai from 2008 to 2019. Malinga left an indelible mark, becoming the tournament's then all-time leading wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 170 wickets. His expertise in death bowling shone brightly in the 2019 final, where Mumbai faced CSK. With CSK needing nine runs in the last over, Malinga bowled a nerve-wracking final over, restricting them to seven runs and securing Mumbai's fourth IPL title. Beyond statistics, Malinga's yorkers became synonymous with clutch performances and defining moments in the IPL.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Benefiting from the mentorship of Malinga in the IPL, Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a bowler renowned for his toe-crushing yorkers. Bumrah's distinctive bowling action, coupled with his ability to bowl at a medium pace, has made him a master of delivering yorkers that prove challenging for batters to handle. His knack for executing unplayable yorkers extends beyond the IPL, making him a potent force in international cricket.
3. Kagiso Rabada
Rabada has delivered some mesmerizing yorkers in the IPL, showcasing his exceptional pace and skill. One standout moment was his yorker to Andre Russell, during the 2019 edition, earning praise from Sourav Ganguly as the ball of the tournament. In a high-pressure situation with KKR needing 11 in the Super Over, Rabada unleashed a perfectly placed yorker on the third ball. The delivery crashed into the middle stump, dismissing Russell, and leaving an indelible mark on the match.
4. Mitchell Starc
Although he has not a part of any IPL franchise for almost ten years now, Starc while playing for RCB was one of the most lethal deliverers of the yorker. His ability to get the ball at just the right place, coupled with the pace at which he bowled, made his yorkers almost unplayable.
5. T. Natarajan
Natarajan had a breakthrough season in 2020, making a mark with 16 wickets. A memorable moment came in the 14th over of an IPL 2020 match against Delhi, where Natarajan showcased his yorker prowess by delivering five of them, challenging the likes of the hard-hitting Marcus Stoinis. His remarkable performances in IPL 2020 not only earned him recognition but also paved the way for his selection in the Indian team for T20Is against Australia later that year.
6. Mohammed Shami
The right-arm fast bowler holds the incredible ability to bowl off the seam and can swing the ball both ways. However, what makes him even more impressive is his ability to bowl impeccable yorkers as and when needed. An excellent example was the super over in 2020 when he cramped Rohit Sharma and De Kock for room, taking his team to victory.
7. Anrich Nortje
Delhi Capitals secured Nortje as a replacement for Chris Woakes before IPL 2020. In his debut IPL season, the South African pacer impressed by claiming an impressive tally of 22 wickets, effectively complementing Rabada in the bowling attack. His ability to bowl yorkers at a rapid pace of more than 145 kmph makes him a lethal bowler to face.
8. Trent Boult
Boult is probably best known for being able to swing the ball both ways and the tricky pace with which he bowls. The inswinger to the right-hander is his best ball. However, he is also capable of bowling excellent yorkers, which trap the batters either in a LBW or simply go on to clean their stumps.
9. Dwayne Bravo
Bravo was a crucial part of CSK for many years and was a handy all-rounder. His ability to bowl variations was what made him special. In addition, he also bowled the yorker pretty well. In the 2016 season, he bowled an incredible 64 yorkers in the tournament, and took 17 wickets.
10. Arshdeep Singh
Singh is a versatile bowler who can take wickets in both the powerplay and in the death overs. In addition, he also bowls yorkers with fair precision. The most notable of his yorkers came in IPL against MI, where he broke the two times in two balls. His ability to bowl such lethal delivers makes him a dangerous bowler.
