A hat-trick in cricket is one of the most thrilling moments for fans and bowlers alike. In the high-octane world of the IPL, where batters dominate the spotlight, taking three wickets in three balls is nothing short of magic. The roar of the crowd after a third wicket, the stunned silence of the opposition; these moments define the drama of T20 cricket. But who has taken the most hat-tricks in IPL history? Which bowlers have done it more than once, and which performances came out of nowhere to shock the cricketing world? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at every player who has pulled off this rare feat, dive into some surprising stats, and spotlight the bowlers who turned the tide of a match.
The Magic of Hat Tricks in the IPL: Why They Matter
In a format dominated by powerful hitters and quick scoring, watching a bowler snatch three wickets in three balls feels like witnessing a twist in a blockbuster film. The crowd erupts, the dugouts buzz, and the momentum of the match shifts in an instant. But what exactly qualifies as a hat trick in the IPL? And why are these moments so unforgettable? Let’s find out.
What Counts as a Hat Trick in IPL?
In the Indian Premier League, a hat-trick is when a bowler takes three wickets in three consecutive legal deliveries. All three dismissals must come from the same bowler, and they must be back-to-back balls. What makes IPL hat-tricks interesting is that they can span across overs. For example, if a bowler takes a wicket on the last ball of one over, then comes back in the next over and takes two more on the first two balls, it still counts.
Even if an innings break occurs between those overs (say the bowler finishes the innings and starts the next one), the hat trick still stands. As long as it’s three legal balls in a row by the same bowler, it counts as a hat trick. So it’s not just about one over of magic; it’s about three deliveries of absolute precision, often under intense pressure.
Why Hat Tricks Are So Rare and Game-Changing
Taking three wickets in three balls requires skill, strategy, nerves of steel, and a bit of luck. That’s why hat tricks are such rare gems in IPL history, and even in international cricket. There have been only a limited number of hat tricks in 18 seasons of the IPL. This shows how tough it is. Bowlers often face batters in top form, on flat pitches, and with short boundaries. To break through three times in a row in such a situation? Nothing short of brilliance.
Let’s not forget the impact. Think of Amit Mishra, who turned the game around in 2013 with his hat-trick against Pune Warriors. Or Yuvraj Singh, who famously picked up two IPL hat-tricks in 2009. Hat-tricks also ignite belief. A team down on confidence can suddenly come alive, while the batting side might spiral under pressure.
Most Hat Tricks in IPL: Who Tops the List?
Over the years, only a handful of bowlers have achieved this feat. Let’s take a closer look at the top hat-trick heroes in IPL history.
Leading Hat Trick Takers in IPL History
Only a handful of bowlers have managed to take multiple hat-tricks in the history of the IPL, a testament to their skill, precision, and ability to thrive under pressure. Here are the top hat-trick takers who etched their names into IPL history:
| Bowler | Hat Tricks | Years Achieved |
| Amit Mishra | 3 | 2008, 2011, 2013 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 2 | 2009 (twice) |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 2 | 2022, 2025 |
| Makhaya Ntini | 1 | 2008 |
| Rohit Sharma | 1 | 2009 (Yes, as a bowler!) |
| Lakshmipathy Balaji | 1 | 2008 |
| Praveen Kumar | 1 | 2010 |
| Ajit Chandila | 1 | 2012 |
| Sunil Narine | 1 | 2013 |
| Pravin Tambe | 1 | 2014 |
| Shane Watson | 1 | 2014 |
| Axar Patel | 1 | 2016 |
| Samuel Badree | 1 | 2017 |
| Jaydev Unadkat | 1 | 2017 |
| Andrew Tye | 1 | 2017 |
| Sam Curran | 1 | 2019 |
| Shreyas Gopal | 1 | 2019 |
| Harshal Patel | 1 | 2021 |
| Rashid Khan | 1 | 2023 |
Notable Names to Take a Hat Trick in IPL
A few standout names consistently take center stage when it comes to IPL hat-tricks. These bowlers have delivered unforgettable spells that left fans in awe and batters bewildered.
- Amit Mishra: He holds the record for most hat tricks in IPL history, with three total in 2008, 2011, and 2013.
- Yuvraj Singh: A batting legend stunned everyone by taking two hat-tricks in a single 2009 IPL season.
- Rohit Sharma: Known for his batting exploits, he’s the most unexpected bowler to take a hat-trick in IPL 2009.
Full IPL Hat Trick List by Year (Chronological Table)
Here’s a complete breakdown of all IPL hat-tricks till the 2025 season:
| Year | Player | Team | Opponent | Bowling Figures |
| 2008 | Lakshmipathy Balaji | CSK | PBKS | 5/24 |
| 2008 | Amit Mishra | DD | DCH | 5/17 |
| 2008 | Makhaya Ntini | CSK | KKR | 4/21 |
| 2009 | Yuvraj Singh | PBKS | RCB | 3/22 |
| 2009 | Rohit Sharma | DCH | MI | 4/6 |
| 2009 | Yuvraj Singh | PBKS | DCH | 3/13 |
| 2010 | Praveen Kumar | RCB | RR | 3/18 |
| 2011 | Amit Mishra | DCH | PBKS | 4/9 |
| 2012 | Ajit Chandila | RR | PWI | 4/13 |
| 2013 | Sunil Narine | KKR | PBKS | 3/33 |
| 2013 | Amit Mishra | SRH | PWI | 4/19 |
| 2014 | Pravin Tambe | RR | KKR | 3/26 |
| 2014 | Shane Watson | RR | SRH | 3/13 |
| 2016 | Axar Patel | PBKS | GL | 4/21 |
| 2017 | Samuel Badree | RCB | MI | 4/9 |
| 2017 | Andrew Tye | GL | RPS | 5/17 |
| 2017 | Jaydev Unadkat | RPS | SRH | 5/30 |
| 2019 | Sam Curran | PBKS | DC | 4/11 |
| 2019 | Shreyas Gopal | RR | RCB | 3/12 |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel | RCB | MI | 4/17 |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | RR | KKR | 5/40 |
| 2023 | Rashid Khan | GT | KKR | 3/37 |
| 2025 | Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS | CSK | 4/32 |
* DCH = Deccan Chargers, PWI = Pune Warriors India, RPS = Rising Pune Supergiant, GL = Gujarat Lions.
The Stories Behind the Hat Tricks: Moments That Shook the IPL
In a format where one over can flip the script, these moments of brilliance become instant classics. The best part is the story behind these feats, packed with drama, pressure, and sheer thrill.
Iconic Hat Tricks and Their Match Impact
Here are some of the most iconic hat tricks and how they changed the complexion of the game:
Amit Mishra – (2008 – Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers): This was one of the first truly iconic hat-tricks in IPL history. Mishra’s spell came in the final over of the innings, where DC still had a fighting chance. He dismissed Ravi Teja, RP Singh, and Pragyan Ojha in three successive deliveries, sealing the game in style. That spell not only turned the match on its head but also stamped Mishra’s reputation as a clutch performer under pressure.
Yuvraj Singh (2009 – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore): Known more for his explosive batting, Yuvraj shocked the cricket world by taking two hat-tricks in a single season. Against RCB, he delivered a stunning middle-over spell, dismissing Robin Uthappa, Jacques Kallis, and Mark Boucher in quick succession. Despite his brilliance with the ball, Punjab Kings fell short in the chase, but Yuvraj’s all-round ability left a lasting impression.
Shreyas Gopal (2019 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore): He stunned the cricket world by picking up a sensational hat-trick. The game was eventually called off because of rain. However, the truly iconic thing was that RCB was eliminated from the playoffs race due to this hat-trick and the persistent rain.
Surprise Names Who Took a Hat Trick
Over the years, a few unexpected names have stunned fans by not only taking hat-tricks but doing so completely against the odds. These surprise performances remind us that in the IPL, any player can rise to the occasion and change the game in a matter of deliveries.
Rohit Sharma (2009 – Deccan Chargers vs Mumbai Indians): Yes, you read that right. Rohit, the skilled batter, pulled off a hat trick against his future team. Bowling gentle off-spin, he dismissed Abhishek Nayar, Harbhajan Singh, and JP Duminy in a flurry. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t expected, but it turned the game on its head.
Ajit Chandila (2012 – Rajasthan Royals vs Pune Warriors India): An uncapped and relatively unknown bowler at the time, Chandila spun a magical web. He dismissed Jesse Ryder, Sourav Ganguly, and Robin Uthappa in quick succession. The feat caught everyone off guard and lit up the league with excitement.
Jaydev Unadkat (2017 – Rising Pune Supergiant vs Sunrisers Hyderabad): While Unadkat was known for his variations, few expected him to pull off a last-over hat trick. He dismissed Bipul Sharma, Rashid Khan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to complete his feat. With nerves of steel, he ensured Pune defended their low total.
Can We Expect More Hat Tricks in the Future?
As teams refine their strategies and new players rise through the ranks, many fans wonder: Will we see more hat-tricks in upcoming IPL seasons, or will they become even rarer? Here’s the answer.
Emerging Bowlers to Watch
The next generation of IPL bowlers is bursting with potential. Several young talents have already shown glimpses of brilliance with the cricket ball. These names include:
- Vaibhav Arora: His sharp inswing and calm under pressure have already proven he can dismantle top orders.
- Tushar Deshpande: With his ability to induce mistimed shots, he’s a likely candidate for early breakthroughs in a cluster.
- Mayank Yadav: He stunned the batters with his raw pace in IPL 2024. If he stays fit, a fiery three-ball spell is always a threat.
Don’t overlook mystery spinners either. Teams like SRH and RR have invested in young wrist-spinners who can surprise with their turn and flight, especially on slower pitches.
Impact of Modern T20 Strategies on Bowling Feats
Batters now like to play fearlessly, which means bowlers always have a chance due to the risk of taking risky shots. However, this aggressive play also means that the bowler has to outsmart batters constantly. One significant factor is match-up bowling, where bowlers are brought in to exploit a batter’s specific weakness. This can lead to back-to-back wickets, especially if pressure builds from the non-striker’s end. Also, the Impact Player Rule has added a twist. Bowlers now come in fresher and are used more tactically. While this helps maintain intensity, it also puts them under pressure to perform immediately.
Summing Up
Hat tricks remain one of the most thrilling achievements in the IPL, combining skill, luck, and timing in just three deliveries. These moments add unforgettable drama to the IPL history. With evolving strategies and new talent, the thrill of witnessing the most hat tricks in IPL history is far from over. Who knows, maybe the next season will bring us even more magic. Another thrilling hat-trick could be just a match away.
FAQs
1. Who has taken the most hat-tricks in IPL history?
Amit Mishra holds the record for the most hat tricks in IPL history, with three hat tricks to his name. His first came in 2008 for the Delhi Daredevils, the second in 2021 for the Deccan Chargers, and the third in 2013 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
2. How many total hat tricks have occurred in the IPL?
As of the end of IPL 2025, there have been 23 hat-tricks in IPL history. These rare feats have been scattered across different seasons, some years delivering multiple hat-tricks, while others have seen none at all, highlighting just how unpredictable and special these moments truly are.
3. Has anyone taken two hat tricks in one season?
Yes, Yuvraj Singh remains the only player in IPL history to have taken two hat-tricks in a single season. He achieved this feat in 2009 while playing for the Punjab Kings.
4. Are hat tricks more common at certain stadiums?
Yes, certain stadiums have seen a slightly higher frequency of hat tricks. Venues like Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (Hyderabad) and Feroz Shah Kotla (Delhi) have seen multiple hat-tricks due to their tendency to support spin and variable bounce.
