Seasonal bowler shows how some bowler shines all across the season or tournament. In International and franchise cricket, some bowlers have taken record wickets for their side. These performances show players’ skills, consistency, and temperament for a big game. A great bowler plays an important role in the side’s winning. From long-format tests to fast-paced T20, bowlers shine and win crucial games for their sides. Some of the incredible performances of bowlers have been excellent, and their names have been registered in the record books. Let’s get into a deep overview of Who Holds the Record for the Highest wicket-taker in One Season?
What Does ‘One Season’ Mean in Cricket?
In cricket, “one season” can mean a few things. In leagues like the IPL or BBL, a season is the whole tournament from start to finish in that year. It begins with the first match and ends with the final. In international cricket, a season is all the games a team plays in a country during a certain time, like summer or winter. Sometimes, it means all matches played in a calendar year. So, “one season” can be a league, a group of tours, or all matches in a year, depending on the type of cricket.
Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers in One Season (All Formats Combined)
In cricket, season mostly refers to the calendar year of a team. While in League cricket, season means a specific time frame in which the league will be played.
Calendar Year in International Cricket
For international cricket, the calendar year mostly refers to the calendar year or the traditional cricketing calendar of a country. For example, the English cricket season typically starts from April and ends in September. While in Australia, the cricket season mostly goes from October to March. Hence, the bowler’s performance in that period, including all formats, is considered a seasoned performance.
League Season in Domestic T20 Leagues
In League cricket, the season’s time frame follows different rules. The IPL season typically runs from March to May. In these 2 months, no significant cricket has happened due to international players being busy playing this league. IPL is the world’s biggest league, containing 10 teams. It is the only franchise cricket league that includes 10 teams.
Every player has a maximum of 17 games to play if they reach the final of the IPL. So, for a bowler, taking more wickets is a brilliant opportunity. The Big Bash League is an Australian cricket league. BBL contains eight teams, and every side plays 10 games in the group stage. It became a massive opportunity for a player to grab a decent number of wickets if his side reached the final.
Series-Based Season
A series-based season is conducted between 2 sides in every game format. Mostly, a series played between 2 sides is named a Bilateral series. In some cases, three sides combine to play a series named the Triangular series. A prominent cricket series is the Ashes, played between Australia and England.
This series has a long history of more than 100+ years. Both sides play 5 test matches every 2 years. Another prominent series is called the Border-Gavaskar trophy. This series is played between India and Australia. If a bowler gets important wickets in this series, they get massive limelight worldwide.
Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers in One Season (All Formats Combined)
Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers in a Single Season in Test Cricket
| Player | Year | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling (BBI) | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
| SK Warne (AUS) | 2005 | 15 | 30 | 96 | 6/46 | 22.02 | 45.16 | 2.92 |
| M Muralidaran(SL) | 2006 | 11 | 21 | 90 | 8/70 | 16.90 | 39.24 | 2.58 |
| DK Lillee (AUS) | 1981 | 13 | 25 | 85 | 7/83 | 20.95 | 43.64 | 2.88 |
| AA Donald (SA) | 1998 | 14 | 26 | 80 | 6/88 | 19.63 | 40.40 | 2.91 |
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 2001 | 12 | 23 | 80 | 8/87 | 21.23 | 58.60 | 2.17 |
| J Garner (WI) | 1984 | 15 | 29 | 79 | 6/60 | 20.62 | 45.89 | 2.69 |
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 2000 | 10 | 17 | 75 | 7/84 | 19.50 | 49.86 | 2.34 |
| Kapil Dev (IND) | 1983 | 18 | 25 | 75 | 9/83 | 23.18 | 46.25 | 3.00 |
| DW Steyn (SA) | 2008 | 13 | 24 | 74 | 6/72 | 20.01 | 35.85 | 3.34 |
| Kapil Dev (IND) | 1979 | 17 | 29 | 74 | 6/63 | 22.95 | 48.01 | 2.86 |
Australian spin legend, Shane Warne, has taken the most wickets in a single season in 2005. He took a record 96 wickets in that year to top the list. Sri Lankan legend, M Muralidaran, is the 2nd highest wicket-taker on this list, having taken 90 wickets in 2006. Besides that, Muralidaran was also the highest wicket-taker in 2000 and 2001.
Highest Wicket Taker in ODI Cricket in a Single Season
| Player | Year | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling (BBI) | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
| Saqlain Mushtaq (PAK) | 1997 | 36 | 34 | 69 | 5/38 | 18.73 | 27.33 | 4.11 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq (PAK) | 1996 | 33 | 32 | 65 | 5/29 | 19.52 | 26.67 | 4.39 |
| Saeed Ajmal (PAK) | 2013 | 33 | 33 | 62 | 5/24 | 20.45 | 29.66 | 4.13 |
| SK Warne (AUS) | 1999 | 37 | 36 | 62 | 4/29 | 23.27 | 31.85 | 4.38 |
| A Kumble (IND) | 1996 | 32 | 32 | 61 | 4/12 | 20.24 | 29.91 | 4.06 |
| SM Pollock (SA) | 2000 | 38 | 37 | 61 | 5/20 | 21.62 | 32.60 | 3.97 |
| Abdul Razzaq (PAK) | 2000 | 38 | 38 | 61 | 5/48 | 22.45 | 30.96 | 4.35 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | 1996 | 35 | 34 | 60 | 6/44 | 22.46 | 28.68 | 4.69 |
| AB Agarkar (IND) | 1998 | 30 | 30 | 58 | 4/35 | 23.75 | 27.81 | 5.12 |
| M Muralidaran(SL) | 2001 | 33 | 33 | 56 | 5/30 | 18.19 | 33.05 | 3.30 |
Pakistan spin legend, Saqlain Mushtaq, is the highest wicket-taker in the ODI format in a single season. He topped this list in 2 seasons, in which he took 69 and 65 wickets in 1997 and 1996. Besides him, there are two more spin legends, Shane Warne and M Muralidaran, in this list who took the most wickets in 1999 and 2001, respectively.
Highest Wicket Taker in T20 Cricket in a Single Season
| Player | Year | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling (BBI) | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
| AR Ramjani (UGA) | 2023 | 30 | 30 | 55 | 4/9 | 8.98 | 11.29 | 4.77 |
| Rizwan Butt (BHR) | 2025 | 29 | 29 | 50 | 6/9 | 12.82 | 12.60 | 6.10 |
| H Ssenyondo (UGA) | 2023 | 30 | 30 | 49 | 4/4 | 12.02 | 13.55 | 5.32 |
| Ehsan Khan (HKG) | 2024 | 27 | 26 | 46 | 4/5 | 12.21 | 12.10 | 6.05 |
| YM Nkanya (TAN) | 2022 | 28 | 26 | 45 | 5/2 | 8.60 | 12.13 | 4.25 |
| M Akayezu (RWN) | 2023 | 38 | 36 | 42 | 4/17 | 20.85 | 15.14 | 8.26 |
| Ali Dawood (BHR) | 2025 | 27 | 27 | 40 | 4/5 | 13.70 | 14.47 | 5.67 |
| Junaid Siddique (UAE) | 2024 | 25 | 25 | 40 | 4/14 | 18.10 | 14.32 | 7.58 |
| Josh Little (IRE) | 2022 | 26 | 26 | 39 | 4/35 | 18.92 | 14.97 | 7.58 |
This list includes emerging nations like Uganda, UAE, and many others, showing cricket’s popularity worldwide. AR Ramjani from Uganda took the highest wickets in a single season, 55, in 2023. Rizwan Butt is the 2nd highest wickets taker who took 50 wickets in 2025.
Highest Wicket Taker in a T20 Season (e.g., IPL/BBL/International)
Highest wicket-taker in IPL
| Player | Team | Season | Matches | Wickets | Overs | Balls | Best Bowling | Average |
| Harshal Patel | RCB | 2021 | 15 | 32 | 56.2 | 338 | 5/27 | 14.34 |
| DJ Bravo | CSK | 2013 | 18 | 32 | 62.3 | 375 | 4/42 | 15.53 |
| Kagiso Rabada | DC | 2020 | 17 | 30 | 65.4 | 394 | 4/24 | 18.26 |
| Lasith Malinga | MI | 2011 | 16 | 28 | 63.0 | 378 | 5/13 | 13.39 |
| James Faulkner | RR | 2013 | 16 | 28 | 63.1 | 379 | 5/16 | 15.25 |
| Mohammed Shami | GT | 2023 | 17 | 28 | 65.0 | 390 | 4/11 | 18.64 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | MI | 2020 | 15 | 27 | 60.0 | 360 | 4/14 | 14.96 |
| YZ Chahal | RR | 2022 | 17 | 27 | 68.0 | 408 | 5/40 | 15.11 |
| Rashid Khan | GT | 2023 | 17 | 27 | 67.0 | 402 | 4/30 | 14.88 |
| DJ Bravo | CSK | 2015 | 17 | 26 | 64.2 | 314 | 3/22 | 12.07 |
The Indian Premier League is among the world’s most competitive bowling leagues. Because of flat tracks and massive runs, scoring opportunities make things difficult for the bowler. But these top 10 highest wicket-takers in IPL make things a lot easier for them to take important wickets for their side. Harshal Patel took 32 wickets for RCB in 2021, mostly in the IPL held in the UAE.
While on the 2nd paddle, DJ Bravo was standing with 32 wickets. His crucial wicket-taking ability in the middle phase makes him a lethal bowler. He is also the highest wicket-taker in 2015, taking 26 wickets.
Besides them, there are many top players in this list. Jasprit Bumrah took 27 wickets for his side in 2020 and helped his team lift the 5th IPL title. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2022, YZ Chahal took 27 wickets in IPL 2022. IPL 2023 was a brilliant season for the Gujarat Titans. Rashid Khan played a role by taking 27 wickets in that season for the Gujarat Titans.
Most Wickets in a Single Season in the BBL
| Season | Player | Team | Matches | Wickets | Runs | Average | BB |
| 2019–20 | Daniel Sams | Sydney Thunder | 17 | 30 | 461 | 15.36 | 4/34 |
| 2021–22 | Peter Siddle | Adelaide Strikers | 17 | 30 | 532 | 17.73 | 5/23 |
| 2022–23 | Sean Abbott | Sydney Sixers | 15 | 29 | 407 | 14.03 | 3/9 |
| 2020–21 | Jhye Richardson | Perth Scorchers | 17 | 29 | 473 | 16.31 | 4/24 |
| 2018–19 | Kane Richardson | Melbourne Renegades | 14 | 24 | 425 | 17.70 | 3/22 |
| 2023-24 | XC Bartlett | Brisbane Heat | 11 | 20 | 294 | 14.7 | 7.63 |
| 2016–17 | Sean Abbott | Sydney Sixers | 10 | 20 | 263 | 13.15 | 5/16 |
| 2017–18 | Rashid Khan | Adelaide Strikers | 11 | 18 | 286 | 15.88 | 3/19 |
| 2013–14 | Cameron Gannon | Brisbane Heat | 9 | 18 | 267 | 14.83 | 4/10 |
| 2015–16 | Clint McKay | Sydney Thunder | 10 | 18 | 274 | 15.22 | 4/28 |
The Big Bash League is competitive and is best for bowlers. With true bounce and pace, Australia’s fast bowlers get massive benefits from the pitch. Due to rich bounce and pace, only one spinner is the highest wicket-taker in a single season of the BBL list. Rashid Khan is the only spinner who took 18 wickets in 2017-18 and led his side to lift the maiden title of the BBL. Australian allrounder Daniel Sams took 30 wickets in the 2019-20 season. Unfortunately, Thunder did not make it to the final that season. Sean Abbott is the only player in this list who became the highest wicket-taker in 2 seasons.
Most Wickets in a Single ODI Season
Saqlain Mushtaq is the highest wicket-taker in a single year a couple of times. Beside him, Shane Warne took the highest wicket in 1999. Shane Warne played a crucial role in his side winning the 2nd ICC Cricket World Cup. Muhammad Shami took 24 wickets for India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. India played the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with the important wickets of Shami.
Mitchell Starc became the highest wicket-taker in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. He has taken 65 wickets in this ICC Cricket World Cup, making him important for this game. McGrath has taken 71 wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup and helped Australia to win three consecutive World Cups. Muttiah took 68 wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup career, helping Sri Lanka play three finals in his career.
Top 10 Highest Wicket-Takers in the ICC Cricket World Cup
| Player | Country | Span | Matches | Innings | Balls | Wickets | BBI | Average | 5W |
| Glenn McGrath | AUS | 1996–2007 | 39 | 39 | 1955 | 71 | 7/15 | 18.19 | 2 |
| Muttiah Muralidaran | SL | 1996–2011 | 40 | 39 | 2061 | 68 | 4/19 | 19.63 | — |
| Mitchell Starc | AUS | 2015–2023 | 28 | 28 | 1459 | 65 | 6/28 | 19.29 | 3 |
| Lasith Malinga | SL | 2007–2019 | 29 | 28 | 1394 | 56 | 6/38 | 22.87 | 1 |
| Mohammed Shami | IND | 2015–2023 | 18 | 18 | 870 | 55 | 7/57 | 13.52 | 4 |
| Wasim Akram | PAK | 1987–2003 | 38 | 36 | 1947 | 55 | 5/28 | 23.83 | 1 |
| Trent Boult | NZ | 2015–2023 | 29 | 29 | 1650 | 53 | 5/27 | 25.54 | 1 |
| Chaminda Vaas | SL | 1996–2007 | 31 | 31 | 1570 | 49 | 6/25 | 21.22 | 1 |
| Zaheer Khan | IND | 2003–2011 | 23 | 23 | 1193 | 44 | 4/42 | 20.22 | — |
| Javagal Srinath | IND | 1992–2003 | 34 | 33 | 1700 | 44 | 4/30 | 27.81 |
Highest Wicket Taker in One Test Season
A great Australian player, Shane Warne, is one of the best all-time players in test cricket. His excellent leg spin can trap the world’s best spinner. He is the highest wicket-taker in a single edition, taking 96 wickets in a year of test cricket.
Sri Lankan Legend, Muttiah Muralidaran, has taken 90 wickets in a year, making him 2nd. His incredible performances have put him on the list of the Top 10 highest wicket-takers in a test in a single season a couple of times. Looking at Modern greats, Jasprit Bumrah is the prominent name.
In 2024, Jasprit Bumrah showed excellent performances and took 71 wickets. His brilliant performances were impactful in the India 2024 test season. Looking at the test bowling legend, Dale Steyn is the prominent name in this list. His aggression and raw pace enable him to take important wickets for South Africa. Dale Steyn has taken 74 wickets for South Africa in 2008.
League-Specific Seasonal Records
In league cricket, bowler gets a massive chance of getting important wickets and winning games for their sides. Bowlers get more matches in a short time frame and can achieve massive records in that period. Mostly, league cricket is the home of batters, but some bowlers show impactful performances to break records. Check out the wicket-taking records by bowlers in every major league.
Indian Premier League
In the IPL Indian Premier League, Harshal Patel is the highest wicket-taker, taking 32 wickets in IPL 2021. His crucial wicket-taking ability in the middle phase of the innings made him an important bowler for his side. Besides him, DJ Bravo is another name that has performed massively for the Chennai Super Kings. He has taken 32 wickets in IPL 2013 for Chennai Super Kings and took his side to the final in that season. He also has taken 26 wickets in IPL 2015 for Chennai Super Kings and has become important in taking his side to the IPL final.
Big Bash League
Big Bash League gives a fair bit of advantage to bowlers with the pace and bounce of the pitch. Daniel Sams took 30 wickets for the Sydney Thunder in BBL 2019. Beside him, Sean Abbott is another name who took the most wickets in a single season in the 2 BBL seasons. Rashid Khan is the only spinner in this list to take the most wickets in a single season of the BBL. His crucial wicket-taking ability took his Adelaide Strikers to the first BBL title in BBL 2017.
The Hundreds
The famous English cricket league with a new format, The Hundred, got the limelight since its first season. Tymal Mills is the highest wicket-taker in a single edition of The Hundred. He has taken 19 wickets in The Hundred 2024. Mills also took 16 wickets in The Hundred 2023. Besides him, this list includes Adam Zampa, Sam Curran, and Chris Jordan.
Pakistan Super League
PSL is well-known for producing top-quality fast bowlers. Therefore, Pakistan has produced many top-quality fast bowlers in the recent decade. Experienced fast bowler Hasan Ali took 25 wickets for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2019. He is also one of the top wicket-takers in PSL. Beside him, Usama Mir has taken 24 wickets for Multan Sultan in PSL 2023.
Caribbean Premier League
DJ Bravo is the prominent name in this list who took 28 wickets in the CPL 2015. His important wicket-taking ability makes him a prominent bowler in every major league worldwide. Walsh is 2nd in taking the most wickets in a single edition of CPL. After his impactful performances, he took 22 wickets in CPL 2019 and made it to the West Indies.
Legendary Bowling Seasons
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel saw a dream season for RCB as he took 32 wickets in IPL 2021. He did that task in just 15 innings. His incredible spells and wicket-taking ability made him crucial in that season to take wickets in the middle phase of the innings. Due to his incredible performance, RCB finished 3rd on the points table in the group stage. Despite being unfortunate, Harshal Patel’s performances were a waste as RCB failed to reach the final of IPL 2021.
Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada was in his fine form at the start of 2020. He took 30 wickets for Delhi Capitals in that season and took his side to the first-ever IPL final. In test cricket, Rabada is a lethal bowler to face. He took nine wickets in the WTC final against Australia to win the ICC event for South Africa after 27 years. His incredible performances in test cricket rank him as one of the toughest bowlers to play in the modern era.
Upcoming Bowlers Who Could Break the Record
Arshdeep Singh is a prominent player who will lead the Indian fast bowling campaign in the future. He has taken 99 wickets for India in T20 internationals. His incredible performances in IPL and international cricket make him an important bowler for India in the future.
Naseem Shah can lead Pakistan’s bowling lineup in the future. Showed great performances at a young age. Naseem Shah has taken 135 wickets for Pakistan in international cricket. His incredible swing bowling makes him crucial for Pakistan cricket in the future.
Marco Jansen is a fast bowler and allrounder for South Africa. Marco has taken massive wickets for South Africa in recent times. Marco took four wickets in the WTC 2025 final for South Africa to lift an ICC event after such a long time. Marco Jansen has taken 138 wickets for South Africa in international cricket. His magnificent performances for his side make him crucial for his side in the future.
Conclusion
Becoming a bowler who can take the most wickets in a single season is not just luck. It’s an equal mixture of hard work, skills, and temperament. Where most ICC rules favor the batter, the bowler must work hard to take a wicket. But it is another challenge that every bowler takes wickets and becomes one of the best bowlers. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah or Mitchell Starc dominate every game format in the modern era. Younger bowlers must learn from these bowlers to survive and take wickets on batting tracks.
