The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have always been celebrated for their star-studded batting lineup names like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers dominate the headlines.
But behind every RCB campaign lies a bowler who quietly carried the burden breaking partnerships, defending totals, and keeping hope alive.
From the early brilliance of Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan, through Yuzvendra Chahal’s long reign, to Harshal Patel’s record-breaking season and Josh Hazlewood’s title-winning heroics RCB’s bowling history is deeper than most fans realize.
This guide walks you through every IPL season from 2008 to 2025, highlighting the top wicket-takers for RCB each year, along with the story behind those performances.
RCB’s Top Wicket-Taker Every IPL Season – Full Table
Season
Top Wicket-Taker
Wickets
2008
Zaheer Khan
13
2009
Anil Kumble
21
2010
Anil Kumble
17
2011
Sreenath Aravind
21
2012
Vinay Kumar
19
2013
Vinay Kumar
23
2014
Varun Aaron
16
2015
Yuzvendra Chahal
23
2016
Yuzvendra Chahal
21
2017
Pawan Negi
16
2018
Umesh Yadav
20
2019
Yuzvendra Chahal
18
2020
Yuzvendra Chahal
21
2021
Harshal Patel
32
2022
Wanindu Hasaranga
26
2023
Mohammed Siraj
19
2024
Yash Dayal & Mohammed Siraj
18 each
2025
Josh Hazlewood
22
Season-by-Season Bowling Stories
2008 – Zaheer Khan: The Lone Warrior (13 Wickets)
RCB’s debut season lacked balance, but Zaheer Khan stood tall. With 13 wickets, he was the only consistent threat in an otherwise struggling bowling unit.
2009 – Anil Kumble: Captain Fantastic (21 Wickets)
Anil Kumble led from the front, picking up 21 wickets and guiding RCB to their first-ever IPL final. A legendary season, narrowly ending in heartbreak.
2010 – Kumble Again: Leading with Precision (17 Wickets)
Kumble delivered another strong season with 17 wickets, helping RCB reach the semi-finals before transitioning into a mentoring role.
2011 – Sreenath Aravind: The Silent Match-Winner (21 Wickets)
Sreenath Aravind quietly matched the best, taking 21 wickets and playing a key role in RCB’s journey to the final.
2012–2013 – Vinay Kumar: Consistency Personified (19 & 23 Wickets)
Vinay Kumar delivered back-to-back impactful seasons, peaking with 23 wickets in 2013, a franchise record at the time.
2014 – Varun Aaron: Raw Pace, Limited Support (16 Wickets)
Varun Aaron brought speed and aggression, but the team lacked depth to convert performances into results.
2015 – Yuzvendra Chahal: A Star is Born (23 Wickets)
This was the beginning of the Chahal era. Yuzvendra Chahal’s 23 wickets changed how RCB approached spin bowling.
2016 – Chahal in a Historic Season (21 Wickets)
While Kohli dominated with the bat, Chahal’s 21 wickets were crucial in taking RCB to another final.
2017 – Pawan Negi: Unexpected Leader (16 Wickets)
Pawan Negi topped the charts in a disappointing season where RCB finished last.
2018 – Umesh Yadav: Powerplay Specialist (20 Wickets)
Umesh Yadav was lethal upfront, swinging the ball and picking 20 wickets despite a poor team campaign.
2019 – Chahal Holds the Line (18 Wickets)
Chahal once again delivered, proving his value as RCB’s most reliable bowler during tough seasons.
2020 – Chahal Leads Playoff Return (21 Wickets)
In UAE conditions, Chahal thrived, helping RCB qualify for playoffs after a long gap.
2021 – Harshal Patel: Record-Breaking Magic (32 Wickets)
Harshal Patel created history with 32 wickets, matching the all-time IPL record and winning the Purple Cap.
2022 – Wanindu Hasaranga: Spin Dominance (26 Wickets)
Wanindu Hasaranga made an immediate impact, finishing with 26 wickets and leading RCB deep into the tournament.
2023 – Mohammed Siraj: Pace Leader (19 Wickets)
Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the attack with energy and aggression, though team inconsistency held them back.
2024 – Shared Responsibility (18 Wickets Each)
Yash Dayal and Siraj shared the load, reflecting a more balanced bowling unit.
2025 – Josh Hazlewood: Champion’s Spell (22 Wickets)
Josh Hazlewood delivered when it mattered most, leading RCB to their first IPL title with 22 wickets and a nerveless final over.
RCB All-Time Top Wicket-Takers
Rank
Player
Wickets
Matches
Average
1
Yuzvendra Chahal
139
113
22.03
2
Harshal Patel
99
80
23.17
3
Mohammed Siraj
83
87
31.44
4
Anil Kumble
53
51
24.58
5
Sreenath Aravind
51
44
25.25
Key Bowling Records for RCB
Best season performance: Harshal Patel – 32 wickets (2021)
Most consistent performer: Yuzvendra Chahal – 5 seasons as top wicket-taker
Highest career wickets: Chahal – 139
Purple Cap winner: Harshal Patel (2021)
Best bowling figures: Harshal Patel – 5/27 vs MI
Latest title-winning hero: Josh Hazlewood (2025)
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FAQs
1. Who has taken the most wickets for RCB in IPL history?
Yuzvendra Chahal with 139 wickets.
2. Who holds the single-season record for RCB?
Harshal Patel with 32 wickets in 2021.
3. Which RCB bowler won the Purple Cap?
Harshal Patel in IPL 2021.
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