Most Runs Conceded in IPL: Top 5 Bowlers with the Worst Bowling Figures Ever
In a batsman-dominated format like T20, the Indian Premier League (IPL) often sees explosive innings that leave bowlers gasping for breath. While bowlers win matches with breakthroughs and tight spells, there are times when they are completely demolished by the batters. Let’s dive into the top 5 most expensive spells in IPL history, where bowlers were taken to the cleaners. The 2025 IPL season witnessed some shocking entries into this infamous list. Buckle up, this one’s wild!
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1. Jofra Archer – 76/0 vs SRH (2025)
Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Season: IPL 2025
In a surprising turn of events, England’s pace ace Jofra Archer registered the most expensive bowling figures in IPL history – 76 runs in 4 overs without a single wicket. This nightmare unfolded against Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were in beast mode at their home ground.
Hyderabad’s top order launched a ruthless attack, with Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma smashing boundaries and sixes at will. Archer, known for his pace and bounce, found no answers on a flat Hyderabad wicket that offered nothing for the bowlers.
Despite Archer’s international pedigree and past IPL success, this match reminded fans that T20 can humble even the best.
2. Mohammed Shami – 75/0 vs PBKS (2025)
Match: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Season: IPL 2025
Another recent entry that shocked the cricketing world was veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s spell of 75 runs without any wickets. Playing for Gujarat Titans, Shami faced the wrath of his former team Punjab Kings.
The assault was led by Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone, who punished every over with disdain. Even Shami’s lethal yorkers and seam movement were neutralized on a pitch that heavily favored batters.
This outing was particularly heartbreaking for Titans fans, as Shami is usually the go-to bowler in crunch moments. On this day, however, the Punjab batters ensured he had no breathing room.
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3. Will O’Rourke – 74/2 vs RCB (2025)
Match: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Season: IPL 2025
Young New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke made headlines – but for the wrong reasons – when he conceded 74 runs in 4 overs, despite taking 2 wickets. Playing for Mumbai Indians, O’Rourke found himself on the receiving end of a classic RCB power-hitting exhibition.
Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis were in sublime form, targeting O’Rourke with ruthless precision. Even though the Kiwi pacer dismissed both openers later, the damage was already done in his first two overs that leaked over 40 runs.
This outing will serve as a tough lesson in handling pressure and learning to adjust lengths under fire.
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4. Mohit Sharma – 73/0 vs DC (2024)
Match: Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Season: IPL 2024
The 2024 season witnessed a brutal knock against seasoned campaigner Mohit Sharma, who gave away 73 runs in his 4 overs without taking a wicket. Playing for Gujarat Titans, Mohit faced a Delhi Capitals lineup that came in with intent.
Rishabh Pant and David Warner were the chief tormentors, peppering every part of the ground. Mohit, known for his variations and slower deliveries, failed to contain the carnage on a lightning-fast outfield and short boundaries.
This spell ranks as one of the most expensive for a bowler without reward – a true batter’s day out.
5. Basil Thampi – 70/0 vs RCB (2018)
Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Season: IPL 2018
Before these recent records were shattered, Basil Thampi held the unwanted title of the most expensive spell in IPL history for a long time. The Kerala pacer, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, was hammered for 70 runs in 4 overs by an unforgiving RCB lineup.
The main destroyer that day? AB de Villiers, who launched a fierce onslaught, hitting Thampi to all corners of the ground. It was a nightmare performance under the Chinnaswamy lights, where small boundaries and a flat pitch amplify every mistake.
Despite this harsh record, Thampi has bounced back in domestic cricket – but this game remains a blemish.
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🌪️ What Makes These Spells So Special?
While economy and wickets are usually a bowler’s metrics for success, these matches are stark reminders of how cruel the T20 format can be. A few bad overs, a couple of misjudged lengths, or a power-hitter in form can ruin even the best of spells.
Incredibly, none of these bowlers took a single wicket in four of the five spells. This highlights just how relentless the batters were – denying bowlers any breakthrough to slow down the onslaught.
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🔥 The Changing Nature of IPL – Batters Rule?
The IPL has always been a festival of runs, but in recent seasons, batting depth, power-hitting, and favorable pitches have tipped the scales. With impact player rules and ultra-aggressive strategies, bowlers often find themselves defending near-impossible totals or bowling to well-set batters from ball one.
These records may be unwanted for the bowlers, but they showcase the fearless batting that defines the modern T20 era.
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👀 Final Thoughts – Will This Record Be Broken Again?
In a format that keeps evolving and favors aggression, there’s every chance we might soon see someone go for 80+ runs in a match. Bowlers need to constantly reinvent their strategies, read batters’ intent early, and execute with precision.
For fans, these high-scoring encounters are a treat. But for bowlers, they serve as brutal reminders that in T20s – one bad day can land you in the history books for the wrong reason.
