Cricket is often described as a game of glorious uncertainties, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye. Among its many thrilling aspects, the Indian Premier League (IPL) stands out for its electrifying pace, high-scoring matches, and relentless aggression from batters. While batters often steal the spotlight with towering sixes and record-breaking innings, bowlers occasionally find themselves on the receiving end of this carnage.
In cricketing terms, an expensive spell refers to a bowler conceding an unusually high number of runs in their allotted overs—an outcome that no bowler wishes to experience but one that is inevitable in the fast-paced T20 format.
The IPL, known for pushing players to their limits, has witnessed several such instances where even world-class bowlers have endured forgettable outings. As of 2025, Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer etched his name in the record books for all the wrong reasons during his team’s season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a match that saw a flurry of boundaries and sixes raining down at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Archer conceded an unprecedented 76 runs in his four-over spell—making it the most expensive bowling performance in IPL history.
Here are the top 5 most expensive spells in an IPL match
- Jofra Archer: The new record holder
In the IPL 2025 season opener of Rajasthan Royals, Archer faced a nightmarish outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he conceded 76 runs without taking a wicket. His figures of 0/76 eclipsed the previous record held by Mohit Sharma, who had conceded 73 runs in an earlier season. Archer’s spell began poorly as he was targeted by Travis Head, who smashed him for 23 runs in his first over alone. The onslaught continued with Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen joining in, resulting in Archer’s economy rate soaring to an alarming 19.00.
The match saw SRH post a formidable total of 286 runs, one of the highest scores in IPL history, with Kishan scoring an explosive century. Archer’s struggles were evident as he attempted various bowling variations but was unable to contain the aggressive batting lineup of SRH.
- Mohit Sharma: A painful memory
Before Archer’s record-breaking spell, Mohit held the title for the most expensive bowling figures in IPL history. In a match against Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2024 season, Mohit conceded 73 runs in his four overs. His performance was marred by Rishabh Pant‘s explosive batting, which included multiple sixes and boundaries that crushed Mohit’s confidence.
Mohit’s experience serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in T20 cricket, where one bad day can lead to lasting records that haunt players for years.
Also WATCH: Travis Head unleashes carnage with a brutal 105m six against Jofra Archer in the IPL 2025
- Basil Thampi: A tough day at the office
Basil Thampi‘s spell for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2018 remains etched in IPL history as one of the costliest. Thampi was hit for 70 runs in his four overs, showcasing how even established bowlers can struggle under pressure. His figures reflect the brutal nature of T20 cricket, where batters are often relentless and bowlers must adapt quickly to survive.
- Yash Dayal: KKR’s traumatic masterclass
In IPL 2023, Yash Dayal faced a similar fate when he bowled against Kolkata Knight Riders and ended up conceding 69 runs. This performance highlighted the challenges faced by bowlers when they encounter aggressive batting lineups capable of capitalizing on every mistake. Dayal’s experience underscores the importance of maintaining composure and strategy during high-pressure situations.
- Reece Topley and Luke Wood: Equal misfortunes
Both Reece Topley and Luke Wood recorded figures of 68 runs conceded during IPL matches in 2024. Topley’s performance came against Mumbai Indians while Wood faced Delhi Capitals. Their experiences serve as cautionary tales for bowlers entering the tournament; even top-tier talent can find themselves on the receiving end of brutal batting displays.
