Spin Bowlers Shine in IPL 2025: A Shift in Performance

Significant Impact of Spin Bowlers in IPL 2025

In the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), spin bowlers have made a notable impact compared to the previous year, according to insights from ESPNcricinfo. After 50 matches this season, spinners have claimed 220 wickets with an average of 30.02, a significant improvement from last year's 154 wickets at an average nearing 37.

Piyush Chawla, a seasoned spinner and the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 192 wickets, attributes this change to the hot weather conditions across India.

"Bowlers prefer to bowl with a dry ball, but the unpredictability of dew makes it challenging," Chawla remarked during an appearance on ESPNcricinfo's Time Out show.

"This year, the weather has been notably warmer; for instance, in February, fans were needed in Delhi, indicating rising temperatures, which are nearing 45 degrees Celsius. Hot venues lead to dry pitches, benefiting spinners regardless of maintenance efforts," he explained.

Chawla also highlighted that spinners have been diligent off the field, enhancing their skills and studying batters closely.

"Current spinners are adjusting their lengths, opting for shorter deliveries since most batters are not stepping out, waiting instead for balls to be pitched in their hitting zones. This often leads to mistimed shots when they attempt to hit balls that aren't ideal for striking," he added.

Spinners have particularly excelled in the middle overs, taking 171 wickets this season—44 more than last year at the same stage—and have bowled over 61% of the overs. In contrast, fast bowlers have seen a decline, managing only 106 wickets.

"For example, Shreyas Iyer can reach balls that are slightly outside his range, but many batters lack that power. Spinners have become smarter, adjusting their lengths and pace effectively," Chawla noted.

"Pace is crucial; by pulling back their lengths, spinners can prevent batters from easily pulling the ball to the boundary. Bowling around 90 kph ensures that even if batters go back, they can only nudge the ball for singles," he explained.

The Impact Player rule may also be affecting performance dynamics. While teams often swap batters for fast bowlers, Chawla suggests that spinners should be utilized more during powerplays, where their presence has been minimal.

"With the extra fast bowler option from the Impact Sub, captains often assume that spinners will concede runs against proficient Indian batters. However, bowling a spinner in the powerplay requires experience, as it can be one of the easier phases to bowl in T20 cricket," he concluded.