IPL 2026: Experience is the most valuable asset in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. As we look forward to IPL 2026, the conversation is dominated
by the legends of the game who are approaching the rare 150-wicket milestone.
Following a 2025 season where disciplined bowling proved more effective than raw pace, these four stars are expected to lead their attacks from the front.
Based on current official records, here is the roadmap for these bowling icons to reach their personal milestone:
Sandeep Sharma
Sandeep has been the "silent assassin" of the IPL for years. With 146 wickets, he is the closest to the goal, needing just 4 wickets to reach 150. His ability to bowl knuckleballs at the death and his ability to deliver under pressure make him a massive asset.
Trent Boult
The New Zealand spearhead is famous for his first-over wickets. Boult has 143 wickets and needs 7 more to hit the 150-mark. With his consistent pace and swing and a proven track record of striking in the power play, he could reach this milestone within the first few matches of IPL 2026.
Mohammad Shami
Following his trade to the Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026, and after a period of recovery and high-performance training, Shami enters the season with 133 wickets. He requires 17 wickets to reach 150. If Shami finds his rhythm early, his seam presentation will likely guide him to this historic number. Despite missing 2024 and experiencing a rocky 2025, his consistent seam presentation makes him a vital asset.
Axar Patel
The only spinner on this elite list, Axar Patel, has 128 wickets. He needs 22 wickets to reach 150. While a taller mountain to climb in a single season, his role as a primary wicket-taker in the middle overs gives him a fighting chance.
Key Bowling achievements for IPL 2026
Sandeep and Boult are likely to reach this 150th Wicket Chase within the first few matches of the 2026 season, with Trent Boult chasing Bhuvneshwar Kumar's record of 71 powerplay wickets.
