Since its launch in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed 23 hat tricks, proving that bowlers can shine even in a format dominated by power hitters. A hat trick in IPL occurs when a bowler takes three wickets on three consecutive deliveries, a rare and game changing moment in T20 cricket. The very first hat trick in IPL history was taken by Lakshmipathy Balaji while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2008.
Remarkably, his hat trick came in the final over of the match, making it a truly historic achievement. Over the years, several bowlers have repeated this incredible feat, turning matches on their head with skill, control, and composure. Despite being a high scoring league, the IPL continues to celebrate these memorable bowling performances, highlighting the impact bowlers can have in deciding match outcomes.
First IPL Hat Trick: Lakshmipathy Balaji in 2008
The first ever hat trick in IPL history was taken by Lakshmipathy Balaji in 2008 for Chennai Super Kings. This historic moment came against Kings XI Punjab, marking the beginning of a rare phenomenon in IPL cricket. Balaji’s hat trick laid the foundation for many more to follow and remains a significant milestone in the league’s history.
Lakshmipathy Balaji’s hat trick was the first in IPL history. He achieved it against Kings XI Punjab in 2008. This historic moment set the stage for future hat tricks in the IPL. It was a memorable and career defining achievement for Balaji.
Most Hat Tricks in IPL History: Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra holds the record for the most IPL hat tricks, having claimed the feat three times across three different seasons. His hat tricks came in the following years:
| Year | Bowler | Bowling Figures | Match | Victims |
| 2008 | Amit Mishra | 5/17 | Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Daredevils | DB Ravi Teja, PP Ojha, RP Singh |
| 2009 | Amit Mishra | 4/9 | Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers | R McLaren, Mandeep Singh, RJ Harris |
| 2013 | Amit Mishra | 4/19 | Pune Warriors India vs Rajasthan Royals | B Kumar, R Sharma, AB Dinda |
Mishra’s hat tricks span across several seasons and are a testament to his consistency and skill as a bowler in the IPL. His ability to take three wickets in quick succession has made him one of the most feared bowlers in IPL history.
Hat Tricks of IPL Season (2008 2025):
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has not only been a stage for explosive batting but also for some extraordinary bowling feats, with hat tricks standing out as one of the most thrilling achievements in the tournament.
| Year | Bowler | Bowling Figures | Match | Victims |
| 2008 | Lakshmipathy Balaji | 5/24 | Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab | IK Pathan, PP Chawla, VRV Singh |
| 2008 | Amit Mishra | 5/17 | Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers | DB Ravi Teja, PP Ojha, RP Singh |
| 2008 | Makhaya Ntini | 4/21 | Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | SC Ganguly, DB Das, DJ Hussey |
| 2009 | Yuvraj Singh | 3/22 | Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | AM Nayar, Harbhajan Singh, JP Duminy |
| 2009 | Rohit Sharma | 4/6 | Deccan Chargers vs Mumbai Indians | HH Gibbs, A Symonds, Y Venugopal Rao |
| 2009 | Yuvraj Singh | 3/13 | Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers | DR Martyn, S Narwal, P Dogra |
| 2010 | Praveen Kumar | 3/18 | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals | R McLaren, Mandeep Singh, RJ Harris |
| 2011 | Amit Mishra | 4/9 | Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers | R McLaren, Mandeep Singh, RJ Harris |
| 2011 | Ajit Chandila | 4/13 | Rajasthan Royals vs Pune Warriors | JD Ryder, SC Ganguly, RV Uthappa |
| 2012 | Sunil Narine | 3/33 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab | MK Pandey, YK Pathan, RH Doeschate |
| 2013 | Amit Mishra | 4/19 | Rajasthan Royals vs Pune Warriors | B Kumar, R Sharma, AB Dinda |
| 2014 | Pravin Tambe | 3/26 | Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | MK Tiwary, SH Styris, JH Kallis |
| 2014 | Shane Watson | 3/13 | Rajasthan Royals vs Sun Risers Hyderabad | AD Hales, MS Dhawan, CL White |
| 2016 | Axar Patel | 4/21 | Gujarat Lions vs Kings XI Punjab | DK Karthik, DJ Bravo, RJ Jadeja |
| 2017 | Samuel Badree | 4/9 | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians | PA Patel, MJ McClenaghan, RG Sharma |
| 2017 | Andrew Tye | 5/17 | Gujarat Lions vs Rising Pune Supergiants | Ankit Sharma, MK Tiwary, SN Thakur |
| 2017 | Jaydev Unadkat | 5/30 | Rising Pune Supergiants vs SRH | Biplum Sharma, Rashid Khan, B Kumar |
| 2019 | Shreyas Gopal | 2/12 | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals | BKG Yadav, Mark Ingram |
| 2021 | Harshal Patel | 4/17 | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians | PA Patel, R McClenaghan, RG Sharma |
| 2022 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 5/40 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | YN Sulaiman, F Sannan; All |
| 2023 | Rashid Khan | 3/35 | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | |
| 2025 | Yuzvendra Chahal | 4/32 | Chennai Super Kings vs his army else |
2008: First Ever IPL Hat Tricks
The 2008 IPL season saw the first ever hat trick in the league’s history. Lakshmipathy Balaji, Amit Mishra, and Makhaya Ntini all achieved this remarkable feat in the inaugural year. Their performances set a high bar for the seasons that followed.
- Lakshmipathy Balaji (Chennai Super Kings) claimed the first IPL hat trick against Kings XI Punjab with figures of 5/24.
- Amit Mishra (Deccan Chargers) also made history with a hat trick against Delhi Daredevils, finishing with 5/17.
- Makhaya Ntini (Chennai Super Kings) added to the excitement with his hat trick against Kolkata Knight Riders, taking 4/21.
These early hat tricks helped shape the IPL’s thrilling and competitive nature, with bowlers now being as much a focal point as the big hitting batters.
2009: Rohit Sharma’s Stunning Hat Trick
In the 2009 season, while playing for the Deccan Chargers, Rohit Sharma pulled off one of the most unexpected hat tricks in IPL history against his future team, the Mumbai Indians.
During the match in Centurion, South Africa, Mumbai Indians were chasing a target of 146. Rohit was brought on to bowl his off-break deliveries in the 16th and 18th overs, completely dismantling the Mumbai middle order.
- The Wickets: 1. Abhishek Nayar: Bowled on the last ball of the 16th over. 2. Harbhajan Singh: Bowled on the first ball of the 18th over. 3. Jean-Paul Duminy: Caught behind by Adam Gilchrist on the second ball of the 18th over.
- The Figures: Rohit finished with incredible figures of 4/6 in just 2 overs.
2009: Yuvraj Singh’s Hat Trick Mastery
In 2009, Yuvraj Singh of Kings XI Punjab added another feather to his cap by taking a hat trick against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Known for his explosive batting, Yuvraj’s bowling was just as impactful. Yuvraj Singh claimed a hat trick with bowling figures of 3/22 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Later in the season, he repeated his hat trick performance against Deccan Chargers, further solidifying his all rounder capabilities. Yuvraj’s all round skills in 2009 made him one of the standout players, and his hat tricks remain among the most memorable IPL moments.
2010: Praveen Kumar’s Hat Trick for Rajasthan Royals
In 2010, Praveen Kumar of Rajasthan Royals made a mark by taking a hat trick against Rajasthan Royals. Kumar’s 3/18 figures were instrumental in turning the match in his team’s favor.
Praveen Kumar claimed a hat trick, dismissing three key players and securing his team’s victory. This performance helped establish Kumar as one of the premier fast bowlers in IPL history.
2011: Amit Mishra’s Second IPL Hat Trick
Amit Mishra, who took his first IPL hat trick in 2008, achieved another milestone in 2011 with a hat trick against Kings XI Punjab. His 4/9 performance was crucial for Kings XI Punjab as they continued their winning streak.
Amit Mishra once again delivered a brilliant performance in 2011, securing his second IPL hat trick with figures of 4/9. Mishra’s consistent performance made him one of the most reliable bowlers in the IPL, and his second hat trick was a testament to his mastery over spin.
2012: Ajit Chandila’s Unlikely Feat
Ajit Chandila of Rajasthan Royals took a surprising hat trick in 2012, against Pune Warriors India. His performance was a turning point for Rajasthan in this match, and the hat trick showcased his ability to strike at crucial moments.
Ajit Chandila claimed a hat trick with bowling figures of 4/13. Chandila’s remarkable hat trick remains one of the more unexpected and exciting feats in IPL history.
2013: Sunil Narine’s IPL Hat Trick
Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders became one of the most successful spin bowlers in IPL with a hat trick against Kings XI Punjab. His 3/33 figures were instrumental in helping Kolkata Knight Riders secure an important win.
Sunil Narine claimed a hat trick against Kings XI Punjab with figures of 3/33. Narine’s hat trick added to his growing reputation as one of the best spin bowlers in T20 cricket.
2014: Amit Mishra’s Third IPL Hat Trick
In 2014, Amit Mishra once again demonstrated his spin bowling brilliance by taking another IPL hat trick, this time for Delhi Daredevils against Pune Warriors India. Mishra’s 4/19 performance was key to his team’s victory.
Amit Mishra claimed his third IPL hat trick against Pune Warriors India with figures of 4/19. Mishra’s consistency and ability to perform in pressure situations made him a key player in the IPL.
2015: Pravin Tambe’s IPL Hat Trick
Pravin Tambe took a memorable hat trick in 2015 while playing for Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders. His 3/26 performance made him one of the surprise packages of the season.
Pravin Tambe claimed a hat trick with figures of 3/26 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Tambe’s hat trick was an unforgettable moment and helped Rajasthan Royals secure an important win.
2016: Axar Patel’s Impressive Hat Trick
In 2016, Axar Patel of Gujarat Lions took a hat trick against Kings XI Punjab. His 4/21 figures were critical in turning the match in his team’s favor.
Axar Patel claimed a hat trick with bowling figures of 4/21. Patel’s performance showed that even all rounders can achieve great success as specialist bowlers in IPL.
2017: Samuel Badree’s IPL Hat Trick
Samuel Badree of Royal Challengers Bangalore took a stunning hat trick in 2017 against Mumbai Indians. His 4/9 performance helped RCB get a vital win in a tight match.
Samuel Badree claimed a hat trick with figures of 4/9 against Mumbai Indians. Badree’s magical performance remains one of the standout bowling moments of IPL 2017.
2018: Andrew Tye’s IPL Hat Trick
In 2018, Andrew Tye of Gujarat Lions achieved a remarkable hat trick against Rising Pune Supergiants. His 5/17 figures were one of the best bowling performances of the season.
Andrew Tye claimed a hat trick with figures of 5/17 against Rising Pune Supergiants. Tye’s performance proved that a hat trick could change the outcome of a match, and his 2018 season was one to remember.
2019: Shreyas Gopal’s Stunning Hat Trick
In 2019, Shreyas Gopal of Royal Challengers Bangalore made his mark with a spectacular hat trick against Rajasthan Royals. His 2/12 figures helped RCB gain the upper hand in a key match, and his performance remained one of the most memorable bowling moments of the season.
Shreyas Gopal claimed a hat trick with bowling figures of 2/12 against Rajasthan Royals. Gopal’s performance demonstrated the unpredictable nature of IPL, where even a spinner can dominate.
2021: Harshal Patel’s Hat Trick for RCB
In 2021, Harshal Patel of Royal Challengers Bangalore achieved a remarkable hat trick against Mumbai Indians. His figures of 4/17 helped his team secure a significant win, and Patel’s control over the ball made him a standout player in the 2021 IPL season.
Harshal Patel claimed a hat trick with bowling figures of 4/17 against Mumbai Indians. Patel’s performance showcased his ability to outthink the opposition and become a match winner in crucial moments.
2022: Yuzvendra Chahal’s Hat Trick for KKR
In 2022, Yuzvendra Chahal of Kolkata Knight Riders took a memorable hat trick in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders. His 5/40 figures were crucial in turning the game in his team’s favor and helping KKR win.
Yuzvendra Chahal claimed a hat trick with figures of 5/40 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Chahal’s hat trick further solidified his place among the top IPL bowlers of all time.
2023: Rashid Khan’s Perfect Hat Trick
In 2023, Rashid Khan of Gujarat Titans delivered one of the most iconic IPL hat tricks in recent memory. His performance against Kolkata Knight Riders was a pivotal moment in the season, with Rashid’s precision and control taking the game completely away from the opposition.
Rashid Khan claimed a hat trick with figures of 3/35 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Rashid’s hat trick was a brilliant display of his world class leg spin and marked him as one of the top bowlers in IPL.
2025: Yuzvendra Chahal’s Hat Trick for CSK
The 2025 IPL season saw Yuzvendra Chahal again showcasing his spinning brilliance. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Chahal’s performance in a match against Punjab Kings helped his team gain control of the match. His 4/32 figures included a crucial hat trick
Yuzvendra Chahal claimed a hat trick with bowling figures of 4/32 against Punjab Kings. Chahal’s second hat trick in IPL history came in the 2025 season, adding to his growing legacy in the tournament.
Memorable IPL Hat Tricks that Changed Matches:
Some IPL hat tricks have become game changers, turning the tide in favor of the bowler’s team. These hat tricks came at pivotal moments in matches, creating lasting memories for fans. The following are some of the most iconic and memorable IPL hat tricks:
- Lasith Malinga’s 2008 Hat Trick: Took down Deccan Chargers, setting the tone for Mumbai Indians’ dominance.
- Shreyas Gopal’s 2020 Hat Trick: A standout moment in IPL history against a powerful RCB lineup.
- Ajit Chandila’s 2012 Hat Trick: His hat trick helped Rajasthan Royals dominate Pune Warriors India.
- Chris Gayle’s 2013 Hat Trick: A rare feat by the batting legend, showcasing his all round ability.
Impact of IPL Hat Tricks on Bowlers’ Careers:
An IPL hat trick is often a career defining moment for bowlers. The recognition that comes with such a rare achievement boosts a player’s reputation, often opening doors for national selection and future opportunities. Let’s look at how IPL hat tricks impact a bowler’s career:
- Hat tricks often lead to more visibility for bowlers on the international stage.
- Bowlers gain recognition from selectors, resulting in better contracts.
- A hat trick boosts a bowler’s confidence, propelling them to higher performances.
- Many bowlers who have taken hat tricks in IPL have gone on to play for national teams.
Conclusion:
The history of IPL hat tricks is one filled with extraordinary moments that have shaped the tournament’s legacy. From the very first hat trick in 2008 to the more recent performances in 2025, these rare feats have captured the imagination of cricket fans. Each hat trick has contributed to the excitement and unpredictability of the IPL, showcasing the skill and precision of some of the finest bowlers in T20 cricket. As the IPL continues to evolve, we can expect more thrilling moments, with bowlers striving to achieve the rare and coveted hat trick, further enhancing the league’s legacy.
FAQs:
Lasith Malinga holds the record for the most IPL hat tricks, with two to his name.
Lakshmipathy Balaji was the first to take an IPL hat trick, doing so in 2008.
Hat tricks in IPL are rare due to the aggressive batting nature of the tournament, making them a prized achievement.
Yuzvendra Chahal took the most recent hat trick in IPL 2025.
Yes, Yuzvendra Chahal and Shreyas Gopal are examples of spin bowlers who have achieved hat tricks in IPL.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
