The 2024 IPL season was marked by high-scoring games, with batters dominating and hitting plenty of sixes. Despite this batting frenzy, some bowlers managed to shine with exceptional performances. Let's delve into the standout bowling efforts that proved the game still has room for bowlers to excel.

Harshal Patel: 3/24 vs Chennai Super Kings

Harshal Patel had an unforgettable season, finishing with the Purple Cap for his 24 wickets. In the match against Chennai Super Kings in Dharamshala, Harshal was at his best, taking 3 wickets for just 24 runs. His performance included a brilliant slower delivery to MS Dhoni, which shattered the stumps and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. Harshal's knack for delivering in crucial moments was on full display, and his skillful variations made him a standout performer this season.

Rahul Chahar: 3/23 vs Chennai Super Kings

Rahul Chahar also had an excellent season, with his standout performance against Chennai Super Kings in Dharamshala. Chahar took 3 key wickets for just 23 runs, playing a crucial role in restricting CSK to a manageable score. He dismissed the well-set Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell, both significant threats, and then sent Shivam Dube back for a first-ball duck. Despite Chahar's efforts, Chennai went on to win the game, but his ability to take crucial wickets at critical junctures was undeniable.

Harpreet Brar: 2/13 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Harpreet Brar was exceptional in the game against his favourite opponent, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even though his team lost, Brar's performance stood out. He bowled economically, conceding only 13 runs in his 4 overs while taking 2 important wickets. He first dismissed Rajat Patidar for 18 and then sent back Glenn Maxwell for just 3. Brar's tight bowling put pressure on the RCB batters, and it ultimately required a special effort from Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik to take RCB over the line.

Arshdeep Singh: 4/29 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Arshdeep Singh showcased his skills against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur. He took 4 wickets for 29 runs, proving to be lethal with the ball. Early in SRH's innings, Arshdeep dismissed Travis Head and Aiden Markram, putting them in a difficult position. Later in the death overs, he returned to dismiss the well-set Nitish Reddy, who had played a brilliant innings of 64, and Abdul Samad, who was looking dangerous. He also reached the feat of 150 wickets in T20s in this game. 

Kagiso Rabada: 2/18 vs Rajasthan Royals

Kagiso Rabada did his best to help us defend 147 against Rajasthan Royals. He took 2 wickets for just 18 runs, keeping us in the game. Rabada dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 39 and then sent back their best batter, Sanju Samson, cheaply. Despite Rabada's efforts, Rajasthan Royals won the game thanks to Shimron Hetmyer's performance. Nevertheless, Rabada's ability to bowl economically and take crucial wickets under pressure was commendable.

Harshal Patel: 3/38 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Harshal Patel once again showcased his brilliance in the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB had put up a massive total of 240 runs in their 20 overs, and amidst the carnage, Harshal managed to take 3 wickets for just 38 runs. He bowled an economical final over, giving away only 3 runs, which was a testament to his skill and composure. RCB won the game, but Harshal's performance was a silver lining for us.

Sam Curran: 3/28 vs Lucknow Super Giants

Sam Curran had a decent outing against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow. Bowling first, Curran picked up 3 wickets for 28 runs, showcasing his versatility with the ball. He dismissed Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, and Ravi Bishnoi, helping to restrict Lucknow to 199 runs. Although his team couldn't chase down the target, Curran's ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments was evident throughout the match.

Harshal Patel: 3/15 vs Gujarat Titans

Harshal Patel continued his exceptional form in the game against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur. Defending a modest total of 142, Harshal took 3 wickets for just 15 runs in his 3 overs, using his slower balls to perfection. His variations and accuracy kept the Titans' batters in check, and his performance was instrumental in keeping his team competitive throughout the match.

Rahul Chahar: 2/16 vs Chennai Super Kings

Rahul Chahar once again impressed against Chennai Super Kings, this time in Chennai. He took 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his 4 overs, delivering a masterful spell of leg-spin bowling. Chahar was given the crucial 19th over to bowl to MS Dhoni, and he delivered by conceding just 3 runs. His ability to perform under pressure and keep the runs down helped PBKS throughout the season.