Trent Boult and Pathirana [Source: @kaustats, @cricbuzz/x.com]
As IPL 2025 draws closer, strategic Dream11 players know that bowlers can often be the difference-makers in fantasy cricket. While batters might grab the headlines, bowlers consistently rack up points through wickets, economy rate bonuses, and maiden overs.
Here's our countdown of the top five bowlers who could deliver exceptional Dream11 value this season:
5. Harshit Rana (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Harshit Rana [Source: @KnightsVibe/x.com]
The young KKR pacer has rapidly evolved into one of the most promising bowling talents in the IPL:
- Harshit Rana's dual ability to take wickets in both powerplay and death overs maximizes his opportunities for dismissal points
- His improving yorker execution makes him a specialist at cleaning up lower-order batsmen for additional wickets
- KKR's tactical deployment of Rana in favorable match-ups increases his chances of success across different venues
4. Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians)
Trent Boult [Source: @MumbaiIndiansTN/x.com]
The New Zealand left-arm pacer remains one of the most reliable point-scorers in Dream11:
- Trent Boult's exceptional powerplay record yields consistent early wickets, often including high-value opening batsmen.
- His economy rate typically stays under 8, regularly earning economy bonus points in addition to wickets.
- His ability to generate swing across various conditions makes him a threat regardless of venue or opposition.
3. Kuldeep Yadav (Delhi Capitals)
Kuldeep Yadav [Source: @MdBadrulHasan16/x.com]
The left-arm wrist spinner has established himself as a genuine wicket-taking force:
- Kuldeep Yadav has the ability to deceive batters through variations and create multiple wicket-taking opportunities in middle overs.
- His improved control means fewer boundary balls, leading to better economy rate bonuses.
- As a spinner who often bowls his full quota of 4 overs, he maximises opportunities for wickets and dot balls.
2. Yuzvendra Chahal (Punjab Kings)
Yuzvendra Chahal [Source: @KnightClub_KKR/x.com]
The veteran legspinner continues to be one of Dream11's most consistent point-producers:
- Yuzvendra Chahal's knack for picking up wickets in bunches frequently results in multi-wicket hauls for bonus points
- His tactical intelligence allows him to excel on a variety of pitches, ensuring consistent performance
- His typical placement in the middle overs pits him against batsmen looking to accelerate, creating more dismissal chances
1. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings)
Matheesha Pathirana [Source: @yxshh27/x.com]
The Sri Lankan slinger tops our list as potentially the highest Dream11 point-scorer among bowlers this IPL:
- Matheesha Pathirana's unique slingy action makes him extraordinarily difficult to score against, regularly earning economy bonus points.
- His devastating yorkers at the death result in frequent wickets when batters are forced to take risks.
- CSK's strategic use of Pathirana in death overs puts him in position to claim crucial wickets of set batters and lower-order hitters.
Conclusion
When making your Dream11 teams for IPL 2025, these five bowlers deserve priority consideration. While team combinations and budget will influence your final selections, including at least two of these premium wicket-takers (when they are playing) could provide a steady stream of points throughout the tournament. Remember that bowlers with wicket-taking ability combined with economy rate control offer the most reliable path to Dream11 success.