In the fast and exciting world of T20 cricket, taking a hat-trick is no small thing. It’s when a bowler grabs three wickets in three balls back-to-back, and it can totally flip a match. The Indian Premier League (IPL), which started in 2008, has seen many such thrilling moments. Over 17 seasons till 2024, 19 different bowlers have taken a hat-trick, making a total of 22 times this rare feat happened. But one name stands out above all—Amit Mishra. This leg-spinner has taken not one, not two, but three hat-tricks, making him the king of this record in IPL history.
Amit Mishra’s amazing skill came alive in 2008, 2011, and 2013, when he played for different teams and left fans in awe. No other bowler has matched this yet. Let’s dive into his incredible journey and see how he made history while also looking at others who’ve joined the hat-trick club in IPL.
Amit Mishra’s Hat-Trick Journey: A Record No One Has Touched
Amit Mishra first showed his magic in the very first IPL season in 2008. Playing for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), he took a hat-trick against Deccan Chargers in Delhi. It was a sign of big things to come. Then, in 2011, while with Deccan Chargers, he struck again, this time against Kings XI Punjab in Dharamshala. His third and final hat-trick came in 2013 for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Pune Warriors in Pune. What’s special? Each time, he did it for a different team, proving his talent shines no matter where he plays.
With these three hat-tricks, Amit Mishra sits at the top of the IPL hat-trick list. He’s taken 183 wickets in 161 IPL matches so far, showing he’s not just a one-trick wonder but a consistent star. Fans still talk about his clever leg-spin and how he could turn a game in just three balls.
Yuvraj Singh: The Only Other Multiple Hat-Trick Hero
While Amit Mishra rules with three, Yuvraj Singh is the only other bowler to take more than one hat-trick in IPL. In 2009, playing for Kings XI Punjab, Yuvraj did it twice in the same season! First, he got Royal Challengers Bangalore in Durban, and then Deccan Chargers in Johannesburg. A batsman known for hitting sixes, Yuvraj surprised everyone with his part-time spin bowling. His two hat-tricks in one year make him a unique name in this elite list.
The First Hat-Trick and Other Stars of IPL
The IPL hat-trick story began with Lakshmipathy Balaji in 2008. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, he dismissed three Kings XI Punjab batsmen in Chennai, setting the stage for this exciting record. Since then, many bowlers have followed. From Rohit Sharma, a batsman who shocked Mumbai Indians with a hat-trick for Deccan Chargers in 2009, to Rashid Khan’s latest hat-trick for Gujarat Titans against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023, the list is full of surprises.
Here’s a quick look at all IPL hat-tricks till 2024:
- 2008: Lakshmipathy Balaji (CSK) vs KXIP, Amit Mishra (DD) vs DC, Makhaya Ntini (CSK) vs KKR
- 2009: Yuvraj Singh (KXIP) vs RCB, Rohit Sharma (DC) vs MI, Yuvraj Singh (KXIP) vs DC
- 2010: Praveen Kumar (RCB) vs RR
- 2011: Amit Mishra (DC) vs KXIP
- 2012: Ajit Chandila (RR) vs PW
- 2013: Sunil Narine (KKR) vs KXIP, Amit Mishra (SRH) vs PW
- 2014: Pravin Tambe (RR) vs KKR, Shane Watson (RR) vs SRH
- 2016: Axar Patel (PBKS) vs GL
- 2017: Samuel Badree (RCB) vs MI, Andrew Tye (GL) vs RPS, Jaydev Unadkat (RPS) vs SRH
- 2019: Sam Curran (KXIP) vs DC, Shreyas Gopal (RR) vs RCB
- 2021: Harshal Patel (RCB) vs MI
- 2022: Yuzvendra Chahal (RR) vs KKR
- 2023: Rashid Khan (GT) vs KKR
No hat-trick happened in 2024, but the wait for the next one keeps fans on edge.
Why Hat-Tricks Matter in IPL
In a game where batsmen often rule, a hat-trick is a bowler’s chance to shine. It’s not just about skill—it needs luck and timing too. Amit Mishra’s three hat-tricks show how he could read the game and strike at the right moment. For fans, it’s a moment of pure joy, and for the bowler, it’s a ticket to IPL history. Whether it’s Mishra’s record or Yuvraj’s double in 2009, these feats remind us why IPL is so thrilling.
As we look forward to IPL 2025, will Amit Mishra add a fourth hat-trick to his name? Or will a new bowler join the list? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the hat-trick legacy in IPL is here to stay!
