IPL 2026: Ranking teams based on weakest bowling units in group stage

The Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) is in its final stages with just two matches remaining in the tournament. After intense league stage action, only three teams are remaining in contention to win the IPL title.

While all four teams that qualified for the playoffs relied heavily on their strong bowling attack to take them ahead in the competition, others got knocked out for the exact opposite reason.

As the IPL gets closer to getting its new champion, here are three teams with the weakest bowling attack of the tournament:

3. Mumbai Indians

The five-time champions had a forgettable season, finishing ninth (second-last) on the points table with just four wins from 14 matches. One of the major reasons behind MI’s downfall was their poor bowling show, despite having several stalwarts in their attack.

MI had the second-worst economy rate in the league stage (10.17) and averaged 35.83 per dismissal. They conceded seven 200-plus scores of the season and also picked just 13 wickets in death overs, where they leaked runs at an economy of 10.93.

2. Delhi Capitals

The Axar Patel-led side couldn’t maintain momentum throughout their campaign and eventually finished sixth on the IPL 2026 points table with 14 points from as many games. DC also had one of the worst-performing bowling attacks of the season, having an economy of 10.03 and averaging a whopping 39.92 per wicket (second worst). They conceded six 200-plus scores and had the fewest power-play wickets in the entire season (12).

1. Punjab Kings

While the Shreyas Iyer-led side had a remarkable beginning to their campaign, remaining unbeaten in their first seven matches, they had a surprising downfall that saw them being knocked out before the playoffs. Punjab had the worst-performing bowling attack of the season, leaking runs at an economy of 10.4 and averaging 42.54 (both worst in the season). They also conceded the most 200-plus scores in the season (nine) and had an economy of 11.90 (poorest in the season) in the death overs. 

Note: All stats are updated till Match 70 between KKR and DC.