In a tournament often dominated by power hitters and eye-catching strike rates, the real architects of pressure are often the bowlers who consistently bowl dot balls. These seemingly quiet deliveries that don’t fetch runs are turning into one of the most decisive factors in IPL 2025. A bowler who can tie down a batter and force them into taking risks is often the unsung hero behind a breakthrough.

Dot balls build pressure and tension not only on batters but also in the team's dugout. They frustrate batters, force errors, and can change the momentum of a game without the glamour of a wicket. This season, several bowlers have made it a habit to deny runs with unwavering discipline, turning dot balls into a powerful tactical weapon. From seamers swinging the new ball to spinners choking the middle overs, each has brought their style of control.

At the top of this elite list stands Khaleel Ahmed, who has bowled the most dot balls so far, 78 in 7 innings for the Chennai Super Kings. His consistency in the power play and ability to close out innings without leaking runs have made him a standout performer. Let’s dive deeper into the top 10 dot-ball masters of IPL 2025 and explore how each has impacted their team’s campaign so far.

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1. Khaleel Ahmed (CSK) – 78 Dots in 7 Innings

Chennai Super Kings’ left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been in impressive form throughout IPL 2025, consistently delivering impactful spells in both the powerplay and death overs. Over the course of 7 matches, Khaleel has bowled 27 overs and claimed 11 wickets at an average of 22.09. While his economy rate stands at a slightly expensive 9.00, his ability to build pressure with dot balls has been outstanding. The left-arm pacer has bowled 78 dot balls so far, playing a vital role in CSK’s bowling success and helping the team maintain control against opposition batters in key moments of the game.

2. Mohammed Siraj (GT) – 73 Dots in 6 Innings

Mohammed Siraj's switch to the Gujarat Titans has proven to be a masterstroke this IPL season. Delivering 73 dot balls in just 24 overs, he has consistently applied pressure on the opposition, striking every 14.4 deliveries. His disciplined line and length have helped him maintain an impressive bowling average of 20.40. The highlight of his season so far includes a crucial four-wicket haul, underlining how sustained pressure through dot balls can lead to breakthroughs. Siraj’s form has been instrumental in tightening the screws during crucial phases, making him a valuable asset for the Titans this year.

3. Varun Chakravarthy (KKR) – 70 Dots in 7 Innings

Kolkata Knight Riders’ mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been a standout performer this season, consistently keeping batters on their toes. With 70 dot balls in his spell so far, he has maintained an excellent economy rate of just 6.22, making it difficult for opposition teams to build momentum. Varun has also picked up 10 crucial wickets at an impressive average of 16.80, often breaking key partnerships and shifting the game's momentum. His ability to control the flow of runs while striking regularly has made him a vital cog in KKR’s bowling unit.

4. Prasidh Krishna (GT) – 65 Dots in 6 Innings

Prasidh Krishna has emerged as a valuable asset for the Gujarat Titans, combining raw pace with impressive accuracy. In 6 matches, he has bowled 23 overs, conceding just 138 runs and picking up 10 wickets at an outstanding average of 16.00. He has delivered 65 dot balls, effectively building pressure on opposing batters. His impressive strike rate of 13.8 reflects his ability to strike at regular intervals. Prasidh’s consistency in hitting the right lengths and disrupting partnerships has made him a potent weapon in Gujarat’s bowling attack, crucial in maintaining control and creating wicket-taking opportunities.

5. Harshit Rana (KKR) – 64 Dots in 7 Innings

Harshit Rana has emerged as one of the standout performers this season, combining aggression with consistency. In 7 matches, he has bowled 23 overs, conceding just 138 runs and picking up 10 crucial wickets at an impressive average of 20.30. With 64 dot balls to his name, Harshit has played a vital role in maintaining pressure on opposition batters. His strike rate of 13.8 and economy rate of 6.00 underline his efficiency, making him Kolkata Knight Riders’ go-to bowler in high-pressure moments.