Morne Morkel
The South African pacer who topped the IPL charts for Delhi Daredevils in 2012.
Morné Morkel is a South African-born cricket coach and former fast bowler who played international cricket for South Africa between 2006 and 2018. While he represented Rajasthan Royals in the first three seasons of the Indian Premier League, his only other IPL stint was with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2012. During that specific season, Morkel emerged as a dominant force, taking 25 wickets across 16 matches to become the league's leading wicket-taker. His tenure in Delhi is defined by this record-breaking performance rather than a long-term franchise history.
- Role
- Fast Bowler
- Nationality
- South African
- Team Affiliation
- Delhi Daredevils (Franchise Predecessor)
- Bowling Style
- Right-arm fast
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Morkel's time with the franchise was concentrated entirely around his 2012 campaign, where he delivered a career-defining performance. Unlike his initial three seasons with Rajasthan Royals, his single season with Delhi Daredevils saw him claim 25 wickets in just 16 matches. This haul made him the leading wicket-taker in the entire league that year, surpassing all other bowlers in the competition. The source notes he played for Kolkata Knight Riders last before his career ended, but specifically highlights this 2012 Delhi stint as a peak statistical achievement where he topped the charts.
In Their Own Story
In 2012, Morkel stepped onto the field for the Delhi Daredevils with immediate impact. He bowled consistently fast and accurate, racking up wickets at a rate that placed him ahead of every other competitor in the tournament. By the end of his 16 matches, he had secured 25 scalps, a number that no other player in the league could match. This statistical dominance turned a single season into a memorable chapter for the franchise's history, showcasing his ability to lead a bowling attack even after leaving his original IPL team.
Reader's Guide
Fans looking at Morkel's Delhi tenure should focus on the 2012 season where he achieved the league's highest wicket tally. He played exactly 16 matches for the Daredevils, collecting 25 wickets in the process. This performance stands out as his singular major contribution to this specific franchise. Prior to this, he had played three seasons with Rajasthan Royals, and following his international retirement in March 2018, he moved into coaching roles. His IPL journey concluded after playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, but the Delhi period remains statistically significant due to his top-ranking status in that year's tournament.
Did You Know?
- Morkel took 25 wickets in 16 matches for Delhi Daredevils in 2012, making him the leading wicket-taker in the league that season.
- He played his first three IPL seasons with Rajasthan Royals before moving to Delhi Daredevils.
- Morkel announced his retirement from all international cricket on February 26, 2018, after which he played for Kolkata Knight Riders.
- During the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa, Morkel took 9 wickets at an economy rate of 6.00, including a match-winning spell of 4/17 against New Zealand.
- In March 2018, Morkel became the fifth bowler to take 300 Test wickets for South Africa during his final international series against Australia.