Alzarri Joseph
Role: Bowler (Right-arm Fast)
DOB: 20 November 1996
IPL Team (2026): Royal Challengers Bangalore
Base Price: INR 11.5 Crore (Purchased by RCB in 2024 Auction)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 22 | 4 | 3 | 15 | 15 | 15.00 | 16 | 93.75 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 15 | 15.00 | 16 | 93.75 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 22 | 480 | 731 | 21 | 6/12 | 34.80 | 9.13 | 22.85 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 | 66 | 124 | 1 | 1/34 | 124.00 | 11.27 | 66.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 156 | 230 | 7 | 2/25 | 32.85 | 8.84 | 22.28 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 9 | 192 | 265 | 7 | 2/31 | 37.85 | 8.28 | 27.42 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 66 | 112 | 6 | 6/12 | 18.66 | 10.18 | 11.00 | 0 | 1 |
The Story of Alzarri Joseph
From the sun-drenched pitches of Antigua, Alzarri Joseph burst onto the global cricket scene with a raw, untamed pace that immediately turned heads. A product of the West Indies U19 setup, where he showcased his ability to generate serious heat and disconcerting bounce, Joseph was always earmarked for bigger things. His journey to the IPL was less a gradual ascent and more a volcanic eruption. In 2019, as a last-minute replacement for Adam Milne at Mumbai Indians, few knew what to expect. What followed was an IPL debut for the ages, etching his name into the league’s history books.
On April 6, 2019, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Joseph delivered a spell that remains one of the most iconic in IPL history. He ripped through the SRH batting line-up, claiming an astonishing 6 wickets for just 12 runs, shattering Sohail Tanvir’s 11-year-old record for the best bowling figures in the tournament. This wasn’t just a flash in the pan; it was a statement of intent, showcasing his ability to bowl fiery bouncers, toe-crushing yorkers, and deceptive slower balls. His action is smooth, his run-up rhythmic, culminating in a powerful release that propels the ball at speeds consistently over 140 km/h, often touching 145 km/h.
While that debut set an impossibly high bar, Joseph’s career since has been a testament to his resilience and continuous development. He’s a bowler who thrives on aggression, often looking to intimidate batsmen with pace and bounce. His ability to hit hard lengths and extract extra lift makes him a handful on livelier surfaces. However, like many express pacers, consistency in line and length, especially in the death overs, has been a learning curve, an area he has diligently worked on to become a more complete T20 bowler.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Alzarri Joseph’s IPL career has seen him don the jerseys of three prominent franchises, each chapter adding a new dimension to his T20 game.
- Mumbai Indians (2019): His IPL journey began with a bang in 2019 when he was brought in as a replacement for Adam Milne for INR 75 Lakh. His debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad was legendary, taking 6/12. However, a shoulder injury in his third match cut short his season, limiting him to just three appearances. Despite the brevity, his impact was undeniable, leaving fans eager for his return.
- Gujarat Titans (2022-2023): After going unsold in 2020 and 2021, Joseph found a new home with the Gujarat Titans in the 2022 mega-auction, fetching a significant INR 2.4 Crore. He played a crucial role in GT’s fairytale maiden season victory, featuring in 9 matches and picking up 7 wickets. He was retained for the 2023 season, where he again played 7 matches, securing 7 wickets. While not always the primary wicket-taker, his pace and ability to bowl tough overs were valued, especially in the middle phase.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (2024): The 2024 auction saw a massive bidding war for Joseph, with Royal Challengers Bangalore ultimately securing his services for a staggering INR 11.5 Crore. This indicated the high regard franchises hold for his potential, particularly his raw pace and international experience. His initial performances for RCB in 2024 were challenging, picking up 1 wicket in 3 matches at an economy rate over 11, but the team’s faith in his ability to deliver on quick pitches remains strong.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
Alzarri Joseph is a high-risk, high-reward proposition for bettors, a genuine game-changer on his day. His primary strength lies in his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce, making him a potent threat, especially with the new ball and on pitches that offer some assistance. When he finds his rhythm, he can dismantle batting line-ups, as evidenced by his record-breaking debut.
Strengths for Betting: Look for Joseph on pitches with pace and bounce, such as those in Mumbai, Bengaluru (sometimes), or Ahmedabad. He thrives against batsmen who struggle with genuine pace or short-pitched deliveries. In matchups against teams with a top-heavy batting order susceptible to pace, Joseph can be a fantastic pick for “most wickets” or “over/under wickets” bets. His ability to bowl quick bouncers can also lead to dismissals via mistimed pulls or hooks. He is a good bet for early wickets if he bowls in the powerplay.
Weaknesses & Considerations: Joseph’s main challenge has been consistency, particularly his economy rate. He can be expensive on flat tracks or when his radar is slightly off, making him a risky bet for “economy rate under X” markets. He sometimes struggles with his length in the death overs, offering full tosses or slot balls that can be dispatched. Bettors should be cautious when he plays on smaller grounds or against batting line-ups packed with strong hitters of pace. His form leading into a match is crucial; a few expensive outings can dent confidence. Consider betting against him in matches where the pitch is a batting paradise or if he’s bowling against a team known for aggressive power-hitting.
Key Records & Milestones
- Best Bowling Figures in IPL History: 6 wickets for 12 runs (vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2019). This remains the best-ever bowling performance by any bowler in the Indian Premier League.
- IPL Debut Sensation: Achieved the best bowling figures on IPL debut, a record that stands unparalleled.
- Consistent Pace: Regularly clocks speeds above 140 km/h, making him one of the fastest bowlers in the league.
- IPL Winner: Part of the Gujarat Titans squad that lifted the IPL trophy in their inaugural season (2022).
IPL Season Highlights
2019 (Mumbai Indians): The season of his unforgettable debut. While short-lived due to injury, his 6/12 against SRH was the undisputed highlight. He showcased raw pace and an aggressive mindset, picking up 6 wickets in just 3 matches at an excellent average of 18.66, despite a slightly high economy rate of 10.18. This season cemented his place in IPL folklore.
2022 (Gujarat Titans): A crucial component in the Gujarat Titans’ title-winning campaign. Joseph played 9 matches, contributing 7 wickets at an economy of 8.28. While not his most prolific wicket-taking season, he provided vital breakthroughs, often bowling difficult overs in the middle phase and maintaining pressure. His best performance was 2/31 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, helping restrict them.
2023 (Gujarat Titans): Continued his association with the Titans, playing 7 matches and again securing 7 wickets. He showed improved control, with an economy rate of 8.84 and a strike rate of 22.28. His spell of 2/25 against Chennai Super Kings was a standout, demonstrating his ability to pick up key wickets and contain runs against strong batting units.