Mustafizur Rahman
Role: Bowler
DOB: 06 September 1995
IPL Team (2026): Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Base Price: INR 2 Crore
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 54 | 10 | 8 | 15 | 6* | 7.50 | 20 | 75.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1* | – | 1 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0* | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4* | 5.00 | 6 | 83.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2018 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3* | 3.00 | 4 | 75.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3* | – | 9 | 66.66 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 54 | 1296 | 1605 | 60 | 4/29 | 26.75 | 7.43 | 21.60 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 9 | 216 | 279 | 14 | 4/29 | 19.92 | 7.75 | 15.42 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 8 | 192 | 242 | 8 | 3/23 | 30.25 | 7.60 | 24.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 336 | 418 | 14 | 3/29 | 29.85 | 7.50 | 24.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 7 | 168 | 230 | 7 | 3/24 | 32.85 | 8.21 | 24.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 16 | 384 | 436 | 17 | 2/9 | 25.64 | 6.90 | 22.58 | 0 | 0 |
The Story of Mustafizur Rahman
Hailing from Satkhira, Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman, affectionately known as ‘The Fizz’, burst onto the international scene with a unique arsenal of cutters that left batsmen bamboozled. His journey to the IPL was swift and spectacular, following a sensational international debut where he dismantled batting lineups with his deceptive variations. It was this raw, unplayable talent that caught the eye of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2016 auction, securing his services for INR 1.4 Crore.
The 2016 IPL season became Mustafizur’s breakthrough moment, a fairytale debut where he became the lynchpin of SRH’s bowling attack. His ability to deliver unreadable off-cutters and subtle slower balls, often from a seemingly identical action, made him a nightmare for even the most established T20 batsmen. He played a pivotal role in SRH’s maiden IPL title victory, culminating in him being named the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ – a rare feat for an overseas player.
Mustafizur’s playing style is a masterclass in deception. A left-arm fast-medium bowler, he relies less on raw pace and more on his exquisite control over variations. His signature delivery is the off-cutter, which he bowls with a scrambled seam, making it difficult to pick. Complementing this are his accurate yorkers and a well-disguised slower ball, often delivered with the same arm speed as his quicker deliveries. He thrives in the death overs, where his ability to restrict boundaries and pick up crucial wickets makes him an invaluable asset, even on flat Indian pitches.
Despite his quiet demeanor off the field, ‘The Fizz’ transforms into a cunning operator with the ball in hand, always thinking a step ahead of the batsman. His journey from a small Bangladeshi village to an IPL champion is a testament to his unique skill set and unwavering determination, making him one of cricket’s most intriguing and effective white-ball bowlers.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL career has seen him don the jerseys of multiple franchises, each stint adding a new chapter to his story:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016): His debut season was nothing short of legendary. Picked for INR 1.4 Crore, he played 16 matches, taking 17 wickets at an astonishing economy of 6.90. His performances were instrumental in SRH lifting the trophy, and he was deservingly awarded the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’.
- Mumbai Indians (2018): After being released by SRH, Mumbai Indians acquired him for INR 2.2 Crore. He played 7 matches, picking up 7 wickets. While not as dominant as his debut season, he still showcased glimpses of his brilliance, particularly with his death bowling.
- Rajasthan Royals (2021): Following a hiatus in 2019 and 2020, Mustafizur returned to the IPL with Rajasthan Royals, who secured him for INR 1 Crore. He had a solid season, featuring in all 14 matches and bagging 14 wickets, proving his enduring value in the T20 format.
- Delhi Capitals (2022): The Delhi Capitals picked him up for INR 2 Crore. In 8 matches, he took 8 wickets, maintaining a decent economy rate. He continued to be a reliable option for his captain, especially in crucial phases of the innings.
- Chennai Super Kings (2024): After going unsold in the 2023 auction, Mustafizur made a strong comeback in 2024, being bought by Chennai Super Kings for INR 2 Crore. He had a fantastic start to the season, picking up 14 wickets in 9 matches, including a memorable 4-wicket haul, before departing for national duty. His performance for CSK highlighted that ‘The Fizz’ still had plenty of magic left.
- Punjab Kings (2026): Following his strong showing in 2024, Mustafizur was picked up by Punjab Kings in the 2026 mega-auction for his base price of INR 2 Crore, looking to bolster their death bowling options and provide a left-arm variation to their attack.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
Mustafizur Rahman offers a unique proposition for bettors, primarily due to his specialized skill set. His primary strength lies in his exceptional variations, particularly his off-cutters and slower balls, which make him a potent wicket-taker, especially in the death overs. He thrives on pitches that offer even a hint of grip or slowness, where his deliveries become almost unplayable. This makes him an excellent bet for ‘Most Wickets’ markets in matches played on slower, turning tracks like Chennai or Hyderabad.
However, his effectiveness can be diminished on flat batting paradises, where his lack of express pace can make him vulnerable to big hitters. On such surfaces, his economy rate can sometimes inflate, making him a less favorable bet for ‘Economy Rate Under X’ markets. Bettors should also consider the opposition’s batting lineup; left-handers, who often find it easier to pick the angle, might pose a greater challenge, though his slower balls are effective against all batsmen.
Consistency in terms of wickets is a strong point, as he often finds ways to break partnerships. However, his economy can fluctuate. Strategic bettors should look at the match conditions, the specific ground, and the phase of the innings he is likely to bowl. Betting on him to take ‘Over 1.5 Wickets’ in a low-scoring game or on a tricky pitch, particularly when he bowls two overs at the death, can be a rewarding strategy. Conversely, be wary of betting on his economy rate on high-scoring venues or against teams with powerful death hitters.
Key Records & Milestones
- Emerging Player of the Season (2016): The only overseas player to win this prestigious award in IPL history, a testament to his immediate impact.
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/29 against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024, showcasing his ability to dismantle a batting lineup.
- Consistent Wicket-Taker: Has picked up 14 wickets in three different IPL seasons (2021, 2024, and 17 in 2016), highlighting his ability to consistently contribute.
- Economical Debut Season: His economy rate of 6.90 in IPL 2016 was exceptional for a death bowler, playing a crucial role in SRH’s title win.
IPL Season Highlights
Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL journey has been punctuated by several standout seasons where his unique skills shone brightest:
2016 (Sunrisers Hyderabad): The Dream Debut
This was ‘The Fizz’ at his absolute peak. Playing 16 matches, he claimed 17 wickets with an incredible economy of 6.90. His spells were often game-changing, such as his 2/9 against Kings XI Punjab, where he choked the opposition in the death overs. He consistently delivered under pressure, bamboozling batsmen with his unreadable cutters and helping SRH secure their maiden IPL title. His performances earned him the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ award, etching his name into IPL folklore.
2024 (Chennai Super Kings): The Resurgence
After a season out, Mustafizur made a spectacular return with CSK. In just 9 matches, he picked up 14 wickets at an impressive average of 19.92 and an economy of 7.75. His season started with a bang, taking a career-best 4/29 against Gujarat Titans in his very first game for CSK, setting the tone for a strong individual campaign. He was a key component of CSK’s early season success, proving his ability to still deliver match-winning performances at the highest level.
2021 (Rajasthan Royals): Consistent Performer
In his stint with Rajasthan Royals, Mustafizur played all 14 matches, taking 14 wickets at an economy of 7.50. While RR didn’t make the playoffs, Mustafizur was a consistent performer, often being the go-to bowler for captain Sanju Samson in crucial situations. His 3/29 against Punjab Kings was a notable performance, showcasing his ability to pick up wickets even when the team struggled.