Analysing the impact bowler from each team in this year's IPL

The eighth season of the IPL has already begun and it is widely expected that the batsmen will once again dominate the proceedings. But there are certain bowlers who still retain the ability to make a huge impact on the game in this batsman-dominated era of cricket. These tireless warriors turn the tide their team’s way with their prolific spells, and they know the batsman’s weaknesses well enough to make them nervous in the crucial moments.Here, we analyze the biggest impact bowlers from each team at this year's IPL:

#1 Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK)

Ashwin is currently one of the best spinners in world cricket and he has performed pretty well for CSK over the years. He is the second best economical bowler in the IPL, giving away just 6.53 runs per over.

The carrom ball that he bowls has always troubled the batsmen and it’s not a surprise that Dhoni likes to use him during the Powerplay and also occasionally at the death.

After a dull start to the Australian tour, Ashwin transformed himself during the World Cup recently, picking up 13 wickets and helping India reach the semifinals.

IPL stats: Innings - 81, wickets - 80, economy - 6.55

#2 Sunil Narine (KKR)

KKR must have heaved a sigh of relief after Narine was allowed to play in this year's IPL. That indicates the importance of the 26-year-old off-break bowler.

Narine is one of the few bowlers who have taken a hat-trick in the IPL. He also holds the record of being the most economical bowler in IPL history.

Narine deceives the batsmen with the variations in his bowling and restricts them from playing big shots. He was awarded with the Man of the Series award for the 24 scalps he took in the 2012 edition which eventually helped KKR win their first IPL trophy.

IPL stats: Innings - 47, wickets - 67, economy - 5.78

#3 Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians)

Lasith Malinga needs no introduction. He is the best death overs bowler due to the reverse swing he generates and also because of the variations he has in his bowling. Little wonder then that he won the purple cap in IPL 2011.

Malinga holds the record for the most wickets in the IPL and the most number of bowled wickets in T20 cricket. He has all the weapons in his slingy round-arm action which makes him one of the most lethal bowlers ever. His form will once again be the key to Mumbai’s fortunes.

IPL stats: Innings - 83, wickets - 119, economy - 6.55

#4 James Faulkner (Rajasthan Royals)

James Faulkner is a gifted all-rounder who can strike some lusty blows with the bat and also operate as the team's front-line bowler. He is a consistent wicket-taker and has changed the game around with a magical spell in many matches.

In 2013, Faulkner was second in the highest wicket-takers’ list with 28 scalps that included two five-wicket hauls. He was a bit off colour in the World Cup after coming back from an injury, but stepped up big time in the final where he picked up three crucial wickets, winning the coveted Man of the Match award.

IPL stats: Innings - 32, wickets - 43, economy - 7.99

#5 Mitchell Starc (RCB)

Starc has emerged as one of the fiercest bowlers in world cricket, with his sterling performance in the 2015 World Cup making everyone take notice. He was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament and deservingly won the Man of the Series award.

Starc bowls consistently around the speed of 150 kph and has some unplayable yorkers in his stock. He doesn’t allow batsmen to settle with his accurate line and length. Even though he will miss the initial few matches for his side, he can still make a great impact when he returns!

IPL stats: Innings - 14, wickets - 14, economy - 7.58

#6 Dale Steyn (SRH)

The ability to swing the ball both ways makes Dale Steyn one of the most dangerous bowlers of the world. He has bowled proficiently in many nail-biting IPL encounters to get his team improbable wins.

Steyn can bowl tight and tidy spells in the limited-overs formats, and he stands 5th in the list of most economical bowlers in the IPL. He is the frontline bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad and his 4 overs will make a huge impact whenever he plays. And this time, he will be having other quality bowlers to complement him as well.

IPL stats: Innings - 83, wickets - 89, economy - 6.58

#7 Amit Mishra (Delhi Daredevils)

Mishra is an orthodox leg-spinner who can surprise the batsmen with the occasional googly. He has been one of the most consistent wicket-takers for whichever team he has played in the IPL, and has two 5-wicket hauls against his name. He is the only bowler to pick up three hat-tricks in the IPL.

Despite being a spinner, Mishra has been successful in keeping his economy around 7, which is considered to be good in T20 cricket. His performances in the IPL got him a call-up to the Indian team for the Champions trophy in 2013.

IPL stats: Innings - 86, wickets - 102, economy - 7.21

#8 Axar Patel (Kings XI Punjab)

Axar Patel is now one of the most important assets for the Kings XI Punjab after his stellar role for them last season. He is blessed with the ability to bowl economical and tight overs which make batsmen play foul shots.

Patel gave an important contribution with the ball in IPL 2014 which brought him a call-up to the national side. Though he couldn’t get a chance to play in any match of the World Cup, he will be eager to present an excellent show in this IPL and fortify his place in the Indian team.

IPL stats: Innings - 17, wickets - 17, economy - 6.14