The Bowler Who Made IPL History (Not in a Good Way!)
A bowler conceding 70 runs in four overs while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bangalore, making it the most expensive spell in IPL history until 2024. That’s Basil Thampi for you – a cricketer whose journey has been filled with both promise and pain, triumphs and trials.
Basil Thampi isn’t just another name in cricket circles. Born on 11 September 1993, this Kerala speedster made his IPL debut for Gujarat Lions in 2017 and was even named the “Emerging player of the season”. But what makes his story truly fascinating is how he bounced back from one of cricket’s most unwanted records.
In this deep dive, we’ll reveal the untold stories behind Kerala’s fast bowling sensation, his net worth journey, career stats that’ll surprise you, and why cricket fans should keep watching this space.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Basil Thampi |
| Date of Birth | 11 September 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Ernakulam, Kerala, India |
| Age (as of Mar 2025) | ~31 years |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Primary Role | Bowler |
| Domestic Team(s) | Kerala |
| IPL Teams | Gujarat Lions (2017), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018-2020), Mumbai Indians (2022) |
| First-Class (FC) Stats | Matches: 58; Wickets: 132; Bowling avg ~30.32; Best bowling in an innings: 5/27 |
| List A (LA) Stats | Matches: 44; Wickets: 58; Bowling avg ~29.22; Best bowling: 6/51 |
| T20 Stats | Matches: 88; Wickets: 90; Bowling avg ~28.12; Best: 4/15 |
| Batting Highlights | First-class highest score: 60 |
| International Career | Has been in India squads (e.g. T20I squad) but very limited/ no appearances for the senior Indian national side in major internationals by this date. |
| Other Notes | • From Kerala; trained under coaches including Tinu Yohannan• Married Sneha Roy on 4 July 2022 |
Last Updated: September 29, 2025
Disclaimer: All statistics and facts mentioned are based on publicly available sources and are subject to updates or changes as the player’s career progresses.
From Kerala’s Backyard to IPL Stardom
Early Life & The Making of a Fast Bowler
Basil was born to N.M Thampi and Lisy Thampi in Kerala, a state better known for producing technically sound batsmen than express pacers. Growing up in Ernakulam, young Basil showed early signs of pace bowling prowess that would later catch national attention.
Thampi made his first-class debut for Kerala in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy on 6 February 2015, marking the beginning of what would become a roller-coaster professional journey. Unlike many cricketers who struggle for years in domestic cricket, Basil’s trajectory was surprisingly swift.
The IPL Breakthrough That Changed Everything
2017 became Basil Thampi’s golden year. He was signed by Gujarat Lions for the 2017 edition of IPL for INR 85 lakhs – a life-changing amount for any young cricketer from Kerala. But money wasn’t the only reward.
He claimed a decent haul of 11 wickets at a substantial strike rate of 24.36 for them in that season, performance good enough to earn him the emerging player tag. Kerala’s bowling coach Tinu Yohannan has described Thampi using terms like “deceptive”, “strong” and “athletic”.
The Numbers Game: Basil Thampi Stats Breakdown
IPL Career Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 25 (ESPN Cricinfo) |
| Innings Bowled | 25 |
| Total Balls Bowled | 521 |
| Runs Conceded | 846 |
| Wickets Taken | 22 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 3/29 (vs Mumbai Indians, 2017) |
| Bowling Average | 38.45 |
| Economy Rate | 9.73 |
| Strike Rate | 23.68 |
| Matches Batting | 5 |
| Runs Scored | 32 |
| Highest Score | 13* ) |
| Batting Average | 32.00 |
| Boundaries Hit | 1 four, 1 six |
🧾 IPL Team Associations
| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Gujarat Lions |
| 2018–2020 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2022 | Mumbai Indians |
The Record That Made Headlines
While most cricketers chase positive records, Basil Thampi inadvertently created history for all the wrong reasons. In a match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Thampi entered the record books when he ended up giving 70 runs in his 4 overs spell, the most by any bowler in IPL history.
This wasn’t just a bad day at the office – it was a moment that could have broken many careers. Yet, Thampi’s story didn’t end there.
Following the Money Trail: Basil Thampi Net Worth
Career Earnings & Financial Growth
The sports career of Basil Thampi has been financially rewarding despite the ups and downs. Basil Thampi earns his income primarily through his professional cricket career. His earnings come from several sources, including match fees, contracts with teams, brand endorsements, and sponsorships.
Net Worth Estimates:
- Basil Thampi net worth is estimated at Rs. 15 crores to Rs. 30 crores
- Alternative estimates suggest Net Worth: $1 -$5 M
- Total IPL income ₹49,500,000 across his career
IPL Salary Journey
2022 IPL salary ₹3,000,000 of Basil Thampi when he was with Mumbai Indians shows how his market value evolved. In the IPL Auction 2022, the MI franchise acquired him, though his stint there was brief.
Team Hopping: The Basil Thampi IPL Journey
Gujarat Lions (2017): The Golden Beginning
He made his IPL debut in 2017 with Gujarat Lions, where everything seemed perfect. The emerging player award was just the cherry on top of a season that announced the arrival of Kerala’s newest pace sensation.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018-2021): Glory and Infamy
Thampi was then drafted into the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad in 2018 where he experienced both his highest highs and lowest lows. The 70-run spell became a defining moment, but SRH showed faith by retaining him through multiple seasons.
Mumbai Indians (2022): The Brief Stint
He’s played for the Gujarat Lions and the Sunrisers Hyderabad before coming to us, as Mumbai Indians welcomed him. However, this stint was shorter than expected.
🎯 10 Untold Facts About Basil Thampi
1. 🏏 Record Holder (Unwanted): Until 2024, Thampi held the record for the most expensive spell in IPL history with 70 runs conceded in four overs.
2. 💍 Family Man: He married Sneha Roy on 4 July 2022, keeping his personal life relatively private.
3. 🚀 Quick Rise: From domestic debut in 2015 to IPL emerging player in 2017 – just two years!
4. 💰 Millionaire Status: Basil Thampi’s net worth is $3-5 Million(INR 100 Crores) according to some estimates.
5. 🎭 Multi-talented: Basil comes up with a whole list of favorite things to do like listening to music, reading novels, writing short stories.
6. ⚡ Pace Weapon: His ability to bowl Yorkers on a consistent basis makes him valuable in T20 formats.
7. 🌟 India A Recognition: In June 2017, he earned his maiden call-up to India A team, as he was included in the 16-man one-day squad.
8. 📊 Strike Rate King: Strike Rate of 23.68 in IPL shows his wicket-taking ability.
9. 🎯 Bowling Variety: B Thampi’s delivered 521 balls (with 1 Maiden over) and took 2 wickets 4 times 3 wickets 2 times.
10. 🏆 Team Loyalty: Despite the infamous spell, SRH showed faith by retaining him for multiple seasons.
What Makes Basil Thampi Special?
The Comeback King Mentality
Few bowlers could bounce back from conceding 70 runs in an IPL match and continue their careers with dignity. Thampi’s mental strength has been his biggest asset. He is considered as one of India’s emerging bowlers to join the barrage of pace options for the national team.
Technical Skills That Matter
He’s a right-arm fast bowler known for his ability to generate pace and movement. He is a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium pacer who can contribute with the bat when needed.
About the Author
As a cricket enthusiast who has followed IPL since its inception, I’ve witnessed many careers take dramatic turns. Basil Thampi’s story particularly resonates because it shows the human side of professional sports – the vulnerability, the comebacks, and the never-give-up spirit that defines true athletes.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects
The Road to International Cricket
While Thampi hasn’t broken into the senior Indian team yet, his consistent domestic performances and IPL experience keep him in contention. The fast bowler will be looking to make an impact this year as he continues his professional journey.
Market Value and Team Interest
Despite past setbacks, In spite of the wicket tally, Basil was expensive and went for 424 runs in the season, which is an economy of 9.49 during his Gujarat Lions season, teams continue showing interest in his services.
Final Thoughts: The Unfinished Story
Basil Thampi’s journey reminds us that cricket careers aren’t defined by single moments – whether triumphant or catastrophic. His story of resilience, from emerging player to record holder (for wrong reasons) to comeback attempts, makes him relatable to every cricket fan who has seen their heroes fall and rise.
The sports career of Basil Thampi continues to evolve. At 31, he’s still young enough to make a significant impact in cricket. His net worth growth, statistical improvements, and mental fortitude suggest this Kerala speedster isn’t done yet.
FAQs About Basil Thampi
Who is Basil Thampi?
Basil Thampi (born 11 September 1993) is an Indian cricketer who represents Kerala in domestic cricket. He’s a right-arm fast bowler who gained fame through his IPL performances.
What is Basil Thampi known for?
Basil Thampi is known for being the “Emerging player of the season” in IPL 2017 and unfortunately, for conceding 70 runs in four overs, making it the most expensive spell in IPL history until 2024.
How did Basil Thampi become famous?
Basil Thampi began his cricketing journey at a young age and made his debut for Kerala in domestic cricket in 2014. His breakthrough came with his IPL debut in 2017 for Gujarat Lions.
What is Basil Thampi’s latest achievement?
His most recent stint was with MI franchise in 2022, though he continues to be active in domestic cricket representing Kerala.