Spin and contain

While all focus may be on a certain Lasith Malinga, the spinners too are having a ball in IPL 4. Not only are they picking up wickets but are also stifling batsmen for runs. We take a look at players who have bowled at least 10 overs and are leading the charts in economy rates, a list that is dominated by spinners.

Rahul Sharma: The list has an unlikely leader in the Pune Warriors spinner. An unknown before the start of IPL 4, he has been quite effective for the Sahara owned team and has given runs at a miserly rate of 5.61. Sharma's prized moment although has been outwitting Sachin Tendulkar not once but twice in the tournament - including once while playing for his previous team Deccan Chargers.

Daniel Vettori: The Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a disappointing campaign but the skipper has done his job well - that of containing the batsmen. Known for keeping it tight, the New Zealander has conceded runs at just 5.75, but hasn't had much success in the wickets department. (AP Photo)

Shane Watson: Arguably the most in-demand all-rounder - he brutally thrashes the opposition bowlers - but has managed to escape the same treatment from other batsmen. The Rajasthan Royals' key player has an economy of just over 6, an achievement in the Twenty20 format. (AP Photo)

Lasith Malinga: There isn't much left to say about the man who deals in yorkers. He has played the biggest role in Mumbai Indians dominating display in the IPL and while he is the leading wicket-taker by a margin, he hasn't even allowed batsmen to score too many off him, maintaining an economy of just over 6. But, that is hardly surprising as most players struggle to read his bowling. (AFP Photo)

Iqbal Abdulla: Just 21 years of age and Abdulla is already a highly rated spinner and has left a mark with his performances for KKR in the IPL and Mumbai in Ranji Trophy. That he is a handy lower order batsman is a bonus. He has taken 5 wickets and has an economy of 6.15. (AFP Photo)

Shane Warne: The Rajasthan Royals skipper is looking very dangerous, foxing batsmen with consistency. His role in the art of spin and the success of Royals can never be questioned. And now, with Liz Hurley cheering him from the stands he seems even more motivated. He has already collected 9 scalps that too at the cost of just 6.2 runs an over. (AFP Photo)

Yusuf Pathan: The hard-hitter was bought by KKR mainly for his batting exploits and while he is yet to fully explode on that front, his part-time spin has been a crucial contributor in KKR's success. The Baroda boy has not just been economical with a rate of 6.25 but also claimed 7 wickets. (AP Photo)

Harbhajan Singh: India's main spinning weapon has been in form for Mumbai's blue brigade as well. Bhajji has kept the opposition's run flow in check more often than not by giving away runs at only 6.26 runs an over. He has also captured 7 wickets which includes a 5-wicket haul. (AFP Photo)

Ali Murtaza: He may not have as much experience as Harbhajan Singh but has played the perfect spin partner to his senior pro for the Mumbai team. Conceding runs at only 6.37 runs, the left-armer has taken 3 wickets. (AFP Photo)

Jesse Ryder: Again, it is his batting that the Pune team relies more on, but the Kiwi has always been a decent enough bowler as well. The medium-pacer has an economy of 6.38 and also has a maiden and 3 wickets to his credit. (AFP Photo)