India, home to a cricket-loving population of over 1.5 billion, has produced many legendary bowlers. Since India’s Test debut in 1932, several bowlers have etched their names in cricket history by achieving exceptional records. Below is a simplified overview of the top 10 bowlers with the most Test wickets for India, along with their remarkable achievements. Each section includes key statistics for easy reference.
List of 10 Indian Bowlers With Most Test Wickets
1. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, India’s highest Test wicket-taker with 619 wickets in 132 matches, is celebrated for his persistence and accuracy. Known as a bowler with one of the most Test wickets in cricket history, Kumble achieved the rare feat of taking all 10 wickets in a single innings against Pakistan in 1999, becoming only the second bowler to do so.
Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Kumble established himself as one of the most reliable match-winners. He bowled more balls (40,850) than any other Indian bowler, cementing his legacy as India’s most Test wicket-taker and one of the game’s finest spinners.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 132 |
| Wickets | 619 |
| Best Bowling | 10/74 |
| Bowling Average | 29.65 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 35 |
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2. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his sharp variations, is one of India’s most versatile bowlers with the most test wicket achievements. Since his debut in 2011, he has taken 516 wickets in 100 Tests and holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls (36) by an Indian bowler. Ashwin has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring five centuries, further cementing his status as a key player in Indian cricket.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 100 |
| Wickets | 516 |
| Best Bowling | 7/59 |
| Bowling Average | 23.75 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 36 |
3. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev, India’s first World Cup-winning captain, was an exceptional all-rounder with the most test wicket to his name. He is the only player in Test history with 400+ wickets and 5,000+ runs. Kapil took 434 wickets in 131 Tests, and his career-best performance was 9/83 against the West Indies.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 131 |
| Wickets | 434 |
| Best Bowling | 9/83 |
| Bowling Average | 29.64 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 23 |
4. Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh, India’s premier off-spinner during the late 1990s and 2000s, became the first Indian bowler to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket. This remarkable feat came against Australia in 2001. Renowned for his performances, he took 417 wickets in 103 Tests, securing his place among bowlers with the most Test wicket records.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 103 |
| Wickets | 417 |
| Best Bowling | 8/84 |
| Bowling Average | 32.46 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 25 |
5. Ishant Sharma
Known for his pace and bounce, Ishant Sharma claimed most test wicket 311 wickets in 105 Tests. His best performance came at Lord’s in 2014, where he took 7/74, helping India secure a historic win after 28 years.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 105 |
| Wickets | 311 |
| Best Bowling | 7/74 |
| Bowling Average | 32.40 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 11 |
6. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan was India’s go-to fast bowler during the 2000s, renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways. He played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup win. Over his career, he took 311 wickets in 92 Tests, making him one of the leading names when it comes to the discussion of most test wicket achievers in Indian cricket.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 92 |
| Wickets | 311 |
| Best Bowling | 7/87 |
| Bowling Average | 32.94 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 11 |
7. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is India’s premier left-arm spinner, with most test wicket contributing significantly to his reputation. As of 2024, he has taken 294 wickets in 72 Tests. His best performance came against Australia in 2023, where he achieved figures of 7/42, reinforcing his status as a match-winner with most test wicket in key games.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 72 |
| Wickets | 294 |
| Best Bowling | 7/42 |
| Bowling Average | 24.13 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 13 |
8. Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi, known for his control and flight, was a part of India’s legendary spin quartet. He bowled a record number of maiden overs and played 67 Tests, taking 266 wickets. Renowned for his remarkable skill, Bedi’s contributions are often discussed in the context of most test wicket achievements.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 67 |
| Wickets | 266 |
| Best Bowling | 7/98 |
| Bowling Average | 28.71 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 14 |
9. Bhagwat Chandrasekhar
Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, known for his unpredictable bowling, was a leg-spin wizard who took 242 wickets in 58 Tests. Despite his frail physique, he made a lasting impact on Indian cricket and became one of the greatest bowlers in India. His remarkable skill earned him the recognition of having one of the most test wickets in Indian cricket history.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 58 |
| Wickets | 242 |
| Best Bowling | 8/79 |
| Bowling Average | 29.74 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 16 |
10. Javagal Srinath
Javagal Srinath, India’s fastest bowler in the 1990s, took 236 wickets in 67 Tests, ranking among the bowlers with the most test wickets. He also claimed 315 wickets in ODIs, cementing his legacy in Indian cricket.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 67 |
| Wickets | 236 |
| Best Bowling | 8/86 |
| Bowling Average | 30.49 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 10 |
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