Spin bowling has been an essential part of cricket since the 19th century when bowlers began using skillful tactics instead of relying on speed. The development of spin bowling techniques, including the rise of off-spin, leg-spin, and chinaman styles, became a game-changer. Legends like Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne took these techniques to new heights with deliveries like the “doosra” and “googly.” Today, spin bowlers continue to play a vital role in international cricket across all formats. Let’s explore the top 10 world best spinners who are currently dominating cricket.
List of 10 World Best Spinners
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling (Innings) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 285 | 761 | 7/59 |
| 2 | Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 447 | 712 | 7/36 |
| 3 | Ravindra Jadeja | India | 347 | 583 | 7/42 |
| 4 | Nathan Lyon | Australia | 160 | 560 | 8/50 |
| 5 | Adil Rashid | England | 275 | 384 | 5/27 |
| 6 | Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 203 | 376 | 7/18 |
| 7 | Moeen Ali | England | 298 | 366 | 6/53 |
| 8 | Kuldeep Yadav | India | 159 | 297 | 5/17 |
| 9 | Adam Zampa | Australia | 195 | 288 | 5/19 |
| 10 | Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | 136 | 216 | 4/9 |
1. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the best spinners from India, has been dominating international cricket since his debut in 2010. Known for his smart and controlled bowling, Ashwin has taken 761 wickets in 285 matches. Along with his bowling, he is a reliable all-rounder and a solid middle-order batsman for India. Although he no longer focuses on white-ball cricket, he remains an essential player in the IPL.
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2. Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan is a key player for Bangladesh, known for his off-spin bowling and middle-order batting. He started his career in 2006 and quickly became an integral part of the Bangladesh team. With 712 wickets across all formats, Shakib has made significant contributions in both Test and white-ball cricket. His performances in T20 World Cups have cemented his place among the best spinners globally.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, a left-arm spinner and all-rounder, has been a crucial part of India’s cricket team. He made his white-ball debut in 2009 and joined the Test team three years later. Known for his disciplined bowling and solid batting, Jadeja has taken 583 wickets across all formats. His exceptional fielding skills also make him one of the most valuable players in the world.
4. Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon has been Australia’s main spin bowler since Shane Warne retired. Known for his consistency in line and length, Lyon has been a threat to batsmen in Test cricket since his debut in 2011. He has played in ODIs and T20Is as well but remains most effective in the longer format. Lyon has taken 560 wickets in total.
5. Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid has grown to become one of England’s best spinners. Despite a slow start to his international career, Rashid proved his worth with his sharp leg-spin bowling. He debuted in white-ball cricket in 2009 but only played his first Test in 2015. With 384 wickets across all formats, Rashid is now considered one of the top spinners in the world.
6. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan from Afghanistan is known for his impressive leg-spin and skillful googlies. He made his ODI and T20I debut in 2015 and played his first Test match in 2018. Rashid has gained global recognition, particularly in T20 leagues like the IPL, and has taken 376 wickets across all formats. His impressive bowling has made him a sought-after player in major leagues.
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7. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali, an England spinner with South Asian roots, is widely regarded as one of the world best spinners. Since making his Test debut in 2014, Moeen quickly rose to prominence, cementing his place as a key player for England across all formats. Known for his skill both as a bowler and a powerful batsman, Moeen’s performances have earned him a reputation among the world best spinners. His versatility has made him a reliable choice in various formats, and he is particularly celebrated for his successful stints in the IPL, especially with the Chennai Super Kings, showcasing why he’s considered one of the world best spinners.
8. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav, one of the world best spinners, is an Indian left-arm wrist spinner who captured attention with his chinaman bowling during his Test debut in 2018. Although he faced a few inconsistent performances, the world best spinners, like Kuldeep, often find a way to bounce back. In 2023, Kuldeep made a strong comeback and played a pivotal role in India’s victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup. With 297 wickets in 159 matches, Kuldeep continues to be a valuable asset for India in all formats, solidifying his place among the world best spinners.
9. Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa, recognized as one of the world best spinners, is an Australian leg-spinner who has been a key player in Australia’s white-ball teams. Debuting in 2016, Zampa quickly gained recognition for his clever spin and consistency. Known as one of the world best spinners, he became even more prominent when he played his first Test match in 2021. Over the course of 195 matches, Zampa has taken 288 wickets. His exceptional skills have made him an indispensable part of Australia’s limited-overs setups, solidifying his reputation as one of the world best spinners.
10. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga, a rising star from Sri Lanka, has quickly made his name in world cricket as one of the world best spinners. He debuted in T20Is in 2019 and impressed everyone with his skills. Despite a delayed ODI and Test debut, Hasaranga has become a prominent player in international cricket. With 216 wickets in 136 matches, he has established himself as a key figure. His best T20I performance, 4/9, is one of the highlights of his career, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the world best spinners.
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