India has produced several legendary bowlers over the years. From fiery fast bowlers to crafty spinners, these players have consistently delivered memorable performances. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping India’s success in Test cricket.
Anil Kumble stands tall as India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. With his distinctive style, Kumble took 619 wickets in his illustrious career, spanning from 1990 to 2008. While Kumble leads the pack, several other bowlers have also taken hundreds of wickets for India in the longest format.
Check out a list of the 10 highest wicket-takers for India in Test cricket.
Most test wickets for India – top 10 list
| Player | Span | Mat | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | SR | 4 | 5 |
| Anil Kumble | 1990-2008 | 132 | 6808.2 | 1576 | 18355 | 619 | 10/74 | 29.65 | 65.99 | 31 | 35 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 2011-2024 | 100 | 4361.0 | 889 | 12255 | 516 | 7/59 | 23.75 | 50.70 | 25 | 36 |
| Kapil Dev | 1978-1994 | 131 | 4623.2 | 1060 | 12867 | 434 | 9/83 | 29.64 | 63.91 | 17 | 23 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 1998-2015 | 103 | 4763.2 | 871 | 13537 | 417 | 8/84 | 32.46 | 68.53 | 16 | 25 |
| Ishant Sharma | 2007-2021 | 105 | 3193.2 | 640 | 10078 | 311 | 7/74 | 32.40 | 61.60 | 10 | 11 |
| Zaheer Khan | 2000-2014 | 92 | 3130.5 | 624 | 10247 | 311 | 7/87 | 32.94 | 60.40 | 15 | 11 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2012-2024 | 72 | 2872.1 | 706 | 7096 | 294 | 7/42 | 24.13 | 58.61 | 13 | 13 |
| Bishan Singh Bedi | 1966-1979 | 67 | – | 1096 | 7637 | 266 | 7/98 | 28.71 | 80.31 | 13 | 14 |
| BS Chandrasekhar | 1964-1979 | 58 | – | 584 | 7199 | 242 | 8/79 | 29.74 | 65.96 | 12 | 16 |
| Javagal Srinath | 1991-2002 | 67 | 2517.2 | 599 | 7196 | 236 | 8/86 | 30.49 | 64.00 | 8 | 10 |
Anil Kumble – 619 Wickets
Anil Kumble, one of the most legendary leg-spinners, played for India from 1990 to 2008 and took the most wickets in Test for India. In his 132 Test matches, he bowled 40,850 balls and took 619 wickets. Kumble’s best bowling in an innings was 10/74, and he maintained an average of 29.65 and an economy rate of 2.69. His strike rate was 65.99, with 31 instances of taking four wickets in an innings and 35 instances of taking five.
Ravichandran Ashwin – 516 Wickets
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the best in the business in the longest format, has been a key player for India since 2011. Over 100 Test matches, Ashwin has taken 516 wickets from 26,166 balls. His best bowling figures in an innings are 7/59, with an impressive average of 23.75 and an economy rate of 2.81. Ashwin’s strike rate stands at 50.70, and he has achieved 25 four-wicket hauls and 36 five-wicket hauls.
Kapil Dev – 434 Wickets
Kapil Dev, India’s greatest fast bowler and first World Cup winning captain, played from 1978 to 1994. In 131 Tests, he bowled 27,740 balls and took 434 wickets. His best bowling in an innings was 9/83. Kapil Dev’s average was 29.64, with an economy rate of 2.78 and a strike rate of 63.91. He recorded 17 four-wicket hauls and 23 five-wicket hauls during his career.
Harbhajan Singh – 417 Wickets
Harbhajan Singh represented India from 1998 to 2015. He played 103 Test matches, bowling 28,580 balls and taking 417 wickets. Harbhajan’s best bowling figures in an innings were 8/84, and he had an average of 32.46 and an economy rate of 2.84. His strike rate was 68.53, with 16 four-wicket hauls and 25 five-wicket hauls.
Ishant Sharma – 311 Wickets
Fast bowler Ishant Sharma played for India from 2007 to 2021. Over 105 Test matches, he bowled 19,160 balls and took 311 wickets. His best bowling in an innings was 7/74. Ishant’s average was 32.40, with an economy rate of 3.15 and a strike rate of 61.60. He achieved 10 four-wicket hauls and 11 five-wicket hauls in his career.
Zaheer Khan – 311 Wickets
Left arm pacer Zaheer Khan played for India from 2000 to 2014. In 92 Tests, he bowled 18,785 balls and took 311 wickets. His best bowling in an innings was 7/87. Zaheer had an average of 32.94 and an economy rate of 3.27, with a strike rate of 60.40. He recorded 15 four-wicket hauls and 11 five-wicket hauls during his career.
Ravindra Jadeja – 294 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja, one of the best all-rounders in the Indian Cricket Team, has been playing for India since 2012. In 72 Test matches, he has bowled 17,233 balls and taken 294 wickets. Jadeja’s best bowling figures in an innings are 7/42. He has an impressive average of 24.13, an economy rate of 2.47, and a strike rate of 58.61. Jadeja has achieved 13 four-wicket hauls and 13 five-wicket hauls.
Bishan Singh Bedi – 266 Wickets
Bishan Singh Bedi played for India from 1966 to 1979. In 67 Test matches, he bowled 21,364 balls and took 266 wickets. His best bowling in an innings was 7/98. Bedi maintained an average of 28.71 and an economy rate of 2.14, with a strike rate of 80.31. He achieved 13 four-wicket hauls and 14 five-wicket hauls during his career. He also captained India in 22 Test matches.
Bhagwat Chandrasekhar – 242 Wickets
Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, a leg-spinner with a unique bowling style, played for India from 1964 to 1979. In 58 Test matches, he bowled 15,963 balls and took 242 wickets. His best bowling in an innings was 8/79. Chandrasekhar’s average was 29.74, with an economy rate of 2.70 and a strike rate of 65.96. He recorded 12 four-wicket hauls and 16 five-wicket hauls.
Javagal Srinath – 236 Wickets
Javagal Srinath played for India from 1991 to 2002. In 67 Test matches, he bowled 15,104 balls and took 236 wickets. His best bowling in an innings was 8/86. Srinath’s average was 30.49, with an economy rate of 2.85 and a strike rate of 64.00. He achieved 8 four-wicket hauls and 10 five-wicket hauls during his career. He was the second Indian pacer after Kapil Dev to take 200 Test wickets.
Conclusion
From Anil Kumble’s record-breaking exploits to the artistry of Ravichandran Ashwin, these bowlers have not only taken wickets but have also inspired generations of fans and aspiring cricketers.
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FAQs
Who has taken the most wickets for India in Test cricket?
Anil Kumble, one of India’s greatest spin bowlers, holds the record for the most wickets by any Indian cricketer in Test cricket. Throughout his career, Kumble amassed an impressive total of 619 wickets with his leg-spin
How many wickets did Kapil Dev take in Test cricket?
Kapil Dev, India’s iconic all-rounder, claimed a total of 434 wickets. His ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs made him one of the best in the business.
Who has taken for the most wickets in Test cricket history?
The record for the most wickets in Test cricket history is held by Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka, who took 800 wickets. His mastery of spin variations and relentless accuracy made him a true legend of the sport.
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