Top 5 Indian bowlers with most wickets in test cricket

Former leg-spinner Anil Kumble is India’s leading wicket taker in test cricket.

Indian cricket team are blessed to have had great bowlers at the International level. India’s golden generation in bowling started with a spin quartet under the captaincy of Bishan Singh Bedi and Ajit Wadekar. Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwat Chandrashekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and S Venkatraghavam rattled several batters around the world, not only in Indian conditions but also in foreign soils.

From spinners to now pacers, India have became a dominant force in the fast bowling department in the recent times. Many bowlers have had great performances in crucial junctures for Indian side in test cricket. Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Harbhajan Singh are some greats who went on to represent Indian side for a long time and finished their career among India’s leading wicket-takers. Let’s have a look at the top five Indian bowlers with most wickets in test cricket

5. Zaheer Khan / Ishant Sharma – 311 wickets :

Left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan was India’s leading pace bowler in his time. Zaheer Khan had a terrific career for India in test cricket and scripted a few great wins. Zaheer Khan picked up 311 wickets in 92 test matches. Zaheer Khan made his test debut for India against Bangladesh in 2000 and played his final test against New Zealand in 2014. He inspired several current-generation pacers throughout the world.

Indian right-arm pacer Ishant Sharma had a terrific start to his test career. He started at a very early stage and made his debut in 2007 against Bangladesh. Ishant Sharma has so far played 105 test matches for India and picked up 311 wickets. Ishant Sharma troubled several legendary batters in his 105 test long career. Ishant Sharma played his last test match against New Zealand at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur in 2021. He has been ousted of the Indian test setup since then.

4. Harbhajan Singh – 417 wickets :

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh had a great partnership in spin bowling along with leg-spinner Anil Kumble. Harbhajan Singh also started at a very early age and made his name at the international level with many outstanding performances. He remained consistent throughout his career and went on to take 417 wickets in 103 test matches. Harbhajan made his debut against Australia in 1998 and played his last test match against Sri Lanka in 2015.

3. Kapil Dev – 434 wickets :

All-rounder Kapil Dev is India’s leading pace bowler in terms of wickets taken in test cricket. Kapil Dev was India’s finest all-rounders and one of the best captains in the history of the game. Kapil Dev had a terrific cricketing career and finished with 434 wickets in 131 test matches. When he announced his retirement, he was the leading wicket-taker in test cricket. Kapil Dev made his test debut against Pakistan in 1978 and his final test came against New Zealand in 1994.

2. Ravi Ashwin – 499 wickets :

Ravi Ashwin is one of the finest off-spinners to have played for India. He has been a match-winner for Indian team in test cricket and has crossed several milestones in his career. Ravi Ashwin has so far played 97* test matches for India and picked up 499* wickets in his career. Ashwin’s impactful performances have led Indian side to many outstanding victories at home. Ashwin made his test debut against West Indies in 2011 at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.

1. Anil Kumble – 619 wickets :

Legendary leg-spin bowler is India’s leading wicket-taker in test cricket. In a career span of 18 years, Anil Kumble picked up 619 wickets in 132 test matches. Kumble is the fourth leading wicket-taker in test cricket overall after Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and James Anderson. Anil Kumble also holds the record for best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in tests. He took 10/74 against Pakistan in Delhi test in 1999. Kumble made his debut against England in Manchester in 1990 and played his final test against Australia in 2008.

(All stats updated till 5th February, 2024)

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