Top 5 highest rating points achieved by Indian bowlers in ICC test rankings

Only two Indian bowlers have achieved more than 900 points in ICC test bowling rankings.

Indian cricket boasts a rich history in batting. From Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli Indian cricket is often looked as the centre of batting excellence.

Indian batsmen hold major batting records, including most hundreds, most runs, and most half-centuries. However, what is often overlooked is the strength of India’s bowling resources.

Over the years, Indian bowlers have stepped up and scripted remarkable victories for the team. In this article, we look at the top five Indian bowlers with the highest rating points achieved in the ICC test bowling rankings.

Top five highest rating points achieved by Indian bowlers in ICC test rankings

5. Anil Kumble – 859 points, 30 Jan, 1994

Nicknamed “Jumbo,” Anil Kumble is India’s most successful test bowler, with 619 wickets in the format. He reached his career-high rating of 859 points in the ICC test bowling rankings on January 30, 1994.

Kumble retired in 2008 after captaining the test team during 2007-2008. His impressive ranking in 1994 was a reflection of his performances in 1993, where he took 46 wickets in eight matches at an average of 23.3.

4. Kapil Dev – 877 points, 19 Jan, 1980

Former India captain Kapil Dev is regarded as the greatest all-rounder India produced. Dev played 131 tests during his career and picked 434 wickets at an average of 29.64.

He reached his highest ICC test bowling ranking rating points on January 19, 1980, with 877 points. It was a remarkable year for Kapil as he took 16 wickets in three matches at an average of 21.56.

3. Ravindra Jadeja – 899 points, 20 Mar, 2017

Nicknamed “Jaddu,” Ravindra Jadeja is considered among one of India’s finest all-rounders. He becomes unplayable on home soil, thanks to his accurate line and length on turning pitches.

Jadeja reached 899 rating points in the ICC test bowling rankings on March 20, 2017. He played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So far, Jadeja has taken 323 wickets in 79 tests at an average of 24.11.

2. Ravi Ashwin – 904 points, 12 Dec, 2016

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is next on the list with 904 points, achieved on December 12, 2016. It was a special year for Ashwin as he was named ICC Cricketer of the Year for his outstanding performances in home tests.

Ashwin ended 2016 with 72 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 23.9. His best performance that year was against New Zealand in Kanpur, where he took 7/59 in the second innings. He announced his international retirement on December 18 2024.

1. Jasprit Bumrah – 907 points, 31 Dec 2024

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is considered one of the best pacers of the 21st century. The Indian fast bowler holds the record for highest rating points by an Indian bowler in ICC test bowling rankings, with 907 points achieved on December 31, 2024.

Bumrah was outstanding in 2024, taking 71 wickets in 13 matches at a staggering average of 14.92. He also achieved the remarkable milestone of 200 test wickets at an average of under 20 during that year.

(All stats are updated till 1st January 2025)

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