Top 5 best bowling figures by Indian bowlers against New Zealand in test cricket

R Ashwin is India’s leading wicket-taker against New Zealand in test cricket.

The Indian cricket team has a rich history of producing quality bowlers. The Indian bowlers have time and again shown their quality and skillset to thump the top teams across the globe.

While they have performed well in every country, their track record at home is truly exceptional. With the pitches assisting spinners, the Indian spin wizards have been simply unplayable at times at home.

India’s rivalry against New Zealand has been special because of the contrasting home conditions in both countries. While New Zealand have enjoyed plenty of success at home, their struggle against spin in India has been a no-secret.

Indian bowlers have scripted some of the most memorable performances in the India vs New Zealand matches in test cricket. Dominated by the spinners the bowling unit has been decisive for the Asian giants home and away.

On that note let’s look at the top five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers against New Zealand in test cricket.

Here are the top five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers against New Zealand in test cricket.

5. Subhash Gupte – 7/128, 1955, Hyderabad

Legendary leg-spinner Subhash Gupte recorded excellent bowling figures of 7/128 against the Kiwis in 1955 at Hyderabad in the first test of the series.

Batting first, India declared at a massive total of 498/4 and were looking for quick breakthroughs to put the Kiwis under pressure.

Gupte, with his variations, proved clinical for India, picking up a seven-wicket haul. Gupte’s brilliance allowed India to enforce the follow-on, but the Kiwis eventually secured a draw by putting up a great fight in their second innings.

4. Washington Sundar – 7/59, 2024, Pune

The most recent addition to this list is the young Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar. Sundar picked up seven wickets against New Zealand on the first day of the second test of New Zealand’s tour of India 2024.

Trailing the three-match series 1-0, India were looking for something inspirational in the second test in Pune. Washington, who was included in the test XI after three years, helped the Asian giants restrict New Zealand to a moderate total with his terrific bowling figures of 7/59.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 7/59, 2016, Indore

India’s most successful off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin recorded brilliant bowling figures of 7/59 against the Kiwis in the 2016 test match at Indore. In a game widely remembered for the massive 365-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in the first Indian innings, Ashwin was the star for India with the ball, dismantling the New Zealand batting.

Ashwin’s exceptional bowling spell came in the fourth innings of the test, when New Zealand were chasing the target of 475 runs. Ashwin’s seven wickets in the innings helped India fold New Zealand for 153 runs and win the game by 321 runs.

2. Erapalli Prasanna – 8/76, 1976, Auckland

Known for the art of deceiving batsmen with flight and pace variation, Erapalli Prasanna is the only Indian bowler on this elite list with a bowling performance away from home. Prasanna took 8/76 in the second innings of the first test of India’s tour of New Zealand in 1976 in Auckland.

With a first-innings lead of 168 runs, Prasanna’s brilliance helped India bowl out New Zealand for 215 runs in the second innings. India chased down the target in the fourth innings with ease, registering a rare win away from home.

1. Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan – 8/72, 1965, Delhi

Topping the list is legendary Indian off-spinner Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan with his historic spell of 8/72 against New Zealand in 1965 at Delhi.

Losing the toss and bowling first in the fourth test of the series, Venkataraghavan inspired the Indian team with his eight-wicket haul. Venkataraghavan’s brilliance helped India restrict New Zealand to a below-par score of 265 in the first innings.

Venkataraghavan’s magic was not limited to only the first innings as he picked up a four-for in the second Kiwi innings to set up India for a comfortable seven-wicket win.

(All stats updated till 25th October, 2024)

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