Top 5 Indian bowlers fastest to 200 wickets in test cricket

A total of 11 Indian bowlers have taken 200 or more wickets in test cricket.

India have produced several world-class spinners throughout their history. From Bishan Singh Bedi to Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s cricketing journey has been full of spin wizards. The dry Indian pitches have played a huge role in helping the nation produce some of these all-time great spinners.

While they have performed brilliantly across the globe, Indian bowlers have been particularly lethal in the home conditions. Scripting several memorable wins for the team, the Indian bowlers have also achieved some remarkable individual records along the way.

In this article, we will take a look at the top five fastest Indian bowlers to take 200 wickets in test cricket.

Top five Indian bowlers fastest to 200 wickets in test cricket:

5. BS Chandrasekhar – 48 matches

Leg spinner BS Chandrasekhar took his 200th test wicket against Australia in Melbourne in 1977, which was his 48th test match.

Known for deceiving batsmen through flight, Chandrasekhar took 242 wickets in 58 tests including 16 five-wicket hauls.

His last test came against England at Birmingham in 1979 where he could not get a wicket.

4. Anil Kumble – 47 matches

Nicknamed “Jumbo,” Anil Kumble stands as the most successful Indian test bowler with 619 wickets. Making his debut in 1990, Kumble was the leader of the Indian spin attack during the 1990s and 2000s.

Kumble reached the landmark of 200 test wickets in his 47th test match, which was against Zimbabwe in 1998 at Harare.

Kumble played his last test match in 2008 against Australia in Delhi.

3. Harbhajan Singh – 46 matches

Harbhajan Singh finished his career with 417 wickets at a good average of 32.46 and 25 five-wicket hauls. The Indian off-spinner had an effective “Doosra” variation that turned away from right-handed batsmen.

Harbhajan picked his 200th test wicket in the 46th test of his career, which was against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in 2005.

Singh was a key figure in India’s bowling attack during the 2000s, forming a solid duo with Anil Kumble.

2. Ravindra Jadeja – 44 matches

Ravindra Jadeja is the second-fastest Indian bowler to take 200 test wickets. Jadeja reached the landmark of 200 test scalps in his 44th test match, which was against South Africa in 2019 at Vishakhapatnam’s Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

Having made his test debut in 2012 against England, Jadeja stands as one of the best test all-rounders of all time.

Jadeja’s bowling accuracy makes him a tough prospect to handle for even the best batsmen in the world.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin – 37 matches

Ravichandran Ashwin is the fastest Indian bowler to take 200 wickets in test cricket. Ashwin claimed this milestone in the 37th test of his career, which was against New Zealand at Kanpur in 2016.

Hailed as India’s greatest off-spinner, Ashwin is known for innovative bolwing and sharp mind.

Ashwin retired in 2024 with 537 wickets in 106 tests, which he took at an average of 24. He retired as India’s second most successful test bowler behind Anil Kumble.

(All stats are updated till 18th December 2024)

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