Top 5 Indian cricketers with multiple five-wicket hauls in first two Tests

Indian bowlers have worked wonders in Test cricket.

India have been playing Test cricket for over a century now, and several Indian greats have made an impact in the longest format of the game. However, only a few cricketers have managed to make their mark immediately after their Test debut.

For bowlers, it is challenging to perform well in the initial Test matches. Only a select group of Indian bowlers have managed to dominate opponents right from their debut. 

Some players in the longest format of international cricket come with exceptional discipline and the ability to exploit the conditions.

Indian players with most five-wicket hauls in their first two Tests

Manav Suthar – 2 five-wicket hauls

Suthar, the young Indian spinner, has now joined this distinguished list of Indian cricketers with two five-wicket hauls in his first two Tests since his debut.

Having made his debut against Afghanistan, he picked his maiden five-wicket haul in that match and joined the list with a second five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka at Galle. 

Mohammad Nissar – 2 five-wicket hauls

One of India’s earliest Test cricketers, Mohammad Nissar holds the record for taking five-wicket hauls in consecutive Test matches right after his debut. Playing in the pre-independence era, Nissar is the only fast bowler in this list, alongside several spinners.  

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan – 2 five-wicket hauls

Another outstanding player in the history of Indian cricket, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, took five-wicket hauls in consecutive Test matches following his debut. He also reached the milestone of a 10-wicket haul in just his second game, just like Manav Suthar. 

Axar Patel – 3 five-wicket hauls

Surprisingly, Axar Patel, known for his unique antics in ODI and T20I cricket for India, features on the list of Test cricketers who have taken multiple five-wicket hauls within their first two matches. Patel took three five-wicket hauls in his first two Tests in the breakthrough series against England in 2021. 

Axar picked 27 wickets across his first three Test appearances, establishing himself as a major option in the spin department. However, he soon lost his prowess and has not been part of India’s red-ball mix for a long time. 

Narendra Hirwani – 3 five-wicket hauls

Former Indian leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani, to date, remains the benchmark for a spectacular beginning to an India Test career. After making his Test debut in 1988, he recorded impressive figures of 16/136 in his very first match against the West Indies. 

He is the first Indian bowler to take three five-wicket hauls in his first two Tests. He finished with 24 wickets after his first two Tests, making it the most memorable start to a player’s career in Indian history. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.