Top 5 highest wicket-takers for India against New Zealand in test cricket

Four Indian bowlers have picked over 50 wickets against New Zealand in test cricket.

India and New Zealand have had some of the most memorable test battles over the years. The rivalry has brought out a few nail-biting contests with both teams pushing each other to their limits.

While batsmen often make headlines with glorious hundreds, bowlers have enjoyed their fair share of glory in the India vs New Zealand test matches. From Sir Richard Hadlee to Ravichandran Ashwin, the bowlers have time and again decided matches with their bowling.

In this article, we look at the top five Indian bowlers with most wickets against New Zealand in test cricket.

Top five highest wicket-takers for India against New Zealand in test cricket

5. Zaheer Khan – 47 wickets

Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Zaheer played a vital role for India across formats. Zaheer picked up 47 wickets in 11 test matches at an average of 31.44 against New Zealand.

His performance of 5/29 at Hamilton in 2002 launched Zaheer into the consciousness of world cricket. Zaheer took four five-wicket hauls against the Kiwis. His excellence with both new and old balls made him a potent weapon during his playing days.

4. Anil Kumble – 50 wickets

India’s most successful test bowler, Anil Kumble dominated the New Zealand batsmen throughout his career. Kumble picked 50 wickets in 11 tests against New Zealand at an impressive average of 25.86.

Kumble’s variations made him a nightmare to face for the Kiwis in both home and away conditions. His three five-wicket hauls highlight his success against this particular opposition.

3. Erapalli Prasanna – 55 wickets

One of India’s finest off-spinners, Erapalli Prasanna was a master of flight, drift, and dip. His 55 wickets against New Zealand came at an exceptional average of 20.12.

Prasanna’s best bowling figures of 8/76 remain one of the best performances by an Indian bowler against New Zealand. Flight variation was the hallmark of Prasanna’s bowling that made him highly successful against the Black Caps.

2. Bishan Singh Bedi – 57 wickets

Another Indian spin legend who features on the list of most successful Indian bowlers against New Zealand is Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi snared 57 wickets at an average of 19.14 against New Zealand.

A master of control and guile, one of Bedi’s finest spells against New Zealand came in the 1976 test series in Kanpur when he finished with the figures of 6/42. Bedi won India several games with his left-arm spin.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin – 66 wickets

Topping the list is arguably the greatest spinner of the current generation, Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin has been a mainstay in India’s bowling attack in the past decade and more, especially in non-SENA countries.

Ashwin has haunted New Zealand over the years by picking up 66 wickets in just nine games at an excellent average of 15.43. Ashwin has six five-wicket hauls and best bowling figures of 7/59, which underlines his upper hand over the Kiwi batsmen.

(All stats updated till 15th October, 2024)

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