Indians like the Cricket World Cup because they are a cricket-crazy country. The International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup is a four-year worldwide tournament. Every individual cricketer in the world wants to play in the World Cup since winning the World Cup is one of the motives for a cricketer to play.
India has competed in every World Cup thus far, winning the championship thrice. Many outstanding bowlers have affected the Indian cricket team in the World Cup, so let's have a look at the individuals with the most World Cup wickets for India in ODIs.
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | Wickets | AVG | SR | Best | 4-Wickets | 5-Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Shami | 2015-2023 | 14 | 14 | 45 | 12.91 | 15.75 | 5/18 | 4 | 3 |
| Zaheer Khan | 2003-2011 | 23 | 23 | 44 | 20.22 | 27.1 | 4/42 | 1 | – |
| Javagal Srinath | 1992-2003 | 34 | 33 | 44 | 27.81 | 38.6 | 4/30 | 2 | – |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 2019-2023 | 16 | 16 | 33 | 17.87 | 25.96 | 4/39 | 2 | – |
| Anil Kumble | 1996-2007 | 18 | 18 | 31 | 22.83 | 33.5 | 4/32 | 1 | – |
| Kapil Dev | 1979-1992 | 26 | 25 | 28 | 31.85 | 50.7 | 5/43 | – | 1 |
| Manoj Prabhakar | 1987-1996 | 19 | 18 | 24 | 26.66 | 36.29 | 4/19 | 1 | – |
| Madan Lal | 1975-1983 | 11 | 11 | 22 | 19.36 | 31.72 | 4/20 | 1 | – |
| Yuvraj Singh | 2003-2011 | 23 | 14 | 20 | 23.10 | 27.75 | 5/31 | 1 | 1 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 2003-2011 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 40.40 | 57.70 | 3/53 | – | – |
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Mohammed Shami's five-wicket performance against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede on Thursday helped him become India's top wicket-taker with 45 scalps in the World Cup.
This was Shami's second World Cup goal; his first came in Dharamsala against New Zealand. He finished the job by dismissing Charith Asalanka, Dushan Hemantha, Angelo Mathews, Dushmantha Chameera, and Kasun Rajitha. Sri Lanka was all out for 55 as India amassed a whopping 302-run win.
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With 44 wickets in 23 matches, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan is in second place for most World Cup wickets for India. As the joint-highest wicket-taker at the 2011 World Cup, Zaheer was a key player in India's victory. Khan amassed a stunning average of 18.76 while taking 21 wickets in 9 matches.
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The 3rd place on the list of the most World Cup wickets features Javagal Srinath. Srinath represented India in 4 World Cups from 1992-2003 and bagged 44 wickets in 34 matches. Srinath took wickets at a higher average (27.81) and strike Rate (38.6) but the economy of 4.32 talks about his pressure-putting ability on the opponent.
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Jasprit Bumrah has played 16 matches and taken 33 wickets in his two ICC Cricket World Cup tournament appearances. During the current Cricket World Cup 2023, his best bowling figures of 4/39 came against Afghanistan.
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From 1996 to 2007, Anil Kumble appeared in four ICC Cricket World Cups, appearing in 18 games. During these competitions, he has taken 31 wickets, with his best bowling performance being 4/32 against the Netherlands in 2003.
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Kapil Dev, the fabulous Indian each-rounder, not only led India to their democratic World Cup triumph in 1983 but also left a continuing impact with his bowling. Kapil Dev picked up 28 lattices in 26 matches throughout his World Cup career. His finest moment came in the memorable final against the West Indies, where he claimed 5/43, dismembering their fur lineup. Kapil Dev's bowling was vital in India's major World Cup palm.
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Manoj Prabhakar's capability to swing and confluence the ball made him a redoubtable force in World Cup matches. In his 19 appearances from 1987 to 1996, Prabhakar collected 24 lattices at a normal of 26.66. His stylish bowling numbers 4/19 showcased his effectiveness with the new ball, furnishing pivotal improvements for India.
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A crucial member of the Indian platoon that won the 1983 World Cup, Madan Lal made his presence felt with his accurate medium-pace bowling. In 11 matches, Lal claimed 22 lattices at an emotional normal of 19.36. His stylish bowling performance of 4/20 stressed his capability to keep the runs in check while picking up pivotal lattices.
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Yuvraj Singh, most renowned for his batting heroics, also showed his spin bowling abilities during World Cup matches. Yuvraj took 20 wickets at an average of 23.10 in 23 matches between 2003 and 2011. His stunning 5/31 against Ireland in the 2011 World Cup will be regarded as one of his career highlights.
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Harbhajan Singh, one of India's most successful off-baits, left his mark on World Cup matches with his deceptive spin. In 21 appearances, Harbhajan claimed 20 lattices at a normal of 40.40. While his figures may not reflect his true impact, Harbhajan played a pivotal role in furnishing pivotal improvements and containing runs in the middle overs.
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