Cricket, often dubbed as a religion in India, has seen several extraordinary talents emerge from the nation. While the batsmen have garnered much attention, the prowess of Indian bowlers should not be overlooked. In Test cricket, the longest format of the game, bowlers play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of matches.
In this article, we delve into the career highlights of the top five Indian bowlers who have taken the most wickets in Test cricket. From the legendary Anil Kumble to the modern-day spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin, let's explore the remarkable achievements of these iconic players.
| Player | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 132 | 619 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 91 | 467 |
| Kapil Dev | 131 | 434 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 103 | 417 |
| Ishant Sharma | 105 | 311 |
Image Source: Twitter
Anil Kumble, a name synonymous with spin bowling in India, stands atop the list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in Test matches. Born in Karnataka, Kumble made his debut against England in 1990 and went on to play 132 Test matches for India. Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed an astonishing tally of 619 wickets, an unparalleled feat for an Indian bowler. Kumble's exceptional skills as a leg-spinner granted him 35 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls. Notably, in 1999, he became only the second bowler in history, after England's Jim Laker, to claim all ten wickets in an innings during a Test match.
Image Source: Twitter
Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spin wizard, has been a key contributor to India's success in Test cricket in recent years. With 467 wickets in just 91 Test matches, Ashwin holds a formidable record and has surpassed the legendary Kapil Dev to become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket.
? Milestone Alert ?
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2023
4⃣5⃣0⃣ Test wickets & going strong ? ?
Congratulations to @ashwinravi99 as he becomes only the second #TeamIndia cricketer after Anil Kumble to scalp 4⃣5⃣0⃣ or more Test wickets ? ?
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/SwTGoyHfZx #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/vwXa5Mil9W
Ashwin's variations, guile, and ability to deceive batsmen have earned him immense respect. His remarkable achievements include 30 five-wicket hauls and seven 10-wicket hauls.
Image Source: Twitter
Kapil Dev, often hailed as one of India's greatest all-rounders, was a force to be reckoned with during his playing days. While his batting heroics are well known, Kapil Dev's bowling prowess should not be underestimated. The right-arm fast bowler claimed 434 wickets in 131 Test matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket. Known for his aggressive style, Kapil Dev played a vital role in India's historic 1983 World Cup triumph. His average of 29.64 illustrates his ability to consistently trouble opposition batsmen.
Image Source: gettyimages Bcb Thomas
Harbhajan Singh, a formidable off-spinner, has been a significant contributor to India's success in Test cricket. With 417 wickets in 103 Test matches, Harbhajan Singh occupies the fourth spot on the list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in Test matches. Popularly known as the Turbanator, his ability to extract spin and bounce from the pitch often proved challenging for batsmen. Harbhajan Singh's achievements include 25 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket hauls.
Image Source: Twitter
Ishant Sharma, the lanky fast bowler, has made significant contributions to the Indian Test team over the years. His relentless bowling and accuracy have troubled batsmen worldwide. Ishant Sharma has picked up 311 wickets in 105 Test matches, securing the fifth position in the list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in Test cricket. With his tall frame and ability to generate bounce, he has been a valuable asset to the Indian pace attack.
The rich history of Indian Test cricket is adorned with extraordinary bowlers who have showcased their talents on the grandest stage. From Anil Kumble's record-breaking achievements to the modern-day brilliance of Ravichandran Ashwin, each of these bowlers has left an indelible mark on the game. Their contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of Indian cricket. As fans, we cherish their remarkable feats and eagerly await the emergence of new bowling talents who will carry the legacy forward.
Give Your Feedback