In India’s commanding innings win over West Indies on Saturday, the spin brilliance of Ravichandran Ashwin stood out, as he scalped an impressive 12 wickets. This remarkable feat allowed him to surpass Harbhajan Singh and claim the title of India’s second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket.
Ashwin achieved this milestone during the first Test of the two-match series against West Indies in Dominica. The seasoned spinner displayed one of his finest away performances, bagging 5 wickets for 60 runs in the first innings.
Followed it up with a stellar performance of 7 wickets for 71 runs in the second innings, culminating in a remarkable combined figure of 12 wickets for 131 runs.
With this exceptional performance, Ashwin further solidified his position as one of India’s most successful bowlers in international cricket.
Here is a list of some of India’s most successful bowlers in international cricket:
Anil Kumble: The spin legend tops the chart with 953 wickets in 401 matches, boasting an average of 30.06. He has 39 four-fers, 37 five-wicket hauls, and eight ten-wicket hauls in his illustrious career.
Ravichandran Ashwin: With 709 wickets in 271 international matches at an average of 25.67, Ashwin secures the second position. He has 27 four-wicket hauls, 34 five-wicket hauls, and 8 ten-wicket hauls.
Harbhajan Singh: Harbhajan is third with 707 wickets in 365 matches at an average of 32.59. He has 19 four-wicket hauls, 28 fifers, and 5 ten-wicket hauls.
Kapil Dev: The World Cup winning skipper claimed 687 wickets in 356 international appearances, with an average of 28.83. He recorded 20 four-wicket hauls, 24 fifers, and two ten-wicket hauls.
Zaheer Khan: This key figure of India’s pace attack took 597 wickets at an average of 31.48. He has 23 four-fers, 12 five-wicket hauls, and a ten-wicket haul.
Javagal Srinath: Srinath secured 551 wickets in 296 matches at an average of 29.11. His best bowling figures are 8/86. He recorded 15 four-wicket hauls, 13 five-wicket hauls, and a ten-wicket haul.
Ravindra Jadeja: This all-rounder has taken 515 wickets in 304 matches at an average of 29.45. His best bowling figures are 7/42. Jadeja boasts 19 four-wicket hauls, 13 five-wicket hauls, and two ten-wicket hauls.
Ishant Sharma: The tall pacer has 434 wickets in 199 international appearances at an average of 32.35. His best bowling figures are 7/74. Ishant has 16 four-fers, 11 five-wicket hauls, and a ten-wicket haul.
Mohammed Shami: Shami has 415 wickets in 177 international appearances at an average of 27.14. His best bowling figures are 6/56. He has 21 four-wicket hauls and seven five-wicket hauls.
Ajit Agarkar: With 349 wickets in 221 international matches, Agarkar wraps up the list. He boasts an average of 31.09 and recorded 10 four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls.
Here is the table of India’s most successful bowlers in international cricket:
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | 10-wicket | 5-wicket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 401 | 953 | 30.06 | 8 | 37 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 271 | 709 | 25.67 | 8 | 34 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 365 | 707 | 32.59 | 5 | 28 |
| Kapil Dev | 356 | 687 | 28.83 | 2 | 24 |
| Zaheer Khan | 309 | 597 | 31.48 | – | 12 |
| Javagal Srinath | 296 | 551 | 29.11 | 1 | 13 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 304 | 515 | 29.45 | 2 | 13 |
| Ishant Sharma | 199 | 434 | 32.35 | – | 11 |
| Mohammed Shami | 177 | 415 | 27.14 | – | 7 |
| Ajit Agarkar | 221 | 349 | 31.09 | – | 3 |
Note: “-” indicates that the player has not achieved a 10-wicket haul in their international career.
