Most Wicket by Indian in international cricket

Updated on: July 12, 2025

Most Wicket by Indian in international cricket

Cricket is often called a game of uncertainties, but Test Cricket is more than that; it’s a true test of patience, skill, and character. It’s not a random paper or card-based game that rewards quick moves. Instead, it examines a player’s consistency and temperament over long sessions and even longer days. Test cricket doesn’t just show who can hit a ball far; it also reveals who can survive, adapt, and dominate in the toughest situations. It is here that real batters prove their worth and bowlers show their magic.

Recently, Ravindra Jadeja added a new feather to his cap. During the Lord’s Test against England, Jadeja went past Zaheer Khan to become India’s leading left-arm wicket-taker in International cricket. His journey is a shining example of how dedication and consistency can create history. When we talk about India’s greatest bowlers, one name stands tall at the top. Anil Kumble leads the list with the most wickets for India in International Cricket. He is followed by modern-day spin magician Ravichandran Ashwin and the “Turbantor” Harbhajan Singh. Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev also features high on the list, along with Jadeja, who continues to play right now and can climb up the ranks.

Today we will look into the list of players under the record “most wicket by an Indian in International cricket.” These are the men who carried India’s bowling attack on their shoulders and delivered unforgettable performances worldwide.

List of players with the Most Wickets by Indian in International Cricket

Player	Span	Matches	Innings	Balls	Runs	Wickets	Best Bowling	Average	Economy	Strike Rate
Anil Kumble	1990–2008	401	499	55,226	28,655	953	10/74	30.06	3.11	57.9
R Ashwin	2010–2024	287	379	35,001	19,743	765	7/59	25.80	3.38	45.7
Harbhajan Singh	1998–2016	365	442	41,551	23,042	707	8/84	32.59	3.32	58.7
Kapil Dev	1978–1994	356	448	38,942	19,812	687	9/83	28.83	3.05	56.6
Ravindra Jadeja	2009–2025	361*	422	30,491	17,901	611	7/42	29.29	3.52	49.9
Zaheer Khan	2000–2014	303	373	28,952	18,797	597	7/87	31.48	3.89	48.4
Javagal Srinath	1991–2003	296	348	27,039	16,043	551	8/86	29.11	3.55	49.0
Mohammed Shami	2013–2025	197	254	17,351	12,062	462	7/57	26.10	4.17	37.5
Jasprit Bumrah	2016–2025	206*	246	15,143	9,279	453	6/19	20.48	3.67	33.4
Ishant Sharma	2007–2021	199	280	23,171	14,041	434	7/74	32.35	3.63	53.3

Top Five Players with most wickets for India in International cricket

1. Anil Kumble- 953 wickets

Anil Kumble stands at the very top as India’s highest Wicket-taker in International cricket. Between 1990 and 2008, he played 401 matches and took a stunning 953 wickets. Kumble was known for his fast, accurate leg-spin and his fearless attitude. His best figures of 10/74 against Pakistan in Delhi made him only the second bowler in Test history to take all 10 wickets in an innings. His average of 30.06 and economy of 3.11 show how reliable and consistent he was throughout his career. Kumble’s impact goes beyond numbers; he was a true match-winner and leader.

2. R Ashwin- 765 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin is the modern spin wizard of India. Starting in 2010, he has already taken 765 wickets in 287 matches. Known for his sharp mind and constant innovation, Ashwin can outthink any batter. His best figures of 7 /59 show his ability to destroy strong batting line-ups. With an impressive average of 25.80 and a strike rate of 45.7, he has been a game-changer, especially in home conditions.

Read Also:-Most Catches for India in Tests

3. Harbhajan Singh- 707 Wickets

Harbhajan Singh, fondly known as the “Turbantor,” was one of the most aggressive and fearless off-spinners India ever saw. From 1998 to 2016, he took 707 wickets in 365 matches. His best figure of 8/84 reflects his ability to deliver big performances when the team needed him most. Harbhajan’s average of 32.59 and economy of 3.32 highlight his ability to build pressure on batters. He played a key role in many memorable Indian victories, including the historic Test series win against Australia in 2001.

4. Kapil Dev-687 Wickets

Kapil Dev, India’s legendary all-rounder, was a true pioneer in fast bowling for the country. Between 1978 and 1994, he took 687 wickets in 365 matches. His best figures of 9/83 show his ability to dominate even the strongest opponents. With an average of 28.83 and an economy of 3.05, Kapil was both an attacking and an economical bowler. Besides his bowling, he also led India to its first World Cup Title in 1983, making him one of the most respected cricketers in the World.

See Also:- Most Wickets in SENA Countries

5. Ravindra Jadeja-611 Wickets

Jadeja has recently entered the top five and continues to rise. From 2009 to 2025(still active), he has taken 611 wickets in 361 matches. Jadeja is famous for his accuracy, sharp turn, and unmatched athleticism on the field. His best bowling figures of 7/42 show his match-winning ability. With an average of 29.29 and an economy of 3.52, Jadeja has been a reliable wicket-taker in all formats. His recent record of surpassing Zaheer Khan as India’s top left-arm wicket taker in international cricket is proof of his dedication and skill.