Indian cricket has long been celebrated for its batting prowess. From legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar to modern-day icons like Virat Kohli, India is often regarded as the hub of batting excellence.
While Indian batsmen dominate major records, such as the most centuries, runs, and half-centuries, the country’s bowling talent is sometimes overlooked. Over the years, Indian bowlers have consistently risen to the occasion, delivering outstanding performances that have secured crucial victories. In this article, we take a closer look at the top five Indian bowlers who have achieved the highest rating points in the ICC Test bowling rankings.
5. Anil Kumble – 859 Points, January 30, 1994
Known as “Jumbo,” Anil Kumble remains India’s most successful Test bowler with 619 wickets in the format. He achieved his career-high ICC Test bowling ranking of 859 points on January 30, 1994. This was a reflection of his stellar 1993, where he claimed 46 wickets in eight matches, averaging 23.3. Kumble retired in 2008 after leading the Test team from 2007-2008.
4. Kapil Dev – 877 Points, January 19, 1980
Regarded as India’s greatest all-rounder, former captain Kapil Dev played 131 Tests, taking 434 wickets at an average of 29.64. He reached his highest ICC Test bowling ranking of 877 points on January 19, 1980. That year, Kapil took 16 wickets in three matches, with an impressive average of 21.56.
3. Ravindra Jadeja – 899 Points, March 20, 2017
Ravindra Jadeja, affectionately called “Jaddu,” is regarded as one of India’s finest all-rounders. Known for his precision on turning pitches, Jadeja reached 899 points in the ICC Test bowling rankings on March 20, 2017. His contributions were key in India’s 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win. Jadeja has so far taken 323 wickets in 79 Tests, averaging 24.11.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin – 904 Points, December 12, 2016
Ravichandran Ashwin is another giant in Indian spin bowling, achieving 904 points in the ICC Test rankings on December 12, 2016. That year, Ashwin was named ICC Cricketer of the Year, taking 72 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 23.9. His best performance that year was a 7/59 against New Zealand in Kanpur. Ashwin announced his international retirement on December 18, 2024.
1. Jasprit Bumrah – 907 Points, December 31, 2024
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has earned the distinction of holding the highest rating points for an Indian bowler in the ICC Test rankings, with a remarkable 907 points on December 31, 2024. Bumrah had an outstanding 2024, taking 71 wickets in 13 matches, with an extraordinary average of 14.92. He also became the fastest Indian to 200 Test wickets, averaging under 20.