India remains one of the powerhouses in world cricket. Although they haven’t won a 50-over ICC tournament since their 2013 triumph, they have consistently reached the semi-finals of every 50-over ICC event since the 2011 Cricket World Cup, with strong performances in bilateral series.
Nevertheless, several Indian bowlers have risen to the occasion, delivering match-winning performances to secure victories for the team.
5 Indian Bowlers with Most ODI Wickets
5. Harbhajan Singh – 265 wickets
Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s most celebrated spinners, played a pivotal role in India’s victories at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. He retired with 265 wickets in 234 ODIs at an average of 33, including three five-wicket hauls.
4. Zaheer Khan – 269 wickets
Zaheer Khan, one of India’s premier pacers, is the country’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 269 wickets in 194 matches, at an average of 30. Khan was instrumental in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning campaign, leading the wicket-takers chart with 21 wickets at an average of 18 in nine games. He also took one five-wicket haul during his career.
3. Ajit Agarkar – 288 wickets
Ajit Agarkar, who debuted in 1998, quickly became one of India’s most promising fast bowlers. He ended his ODI career with 288 wickets in 191 matches at an average of 27, including three five-wicket hauls.
2. Javagal Srinath – 315 wickets
Javagal Srinath, who marked the dawn of India’s next generation of fast bowlers post-Kapil Dev, finished his career with 315 wickets in 229 ODIs, at an average of 28. He also recorded three five-wicket hauls in his career.
1. Anil Kumble – 334 wickets
Anil Kumble remains India’s highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, with 334 wickets in 269 matches at an average of 30. He also maintained an economy rate of 4.3. Kumble took two five-wicket hauls and was the highest wicket-taker in the 1996 World Cup with 15 wickets. Despite his incredible career, Kumble never won a World Cup.