India has produced some of the finest bowlers in the history of world cricket. Over the years, these players have contributed immensely to India’s success in Test cricket, delivering match-winning performances and setting new records. Today, we are going to take a closer look at these well-performanced bowlers with the most Test wickets for India.

Most Wickets in Test for India of 10 Bowlers

Here is a list of the players who have taken the most Test wickets for India.

1. Anil Kumble：619 Wickets

Anil Kumble stands as one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket, renowned for his exceptional skills as a leg-spin bowler. With a career spanning 18 years, Kumble etched his name in history as the highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, having claimed 619 wickets across 132 matches.

One of the most defining moments of Kumble’s career came in 1999 during a Test match against Pakistan in Delhi. On that historic day, Kumble achieved what few bowlers in cricket history have done—he took 10 wickets in a single innings, becoming only the second player in history, after England’s Jim Laker, to achieve this remarkable feat. His performance in that match remains one of the most iconic individual achievements in the sport.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin：536 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin, since making his Test debut in 2011, has become one of the most prominent bowlers in world cricket. Known for his diverse repertoire of deliveries, Ashwin can baffle batsmen with his variations in spin, pace, and flight, making him a lethal weapon in all conditions. His Test career is defined by the incredible strike rate—one of the best among Indian bowlers—with a wicket falling every 52 balls on average.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s career is far from over, and with his hunger for wickets and his skill set, he has the potential to break even more records in the coming years, possibly even challenging the legendary Anil Kumble’s record of 619 Test wickets.

3. Kapil Dev：434 Wickets

Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder, is one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket history. A notable highlight of Kapil’s career came in 1983 when he delivered one of the greatest bowling performances as a captain. In a Test against the West Indies, he achieved 9 wickets for 83 runs, the best bowling figures for a captain in Test cricket. This record still stands, adding to his legendary status.

Even after his retirement in 1994, Kapil Dev’s influence on Indian cricket endured. He remains the only player in the history of Test cricket to have taken more than 400 wickets and scored over 5,000 runs, a remarkable double that showcases his versatility.

4. Harbhajan Singh：417 Wickets

Harbhajan Singh, one of India’s finest off-spinners, made a lasting impact on the world of cricket over an 18-year career spanning from 1998 to 2015. With 417 wickets in 103 Test matches, Harbhajan remains one of the most successful bowlers in Indian cricket history. He is the first Indian off-spinner to surpass the significant milestone of 400 Test wickets.

As one of India’s premier off-spinners, Harbhajan Singh’s legacy is defined by his extraordinary achievements and his ability to thrive under pressure. His resilience and leadership were instrumental in many of India’s victories.

5. Ravindra Jadeja：319 Wickets

Since making his debut in 2012 against England, Ravindra Jadeja has been an essential member of India’s cricketing arsenal, particularly in the longest format. With 319 wickets in 77 Test matches, Jadeja has been instrumental in India’s dominance in Test cricket, providing crucial breakthroughs and often turning games in India’s favor.

One of Jadeja’s most notable achievements came in 2021, when he became the fifth Indian player and fifth-fastest cricketer to complete the remarkable double of 2,000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests. Jadeja’s career is a testament to his resilience and commitment to improving, and he remains a key figure in India’s pursuit of Test cricket excellence.

6. Ishant Sharma：311 Wickets

Having debuted in 2007, Ishant Sharma quickly rose to prominence, especially during India’s 2007-08 tour of Australia, where his aggressive bowling caught the attention of cricket fans and experts alike. With 311 wickets in 105 Test matches, Ishant Sharma is the second-highest wicket-taker among active Indian bowlers in the Test format of the game.

One of Ishant’s most memorable performances came in 2014, when he produced a career-best spell of 7/74 against England at Lord’s. As a stalwart of India’s pace attack, he has played an integral role in the team’s rise as one of the strongest bowling units in the world.

6. Zaheer Khan：311 Wickets

Zaheer Khan, one of India’s greatest fast bowlers, played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s pace attack in the 2000s. He is the only left-arm fast bowler from India to have played more than 50 Test matches and claimed over 300 wickets, cementing his place among the country’s all-time greats.

While Zaheer was a standout performer in Test cricket, he also made significant contributions in ODIs. Most notably, he played a crucial role in India’s successful 2011 World Cup campaign, where he took 21 wickets in nine matches, leading India’s attack and helping them secure their second World Cup title.

8. Bishan Singh Bedi：266 Wickets

Renowned for his flighted deliveries, accuracy, and sharp turn, Bishan Singh Bedi took 266 wickets in 67 Test matches, a remarkable achievement that places him among the finest spinners in the history of the game.

In addition to his performances on the field, Bedi’s place in cricket history is solidified by his unique style of bowling, which was characterized by subtle variations and flight. His skill was particularly evident in the number of maiden overs he bowled, with a rate of 16.35 maiden overs per Test, just behind Lance Gibbs.

9. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar：242 Wickets

Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, one of India’s most renowned leg-spinners, made a lasting impact on the game with his exceptional ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive batsmen with his variations. A key member of India’s formidable spin attack during the 1960s and 1970s, Chandrasekhar’s career spanned 16 years, from 1964 to 1979, during which he played 58 Test matches and claimed 242 wickets at an impressive average of 29.74.

In the Test match at the Oval, Chandrasekhar bowled a sensational spell, taking 6/38, which earned him the Wisden Bowling Performance of the Century award in 2002. This performance highlighted his exceptional skill and his ability to perform under pressure.

10. Javagal Srinath：236 Wickets

Javagal Srinath’s debut came in 1991 against Australia, and over the following years, he became a key figure in India’s attack, particularly in the Test format. Known for his pace, accuracy, and ability to reverse swing, Srinath played an essential role in India’s bowling unit.

After his retirement in 2003, Srinath transitioned into a match referee role with the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he used his extensive experience and knowledge of the game to uphold its standards. Since 2006, he has officiated in numerous international matches, continuing to contribute to cricket in a new capacity.