Indian cricket boasts a rich history of bowling greats, leaving their mark on international batting legends. These legends shine even brighter when considering their performances on home soil, where spinners often weave their magic.
Here are the top five Indian bowlers with the most test wickets at home.
Anil Kumble (350 wickets in 115 innings)
Anil Kumble, the legendary leg-spinner, reigns supreme with an astonishing 350 wickets in 63 Test matches. His phenomenal economy of 2.51 and best bowling figures of 10/74 against Pakistan in the Delhi test in 1999 show his mastery registering his name in history as the highest wicket-taker for India at home and the fourth overall in Test cricket.
With 619 wickets in 132 test matches, the former Indian skipper Kumble is the fourth leading wicket-taker in test cricket overall after Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and James Anderson.
Ravichandran Ashwin (347* wickets in 112 innings)
Following Kumble’s legacy is Ravichandran Ashwin, a modern-day spin wizard. With 347 wickets in just 58 home Tests, his dominance is evident. Ashwin’s recent inclusion in the elite 500-wicket club cements his position as one of India’s finest spinners. Regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers ever produced by India in test cricket history, Ashwin became the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to pick 500 or more wickets in test cricket.
Harbhajan Singh (265 wickets in 103 innings)
Harbhajan Singh, Kumble’s formidable spin partner, terrorized batsmen with his off-spin magic. He claimed 265 wickets in 55 home Tests with an economy of 2.69, showcasing his consistency and lethal bowling. His partnership with Kumble remains etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans. One of the best off-spinners in the world during his playing days, Harbhajan Singh went on to take 417 wickets in 103 test matches. He made his debut against Australia in 1998 and played his last test match against Sri Lanka in 2015.
Kapil Dev (219 wickets in 119 innings)
While known for his World Cup heroics, Kapil Dev’s pace attack was equally devastating. He stands as India’s highest wicket-taking fast bowler in Tests, with 219 wickets in Indian Tests at an impressive economy of 2.85. His all-round abilities made him a force to be reckoned with. Recognized as one of the greatest pacers India has ever produced in test cricket, the legend from India had an outstanding career and finished with 434 wickets in 131 test matches.
Ravindra Jadeja (201* wickets in 82 innings)
The newest entrant to this prestigious list is Ravindra Jadeja. His recent achievement of 200 home Test wickets, when he dismissed the England captain Ben Stokes as his 200th test wicket at home during the third test match between India and England in Rajkot, showcases his rapid rise and versatility. With an economy of 2.69 and best bowling figures of 10/110, Jadeja promises to continue spinning his magic for years to come.
So far, he has played 70* tests, amassing 3005* runs and 282* wickets in his test career. The all-rounder has played a total of 42* matches and picked up 201* test wickets with an economy of 2.69 for India at home.
These five bowlers have not only dominated home pitches but also cemented their place in Indian cricket history. Their bowling prowess has been instrumental in numerous victories, making them true heroes of Indian cricket.
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