Top 5 Indian bowlers with the most wickets in Test history ft. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja entered an elite group of Indian bowlers on Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He completed 350 Test wickets and became only the fifth Indian bowler to reach the milestone. Anil Kumble leads the list, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh.

Indian cricket has produced many great bowlers over the years. The famous spin quartet of Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and S. Venkatraghavan played a key role in India's bowling history. Later, bowlers such as Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma also made a big impact in Test cricket.

From legendary spinners to world-class pacers, Indian bowlers have played a major role in the team's success in Test cricket. Several bowlers have taken hundreds of wickets and delivered match-winning performances for India. 

Throughout this article, we will share complete details about the top five Indian bowlers with the most wickets in Test history, featuring Ravindra Jadeja.

5. Ravindra Jadeja - 350 wickets

Ravindra Jadeja became the latest Indian bowler to enter the 350-wicket club on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle. He reached the milestone by dismissing Sri Lanka's Keshara Nuwantha in his 89th Test match. Jadeja has now taken 350 wickets in 89 Tests, with best bowling figures of 7/42 in an innings and 10/110 in a match.

Jadeja has also been one of India's most successful all-rounders in Test cricket. In 89 Tests, he has scored 4,095 runs in 133 innings at an average of 38.27, with a highest score of 175*. He has six centuries and 28 fifties to his name, along with 398 fours and 82 sixes.

In the Test format, Jadeja has bowled 20,241 deliveries and taken 350 wickets at an average of 25.11 and an economy rate of 2.59. He has 17 four-wicket hauls, 15 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls. He is also only the second Indian after Kapil Dev to complete the double of 4,000 Test runs and 350 wickets.

4. Harbhajan Singh - 417 wickets

Harbhajan Singh finished his international career with 417 wickets in 103 Test matches. The off-spinner was a key part of India's Test bowling attack during the 2000s and formed a successful spin partnership with Anil Kumble.

Harbhajan took 417 wickets in 190 Test innings at an average of 32.46 and an economy rate of 2.84. His best bowling figures were 8/84 in an innings and 15/217 in a match. He also recorded 16 four-wicket hauls, 25 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket match hauls.

With the bat, Harbhajan scored 2,224 runs in 145 Test innings at an average of 18.22. He recorded two centuries and nine fifties, with a highest score of 115. He also hit 277 fours and 42 sixes, while taking 42 catches during his Test career.

3. Kapil Dev - 434 wickets

Kapil Dev is India's third-highest Test wicket-taker, with 434 wickets in 131 Test matches. The former India captain remains the country's most successful fast bowler in Test cricket and played a major role in India's cricket history.

Kapil Dev was also one of India's greatest all-rounders. He scored 5,248 Test runs during his career and played an important role with both bat and ball. His contribution to Indian cricket went beyond his bowling, making him one of the country's most celebrated all-rounders.

With the ball, Kapil took 434 wickets in 227 Test innings at an average of 29.64 and an economy rate of 2.78. His best bowling figures were 9/83 in an innings and 11/146 in a match. He also recorded 17 four-wicket hauls, 23 five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket match hauls.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin - 537 Wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin finished his Test career with 537 wickets in 106 matches. The off-spinner became one of India's most successful bowlers during the 2010s and 2020s before retiring from international cricket.

Ashwin took 537 wickets in 200 Test innings at an average of 24.00 and an economy rate of 2.83. His best bowling figures were 7/59 in an innings and 13/140 in a match. He also recorded 25 four-wicket hauls, 37 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match hauls.

Ashwin's 537 wickets put him second on India's all-time Test wicket-takers list, 82 wickets behind Anil Kumble. His consistency and match-winning performances made him one of India's greatest Test spinners.

1. Anil Kumble - 619 wickets

Anil Kumble remains India's leading Test wicket-taker with 619 wickets in 132 Test matches. The legendary leg-spinner played Test cricket for 18 years and remains the only Indian bowler to cross the 600-wicket mark in the format.

Kumble took 619 wickets in 236 Test innings at an average of 29.65 and an economy rate of 2.69. His best bowling figures were 10/74 in an innings and 14/149 in a match. He also recorded 31 four-wicket hauls, 35 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket match hauls.

Kumble's record remains well ahead of the other Indian bowlers. Ravichandran Ashwin is second on the list with 537 wickets, while Kapil Dev, Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja complete the top five. Kumble's 619 wickets continue to make him one of India's greatest Test bowlers.