Top 5 Leading Wicket-Takers in Tests Played in India

Premier India allrounder Ravindra Jadeja savoured the Rajkot Test win against England, as his exceptional all-round performance assisted the Rohit Sharma-led hosts in seizing a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Jadeja delivered an outstanding first-innings century and claimed a fifer, securing seven wickets in the match and deservingly earning the 'Player of the Match' trophy. This performance marked one of the great allrounder's finest displays in Test cricket for India.

While Jadeja played a crucial role with his special knock of 112, which helped India turn around from a precarious position of 33/3 on the first morning, his figures of 2/51 and 5/41 also significantly contributed to Rohit's team neutralizing the threat posed by the 'Bazball'.

Along the way, Jadeja achieved a magnificent feat as a left-arm spinner in Test cricket. The 35-year-old became the latest in the history of the game to claim 200 or more wickets in Tests played in India.

Let's list all the great bowlers who have excelled in Indian conditions with the ball and emerged as the top wicket-takers in Tests played in India.

1. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has now ascended to fifth place among these elite Indian greats, having secured 206 scalps in 42 home Tests at an average of 20.77 each, which includes 11 five-wicket hauls. The left-arm spinner has wreaked havoc in home Tests over the past decade, providing the Indian team with an unprecedented edge and a strong balance through his allround excellence. Like Harbhajan alongside Kumble, Jadeja has proven to be an exceptional second spinner in an Indian spin attack led by Ashwin.

2. Kapil Dev

Former skipper and legendary allrounder Kapil occupies the fourth spot below Kumble, concluding his illustrious career with 219 Test wickets taken in India across 65 matches. Kapil Dev's speeds and ability to generate swing and reverse swing enabled him to excel even on spin-friendly Indian surfaces, resulting in 11 five-wicket hauls.

3. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh holds the third spot on the list, having accumulated 265 wickets in India across 55 Tests at an average of 28.76. He achieved this feat with 18 five-wicket hauls and a best bowling figure of 8/84. Renowned for his rhythmic action and the overspin he imparted on the ball, the Turbanator haunted visiting players with the extra bounce he extracted. Alongside Kumble, he formed a devastating spin pairing that maintained India's dominance in home conditions.

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4. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin trails only two wickets behind his inspiration, Kumble, who holds the top spot. Ashwin, the premier off-spinner of India and a modern-day legend has been a nemesis for touring batters. In the Rajkot Test, he became only the second Indian to claim 500 Test wickets. He boasts 348 wickets in India, averaging 21.31, with 26 five-wicket hauls. It's possible that he could become the leading wicket-taker in India by the end of the next Test in Visakhapatnam.

5. Anil Kumble

Leg-spin great Anil Kumble leads the elite club with 350 Test wickets taken in India across 63 matches, averaging 24.88. His impressive record features 25 five-wicket hauls, with a notable best of 10/74 against Pakistan in the 1999 Delhi Test match. Kumble played a crucial role for the Indian team in home conditions throughout his career from 1990 to 2008. He contributed significantly to the subcontinental giants' unbeaten series streak at home during the 90s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 5 leading wicket-takers in Tests played in India showcase the rich legacy of spin bowling dominance on home soil. From Anil Kumble's reign at the top to Ravichandran Ashwin's pursuit of greatness, each player has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket history. Stay updated on live cricket action, including ball-by-ball commentary and live scores, with the Cricket Live Line app and website. Whether you're a cricket enthusiast or a live line guru, this platform provides real-time updates and analysis to enhance your cricket viewing experience.

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