Bowling in cricket is nothing short of an art. And that is why the importance of a good bowling attack is supreme when it comes to building strategy for a particular match, no matter the format. But to launch a killer bowling attack on the opposition, you must have incredible bowlers to carry out this attack and make the opposition’s batting lineup crumble. Right? Well, thankfully, India has seen the rise of many incredible bowlers of all time.
Whether it is Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, or the new stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal. And guess what? Today we are going to talk about the top 10 best bowlers in India of all time. So if you are interested in knowing who has made it to this list, then keep on reading because you are about to find that out. Let’s get down to it then. Shall we?
List of Top Best Bowler In India Ever
1. Zaheer Khan
Power, precision, and passion, that’s what comes to mind when we talk about Zaheer. From 2000 to 2014, he was the guy wearing the Indian jersey with a whole lotta pride. One of India’s best fast bowlers, no doubt. He lit up the field with his smoking hot deliveries and never-say-die spirit. A champ both on and off the field, he played a massive role in the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy and the unforgettable 2011 World Cup. What a player! Plus, he had this knack for making the ball swing in ways that left fans and opponents totally spellbound. He also played a bit for Worcestershire in England, and boy, did he make left-hand batsmen sweat! Even the big players like Graeme Smith and Kumar Sangakkara were in awe of him.
2. Anil Kumble
Let’s start with the legendary Anil Kumble, or as we like to call him, the King of Spin. This dude’s impressive tally of 619 wickets speaks volumes about his phenomenal cricket career. And you wouldn’t believe it, but he once bowled out all ten batsmen in a single Test innings! Kumble’s secret recipe for success was a wicked combo of speed, bounce, and devilishly precise accuracy. Along his journey, he snagged a couple of fancy titles like Cricketer of the Year and Wisden Cricketer of the Year. And don’t forget his impact on ODIs. Remember when he bagged six wickets giving away just twelve runs against the Windies? What a show it was! Post-retirement, he still kept his love for cricket alive by serving as the chairman of the ICC’s cricket committee.
3. Kapil Dev
Now let’s talk about the iconic Kapil Dev. Not only was he a fantastic bowler, but the guy was also a true leader on and off the pitch. At the tender age of 24, he steered India to victory in the 1983 World Cup, an achievement still fresh in every Indian cricket fan’s mind. This cricket wizard retired with the world record for the highest number of wickets in Test matches and was the first player to snag 200 wickets in ODIs. Plus, he added over 400 wickets and 5,000 runs to his Test scoreboard. His cabinet is packed with awards including the Indian Cricketer of the Century and a place in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Not to forget, he’s also received India’s prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Awards.
4. Irfan Pathan
Next in line is the multi-talented Irfan Pathan, cricketer, commentator, analyst, actor, and even a dancer! This dude is celebrated for his graceful swing bowling and played a crucial role in India’s triumph at the 2007 ICC Twenty20 World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Despite hitting a rough patch in 2006 when he was dropped from the national team, Pathan staged a remarkable comeback in the 2007 T20 World Cup. And he wasn’t just a bowler, he was a handy all-rounder too, especially memorable for his spectacular show in the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan.
5. Harbhajan Singh
Coming up next is Harbhajan Singh, the spinning wizard whose doosra sent chills down the spines of batsmen. He played a vital role in India’s success at the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy. The moment when he became the first Indian to take a Test match hat-trick will be remembered forever. Even after facing a bunch of injuries and controversies, he always came out swinging. In 2009, he was honored with the Padma Shri, and after that, he entered politics line.
6. Ravichandran Ashwin
Roll out the red carpet for Ravichandran Ashwin, our superstar from Tamil Nadu, who’s managed to take the cricketing world by storm. This guy kicked off his cricketing saga with the Tamil Nadu team and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and soon he was dropping jaws in Test cricket. Back in 2016, he bagged the ICC Cricketer of the Year award, just one of the many shiny badges on his illustrious jacket. With his wicked spin and solid batting, Ashwin boasts of five Test centuries. Let’s not forget his unforgettable role in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
7. Jasprit Bumrah
Up next, it’s none other than Jasprit Bumrah, the Swiss Army Knife of Indian cricket. Be it Test, ODIs, or T20, this lad is always ready to rock and roll. He’s now a pillar for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and the Gujarat cricket team, showing us that he’s got what it takes to rub shoulders with the cricketing greats. What makes him stand out? Well, it’s his peculiar bowling action and razor-sharp accuracy. Fun fact, the man coaching Bumrah is Lasith Malinga, arguably one of the best fast bowlers cricket has ever seen.
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Let’s shine the spotlight on Bhuvneshwar Kumar Singh, another Indian fast-paced blower. This guy’s got a swing that can send shivers down a batsman’s spine. He made his smashing debut against Pakistan in 2012 and since then, he’s been a key player in many of India’s thrilling victories, like in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Fans love to call him Bhuvi and he always delivers when the team’s in a pinch. He’s faced his fair share of injuries but has always returned stronger. When it comes to the most serious and skilled fast bowlers in the country, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s name always comes up.
9. Yuzvendra Chahal
Next up, Yuzvendra Chahal, the magician of Indian cricket. This leg spinner is a real game-changer, leaving batsmen scratching their heads and the crowd cheering for more. Not just a cricket champ, Chahal’s also a pro chess player, which probably explains his strategic approach to the game. Chahal’s talent has not gone unnoticed. He’s been awarded Man of the Match multiple times and has made it to the squad for the biggest tournaments like the Cricket World Cup. Despite the bumps in the road, like missing out on the 2021 T20 World Cup squad, Chahal’s resilience and determination have never wavered.
10. Ravindra Jadeja
Last but certainly not least, we have Ravindra Jadeja. This left-handed batsman and the left-arm orthodox spin bowler is not just a player, he’s a spectacle. From leading the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL to representing India across all formats, Jadeja has made his mark on the game. Jadeja has proven his worth many times in all the formats of cricket. Whether it is taking wickets in really critical times, or scoring runs to give a bigger total to the opposition for the chase, Ravindra Jadeja has always been there for the team India.
Conclusion
Remember, most of these bowlers mentioned in today’s post are legends because the best bowlers or heroes come and go, but legends remain in our hearts forever. And these legendary bowlers have certainly inspired the next generation of bowlers, and that’s why the future of Indian bowlers looks bright.
Passionate sports content writer, Rocky delves into the world of athletics with a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, he transforms moments on the field into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
