Most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler

Indian cricket has a rich history of producing some iconic batsmen over the different generations, which has been a big aspect. But there have been many Indian bowlers who have stamped their authority and have managed to write their names in history, especially in test cricket. In this article, we will talk about the Indians who have registered the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Getting five wickets in an innings is never easy, but some bowlers have made a habit of it.

The Indian record for most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket is held by Ravichandran Ashwin, who has 36 five-wicket hauls from 100 matches. Ashwin overtook India's highest-ever wicket-taker, Anil Kumble. The leg-spinner finished his career with 619 wickets and has 35 five-wicket hauls in 32 more Tests than Ashwin.

Most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler

1. Ravichandran Ashwin (2011-2024*) | 36 Times

Ravichandran Ashwin, the modern-day spin maestro, tops the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler list with a staggering 36 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Since making his debut in 2011, Ashwin has emerged as India's premier spinner in Test cricket.

The veteran Indian spinner has been a key reason for India's success and dominance at home. He is also the fastest Indian to reach 300, 400, and 500 test wickets. Ashwin has played 101 tests so far and taken 516 wickets with a BBI of 7/59. Not to forget, he is also a handy batter in test cricket.

Also Read: Most 5 wicket hauls in Test Cricket

2. Anil Kumble (1990-2008) | 35 Times

Arguably one of the greatest spinners of all time, Anil Kumble is the second Indian bowler who has the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Anil Kumble started a career as a batsman and became one of the greatest bowlers in Indian cricket history.

Kumble certainly was one of the most iconic bowlers of all time and is still the second-fastest to reach a massive feat of 600 wickets in Test cricket. Without much turn, Kumble found success in all conditions. He played 132 Tests and took 619 wickets with the best bowling figures in an innings of 10/74. Kumble also took eight ten-wicket match hauls.

3. Harbhajan Singh (1998-2015) | 25 Times

Harbhajan Singh, fondly known as the 'Turbanator', is considered as one of India's finest off-spinners. He retired with two World Cup titles and over 700 international wickets. In test cricket, he became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in 2001 against Australia, which changed his career. Bhajji played 103 tests overall and took 417 wickets with 25 five-wicket hauls and 5 ten-wicket match hauls.

4. Kapil Dev (1978-1994) | 23 Times

A true legend of Indian cricket, Kapil Dev comes forth in the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by an Indian bowler list who revolutionized the game with his dynamic all-round skills. Indian cricket history is incomplete without the contribution of Kapil Dev. He was the most impactful Indian cricketer of his era.

Be it his iconic 175* against Zimbabwe in the World Cup 1983 or leading India to glory, he was an exceptional performer. Kapil is the only cricketer in history to score more than 5000 runs and take 400+ wickets in test cricket. He played 131 tests, took 434 wickets with 23 five-fors, and also scored eight hundreds with the bat.

Also Read: Most Test wickets as captain

5. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar (1964-1979) | 16 Times

Bhagwath Chandrasekhar was India's one of the biggest match-winners in his time. India's success overseas was pretty rare, but Chandrasekhar made India believe that they could do that. 42 wickets in just five overseas test wins is just incredible. He played for India between 1964 and 1979, featured in 58 tests, and took 242 wickets with a best of 8/79. Chandrashekhar registered 16 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls in his career.

6. Bishan Singh Bedi (1966-1979) | 14 Times

Bishan Singh Bedi, the graceful left-arm spinner and former Indian captain, impressed cricket fans with his artistry and finesse, claiming 14 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Known for his impeccable control and flighted deliveries, Bedi misleaded batsmen with his ability to spin the ball both ways. His memorable performances against formidable opponents like Australia and the West Indies cemented his legacy as one of India's finest spinners.

7. Ravindra Jadeja (2012-2024*) | 13 Times

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja picked up his 13th 5-wicket haul and went up to 7th in the list of most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket for India. His performance has hit a peak over the last few years, making him a very reliable cricketer in all conditions. Jadeja featured in 72 Tests so far, and took 294 wickets with a best of 7/42. He also became the second left-arm Indian spinner after Bishan Singh Bedi to record 8 five-wicket hauls in the longest format at home.

8. Subhash Gupte (1951-1961) | 12 Times

Subhash Gupte was a kind of player who will always be remember for his great skills and magic of spin bowling. He was the front-line spinner of India in 1950s and early 60s. A little incident ended his career when he was only 32 and India lost a great spinner. Gupte debuted his Test career against England in 1952 and took 12 five-wicket hauls in his short career. He featured in 36 Tests, and took 149 wickets with a best of 9/102.

9. Zaheer Khan (2000-2014) | 11 Times

Zaheer Khan, the left-arm pace sensation, played a pivotal role in India's bowling resurgence during the 2000s, claiming 11 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver lethal yorkers, Zaheer troubled batsmen with his skill and guile. His memorable spells against top-quality opposition, both at home and abroad, played a crucial role in India's success in Test cricket. He featured in 92 Tests, and took 311 wickets with a best of 7/87.

Also Read: Fastest to 500 Test Wickets

10. Ishant Sharma (2007-2021) | 11 Times

Ishant Sharma, the lanky fast bowler with an tireless spirit, has been a mainstay of the Indian bowling attack for over a decade, claiming 11 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Known for his ability to extract bounce and seam movement from any surface, Ishant has troubled batsmen with his relentless accuracy and deceptive variations. His memorable spells against top-ranked teams like England and Australia underline his value to the Indian team. He featured in 105 Tests and took 311 wickets with a best of 7/74.