Indian cricket history has witnessed many pace bowlers who posed a threat to the opposition with their skill and guile. Pacers has played a role in the rise of the sport’s popularity. Some bowlers became match winners, the go-to player for captains whenever the team needed wickets. Let's take a look at those pace bowlers who have the most international wickets for India.
Also Read: Most international runs in Cricket history
Most International Wickets for India (Pacers)
1. Kapil Dev | 687 Wickets
The World Cup-winning skipper, Kapil Dev has the most International wickets for India (pacer). He took a total of 687 wickets in 356 international appearances. These scalps have come at an average of 28.83, with best bowling figures of 9/83. Kapil Dev has a total of 20 four-wicket hauls, 24 fifers, and two ten-wicket hauls in the international arena. He also scored over 9,000 international runs with nine centuries.
2. Zaheer Khan | 597 Wickets
Zaheer Khan was the backbone of the 2000s Indian pace and has taken a total of 597 wickets at an average of 31.48. He has best bowling figures of 7/83. Zaheer has 23 four-fers, 12 five-wicket hauls, and a ten-wicket haul in international cricket. The 2011 World Cup winner had the ability to swing the ball both ways and was quite deadly in the death overs.
3. Javagal Srinath | 551 Wickets
Javagal Srinath, who is fondly known as Mysore Express is considered among India's finest fast bowlers and has taken 551 international wickets for Team India at an average of 29.11. His best bowling figures are 8/86. He has 15 four-wicket hauls, 13 five-wicket hauls, and a ten-wicket haul in international cricket.
Also Read: The Greatest T20I Records That Will Stand the Test of Time
4. Mohammed Shami | 448 Wickets
Since making his debut in 2013, Mohammed Shami has made a total of 188 international appearances for India. He has been one of India’s finest pacers in the current era and has an amazing record across formats. Shami has taken a total of 448 wickets at an average of 26.06. His best bowling figures are 7/57. Shami has 22 four-wicket hauls and 11 five-wicket hauls for India.
5. Ishant Sharma | 434 Wickets
Ishant Sharma played for India between 2007 and 2021 and he was part of the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team. Ishant took 434 wickets in 199 international matches, which included 105 tests, and took 11 fifers, 16 four-wicket hauls, and one ten-wicket match haul. His best bowling figures are 7/74.
6. Jasprit Bumrah | 401 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah is the sixth Indian pacer who has the most international wickets. Bumrah is one of India’s most unique pacers who is known very well for his unorthodox action, incredible pace and the ability to take wickets under pressure in every format of the game. in 196* matches, Bumrah has taken 401 wickets at an average of 21.01, with the best bowling figures of 6/19. He has 12 five-wicket hauls and 10 four-wicket hauls in his international career.