Left-handed cricketers are always crucial to the team, be it in Tests or the limited-overs. With skills, there also comes the advantage of being fewer in number than the right-handers. Over the last decade, we witnessed that bowlers are not that habituated to delivering against southpaws. At the same moment, not all batters are set properly to bat the overs of a left-hander bowler. The impact of left-handers in IPL is immeasurable.

We have seen the likes of David Warner, Chris Gayle, and Adam Gilchrist storming in the past. But, many left-handers have made their names in IPL with their performance. Let's jump into assembling a team with the best left-handed IPL eleven of all time. 

According to the IPL rule, only 4 overseas are allowed in a franchise. The same has been followed while selecting the cricketers of this team as well

David Warner

David Warner and the term consistency go hand-in-hand when it comes to T20 batting. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad player is one of the first bundle of cricketers to establish his name globally through his brilliant performance in the T20 league.

Till IPL 2024, Warner aggregated 6565 runs including 4 centuries and 61 half-centuries. It is a bit hard to find a hard-hitting left-handed opener like him. The best left-handed IPL eleven will be incomplete without him as the opener.

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is that player without whom this list would have remained incomplete. He started with Kolkata Knight Riders and then shifted to Royal Challengers Bangalore, he became one of the most successful batters in IPL history. His knock of 175 runs against Pune Warriors India, still remains the highest in the IPL history. 

Gayle then shifted his base to Punja Kings and ended his IPL career for the franchise from northern India. Before hanging his boots, Gayle scored 4695 runs with a career strike rate of 148.96. 

Gautam Gambhir (C)

Read also: Most centuries in IPL history

One of the strongest pillars behind Kolkata Knight Riders' success is Gautam Gambhir. From scoring runs to leading the team to the top, he did it all. He joined KKR in 2013 and since then, he has taken the team to win trophies twice. In 154 games, Gambhir scored 4217 runs including 36 fifties.

Suresh Raina

You said ferocious middle-order batter, we heard Suresh Raina. The IPL legend was one of the key members of Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions. His contribution to CSK's success is undeniable in no way. Raina is the 5th highest run-getter in IPL history with 5528 runs.

Michael Hussey

The former Australian cricketer is yet another player to build the name and fame of the CSK franchise. He is the second batter to hit a ton in IPL after Brendon McCullum. He was associated with the league for a short period and played only 14 innings. Within this time, he scored 492 runs including 4 half-centuries. He also received the "Man of the Match" award thrice in 14 innings.

Read also: Most Sixes by Indians in the IPL

Rishabh Pant (wk)

The Delhi Capitals captain is a great player to form the core of this middle-order. Apart from smashing boundaries, Pant's wicket-keeping skill and leadership abilities can help the leader from behind the stump as well. In 111 IPL matches, Pant has scored 3284 runs with an excellent strike rate of 148.93. 

Shakib Al Hasan

The Bangladeshi all-rounder is our preferred player on this list in the position of the all-rounder. Shakib is very much capable with bat and ball and his all-round ability proved good for KKR under Gautam Gambhir's leadership. He won two IPL trophies for KKR. Moreover, he can bat and ball at any stage of the game, which can be invaluable for any captain.

Ravindra Jadeja

The credit for CSK's immense success goes to a few more players apart from MS Dhoni, and Jadeja is one of them. No doubt, he is a terrific all-rounder and will be a great addition to this Playing XI. The reason to choose him in the place of a proper spinner is that he not only brings his spinning skills but also the overall package to the team. Like Shakib, Jadeja also can bat and bowl at any place. 

Read also: Most Sixes by Indians in the IPL

RP Singh

The Purple Cap winner of IPL 2009 is the next member of this Playing XI. Rudra Pratap Singh played for four franchises in the Indian Premier League. He took 90 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 7.90 in 82 games. 

Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat has always been one of the most expensive bowlers in the Indian Premier League. The left-arm pacer is known for his slower deliveries and variations. Unadkat played for multiple teams and has taken 99 wickets in 103 matches with an economy rate of 8.99. He has also taken two five-wicket hauls.

Zaheer Khan

The former Indian cricketer played for a couple of franchises like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, and Royal Challenger Bangalore. Though at the fag end of his career, there were some doubts whether he would be able to perform like his prime, but the Indian legend proved everyone wrong by taking 99 wickets with an economy rate of 7.59. 

Playing XI:

• David Warner (Batter)
• Chris Gayle (Batter)
• Gautam Gambhir (Batter)
• Suresh Raina (Batter)
• Michael Hussey (Batter) 
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Shakib Al Hasan (all-rounder)
• Ravindra Jadeja (Spinner)
• RP Singh (Pacer)
• Jaydev Unadkat (Pacer)
• Zaheer Khan (Pacer)

These are our choices for the Playing XI. Unfortunately, we had to leave behind some of the legends of this league due to the rule of including 4 overseas cricketers. What do you think about this team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Asia Cup 2025 will be held in UAE from 9 to 28 September. Due to T20 World Cup 2026, this time Asia Cup will also be organized in T20 format. India is being seen as the biggest contender in the Asia Cup this time.

Over the years, there have been many bowlers who have made a significant impact for their sides in the Asia Cup and are even featured in the list of highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history. Players like Muthiah Muralidaran, Lasith Malinga and many more are certified legends for their sides, and they fully deserve the status after their brilliant bowling performances over the years.

With the Asia Cup 2025 right around the corner, let's have a look at the highest wicket taker in Asia Cup history.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History | ODI Format

1. Muthiah Muralidaran

Muthiah Muralidaran is considered to be one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. He has picked up 30 wickets in 24 Asia Cup matches at an economy of 3.75 and an average of 28.83. He was part of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup titles wins in 1997, 2004 and 2008.

2. Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga is second on the list of best bowlers in Asia Cup history. He has been one of Sri Lanka's greatest pacers, especially in white-ball cricket. Malinga played in 5 editions from 2004 to 2018 and took 29 wickets at an economy of 4.65 and an average of 20.55. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2010 and 2014 editions and won the Asia Cup in 2004 and 2014.

3. Ajantha Mendis

Former Sri Lanka mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis is third on the list. Mendis took 26 wickets in just 8 matches from 2008 to 2014 at an economy of 3.98 and an average of 10.42. He was the highest wicket-taker at the 2008 edition and helped Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup titles in 2008 and 2014.

4. Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal is the only non-Sri Lankan bowler in the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in Asia Cup history. Ajmal took 25 wickets in 12 matches between 2008 and 2014 at an average of 19.25 and an economy rate of 4.21. He was part of Pakistan’s Asia Cup-winning team in 2012.

5. Ravindra Jadeja

India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja completes the top 5 list of the bowlers with most wickets in the Asia Cup. He played in the 2010 to 2023 editions of the Asia Cup so far and took 25 wickets at an average of 26.28 and an economy rate of 4.34. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 date announced; BCCI yet to confirm participation against Pakistan

Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History | T20 Format

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The top wicket-taker in Asia Cup T20 history is India’s pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has scalped 13 wickets in six matches at an impressive average of 9.46. The 35-year-old, who is currently not part of India’s squad, is also known for his skillful death and new ball bowling.

Bhuvi has an excellent economy rate of only 5.34 and is the only bowler to take a five-wicket haul in the shorter edition of the tournament. The right-arm medium pacer’s best figures of 5/4 — also his T20I best, came against Afghanistan in the 2022 edition of the tournament.

2. Amjad Javed

The second-highest wicket-taker of this list is Amjad Javed of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who has featured only in the 2016 edition of the tournament, where he led the team. In the only edition he played in this format, he has taken 12 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.08.

The 45-year-old has a relatively higher economy rate of 7.34 as compared to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Javed’s best bowling figures in an innings came against Sri Lanka during the inaugural edition of the T20I format of the Asia Cup. The right-arm pacer took three wickets for 25 runs to record his best figures in the tournament.

3. Mohammad Naveed

The third-highest wicket-taker in the event’s history is also the UAE’s Mohammad Naveed, with 11 wickets to his name in seven matches. Like Amjad Javed, he made only one appearance during the 2016 Asia Cup, where his team advanced after playing qualifying rounds.

The 38-year-old has an excellent average of 13.18 with a reasonable economy rate of 5.24. Naveed’s best bowling figures of 3-14 came against Hong Kong in 2016. With his bowling performance, the UAE restricted Hong Kong to 146-7 in their 20 overs. In reply, the UAE successfully chased down the total and won by nine wickets.

4. Rashid Khan

Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan has taken 161 wickets in just 96 T20Is for Afghanistan and is the leading wicket taker in T20 cricket. However, he is unlikely to be fourth on the list by his standards. He has so far taken 11 wickets despite playing eight matches, a number higher than all the top three bowlers.

The leg-spinner has an average of 18.36 and boasts a slightly higher economy rate of 6.51. His best figures of 3-22 came against Bangladesh in 2022, resulting in a thrilling victory over the Tigers.

5. Hardik Pandya

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is fifth on the list. The right-arm pacer has scalped 11 wickets in eight matches so far, with an average of 18.81 and the highest economy rate of (7.01) among the top five bowlers.

Notably, his best figures of 3-8 against arch-rivals Pakistan during the 2016 edition. Thanks to Hardik Pandya’s bowling, India bundled out Pakistan for a modest total of 83 and successfully chased it down in 15.3 overs.

The duck - dismissal without scoring a single run, is a humiliation that haunts all cricketers, but it’s become an almost expected feature for the names that appear here. Some were genuine bowling greats, with match-winning spells and legendary careers with the ball. But when it came to contributing runs, they routinely exited without troubling the scorers.

In this article, we will take a look at most ducks by an Indian in Tests.

Also Read: Most International Wickets for India (Pacers)

Most Ducks by an Indian in Tests

1. Ishant Sharma | 34

Ishant Sharma tops our list by securing 34 ducks with no runs, and his name appears among the Indian players who have scored the most ducks in Test cricket. Ishant Sharma was known for his lion-hearted spells and his remarkable longevity as a fast bowler. With the bat, however, his long limbs and hesitant stroke play made for awkward viewing.

Ishant's tally of 34 ducks in just 142 innings shows just how frequently he was dismissed for zero. In the 102 matches that Sharma has played for India, he has managed to score a total of just 751 runs at an average close to 7.5.

2. Zaheer Khan | 29

Zaheer Khan was one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers in the 2000s and early 2010s, especially overseas. A left-arm swing bowler capable of troubling the best batsmen, his contributions with the ball were immense.

During his career that lasted from 2000 to 2014, Zaheer Khan, however played a total of 1231 runs at an average of 11.95 and was dismissed on 29 occasions without scoring any runs.

3. Jasprit Bumrah | 28

Jasprit Bumrah might be the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, but his form with the bat is not so well. In the previous ENG vs IND Test series, Bumrah recorded his sixth duck in seven innings. Since the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne in December 2024, Bumrah’s scores read: 0, 0, 22, 0, 0, 0, 0.

Bumrah played a total of 341 runs at an average of 6.55 and was dismissed on 28 occasions without scoring any runs.

4. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar | 23

Bhagwath Chandrasekhar was ranked as the worst batsman in the history of Test cricket. He registered 23 ducks from 80 innings, averaging one duck every four innings.

But if one were to form a eleven of No 11s who have played Test cricket, Chandrasekhar would be the No 11 in this team as well. Chandra played 58 Tests and took 242 wickets, an outstanding match-winning bowler for India. But in these 58 Tests he scored only 167 runs. That meant he took more wickets than he scored runs. His Test batting average was 4.07.

Also Read: Most Test wickets by pacers in away tests

Bishan Singh Bedi | 20

Bishen Singh Bedi is 5th on the list with 20 ducks during his illustrous test career that saw many twists and turns. Not known much as a batsman, he was a tailender who didn’t know much about batting. But however he ranks as one of India’s best spinners who bowled with a big heart and known for his deceiving flighted balls.

During his career that lasted from 1964 to 1979, Bedi played a total of only 167 runs at an average of 4.07 and was dismissed on 20 occasions without scoring any runs.

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 | 462 Wickets

Since making his debut in 2013, Mohammed Shami has made a total of 197 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 462 wickets at an average of 26.10. His best bowling figures are 7/57. Shami has 22 four-wicket hauls and 12 five-wicket hauls for India. 

5. Jasprit Bumrah | 457* Wickets 

Jasprit Bumrah is the fifth 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 207* matches, Bumrah has taken 457 wickets at an average of 20.63, with the best bowling figures of 6/19. He has 17 five-wicket hauls and 13 four-wicket hauls in his international career.

Also Read: Most international wickets for India

6. 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. 

As per the latest ICC rankings, India's Abhishek Sharma clinched the No.1 ranking in the T20I batting ladder. Meantime, Shubman Gill continued to be ICC No. 1-ranked ODI batter. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah strengthened his position at the top of the ICC Men's Test Bowling rankings.

Hardik Pandya continued to be No.1 all-rounder in T20Is while Ravindra Jadeja achieved his career-best 29th ranking in ICC Test Batting ladderboard. With his 150 in Manchester, Joe Root stabilised his position at the top of the ICC Men's Test Batting rankings.

Read Also: Most runs in a series in Tests

ICC Rankings: Test

ICC Rankings: ODI

ICC Rankings: T20I

Indian bowlers, especially pacers, have always waited for the tour of England since it produces seam-friendly pitches, which help them get more wickets. From legends of yesteryears like Kapil to modern-day greats like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, they have had success in England against England. 

In this article, we present you the list of bowlers with the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. 

1. Jasprit Bumrah | 51 Wickets

One of the most successful bowlers of this era, Jasprit Bumrah, has the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. His finest skillset and ability to generate steep bounce and challenging seam movement with his unorthodox bowling action, got him 51 wickets in just 11 matches (20 innings) so far, and there's more to come in the future.

Bumrah achieved his 51st Test wicket during the second innings of the fourth Test match against England in Manchester. With this, he achieved a milestone of 50 Test wickets in England. He joins Wasim Akram (53) and Ishant Sharma (51) as the only Asian bowlers to reach this mark. He now has 51 wickets, averaging 26.38 and an economy rate of just 2.79. He also has 4 five-wicket hauls to under his name.

Bumrah's stats vs England in England

2. Ishant Sharma | 48 Wickets

Ishant Sharma is widely known for his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He took 48 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy of 3.29.

Ishant's ability to make the ball come in from a difficult length has worked well on English conditions. Moreover, his short-ball strategy during the 2014 series at Lord's helped India register a famous win in England.

Read Also: Most international wickets for India

Sharma's stats vs England in England

3. Kapil Dev | 43 Wickets

The Indian legend, Kapil Dev, is the third-highest wicket-taker in the list with 43 wickets in 13 matches played. The former Indian captain has an exceptional record against England and dominated on their home soil throughout his career.

Kapil's incredible outswing always had the batters guessing and with his ability to clean up tails, also helped him get many wickets in those conditions.

Dev stats vs England in England

4. Anil Kumble | 36 Wickets 

Anil Kumble holds the fourth place for most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He took 36 wickets in 10 matches, which is commendable for a spinner in such conditions.

Kumble was the senior-most bowler of the squad during that time, and was often described as bowling "faster" for a spinner, that too with high accuracy. His spin deliveries was considered to be as fast as a "jumbo jet."

Kumble's stats vs England in England

5. Bishan Singh Bedi | 35 Wickets

Bishan Singh Bedi is the one name that stands out while discussing the wicket-taking rate against England. Bedi's incredible stat as a spinner in pace bowling friendly conditions like England sets him apart from the rest.

He took 35 wickets in 12 matches (18 innings), with an economy less than 3. Bedi also has the highest number of maidens among all the players in this list.

Singh Bedi stats vs England in England

6. Mohammed Shami | 34 Wickets

Mohammad Shami has a brilliant overseas record, and only a few Indian bowlers can be at the level with him. He has 34 wickets in 12 matches to his name, with an economy of 3.56.

Shami consistently hits challenging lengths, which makes him a wicket-taker against England batters. His unfortunate absence in the upcoming Test squad against England therefore became a point of concern for the fans.

Shami's status vs England in England

7. Mohammed Siraj | 32 Wickets

Mohammed Siraj, who made his debut in the Boxing Day Test of 2020, holds the seventh position with 32 wickets in just 9 matches at an average of 35.93 and an economy rate of 3.93.

Siraj also recorded the second-best bowling performance by an Indian at Edgbaston in Test cricket since Chetan Sharma’s 6/58 in 1986. The Hyderabad-born cricketer also became the first visiting pacer to bag a six-wicket haul at Edgbaston since 1993.

Siraj's stats vs England in England

8. B. S. Chandrasekhar | 31 Wickets

The wizard of leg spin, B.S. Chandrashekhar, makes his way up here with 31 wickets in 9 matches against England on their home soil. He had a phenomenal bowling figure in a match with 8 wickets (conceding 114 runs).

His most cherished performance against England came in the 1971 Oval Test, where he took 6 wickets for 38 runs, leading India to secure their first series victory on the English soil.

Read Also: Weird Styles: Indian players with unusual bowling actions

Chandrashekhar stats vs England in England

9. Zaheer Khan | 31 Wickets

One of India's most celebrated pace bowlers, Zaheer Khan, holds the ninth position with 31 wickets in only 8 away matches vs England. The former left-arm pacer was one of the best for India during his era. 

Zaheer had made legends like Alastair Cook his bunny with his lethal outswingers, going away from Cook. He was the best of his time, who significantly enhanced India's bowling strength.

Khan's stats vs England in England 

10. Ravindra Jadeja | 29 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja, who is one of India's key all-rounders, holds the tenth position with 29 wickets in 14 matches. He is equally good with the bat as he is with spinning the ball for his nation.

Jadeja's ability to bowl long spells with variations, makes him a vital asset for the Indian team.

Read Also: Most Wickets for India in Test Cricket | Ravindra Jadeja overtakes Ishant Sharma’s tally

Jadeja's stats vs England in England 

11. Vinoo Mankad | 20 Wickets

Vinoo Mankad stands out from an early era. The former all-rounder truly made his mark on England soil by taking 20 wickets in just 6 matches. 

With his tight bowling and impeccable lengths, Mankad made the most out of the English conditions and proved why he was considered one of the best of his generation.

Mankad stats vs England in England 

12. Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan | 20 Wickets 

The 12th name on the list, Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, who also had success in the English conditions, took 20 wickets in 10 matches.

He was a valuable off-spinner for the team, known for his accuracy and control over the ball.

Venkataraghavan's status vs England in England