India’s Test cricket history has been shaped by some exceptional bowlers who could change the course of a match with their skill and determination. From fearsome fast bowlers to clever spinners, these players not only took wickets but also left a mark on Indian cricket with their ability to take most five wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Taking five wickets in an innings is a big achievement for any bowler. It shows stamina, intelligence, and the ability to handle pressure. Only a few Indian bowlers have achieved this feat multiple times, creating a legacy that inspires future generations. This article ranks the top five Indian bowlers with the most five wicket hauls in Test cricket, starting from number five.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Indian Bowlers With the Most Five Wicket Hauls in Test Cricket
5. Jasprit Bumrah – 16 Five-Wicket Hauls
Sharing the fifth spot is Jasprit Bumrah, India’s modern fast-bowling sensation. Known for his unique action, sharp accuracy, and ability to bowl fast on any pitch, Bumrah has become one of the world’s top Test bowlers. He has repeatedly shown why he belongs to the group of Indian bowlers with the most five wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Bumrah recently added another five-wicket haul against South Africa at Eden Gardens. His remarkable Test average of 19.52 makes him stand out even more. At just 31, he is expected to achieve many more five-wicket hauls and continue dominating in Test cricket.
| Category | Details |
| Matches | 40+ |
| Wickets | 180+ |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 16 |
| Best Bowling | 6/27 |
| Average | 19.52 |
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4. Kapil Dev – 23 Five-Wicket Hauls
Kapil Dev was India’s first fast-bowling superstar. He made his debut in 1978 and amazed the cricket world with his pace, aggression, and energy. Before him, India was not known for producing fast bowlers, but Kapil changed that perception forever.
Kapil ended his career with 434 wickets and 23 five-wicket hauls, an incredible achievement during a time dominated by fast bowlers from Australia and the West Indies. His ability to take multiple wickets in an innings makes him one of India’s leaders in most five wicket hauls in Test cricket. Kapil’s all-round skills added extra value, and his match-winning spells remain legendary in Indian cricket history.
| Category | Details |
| Matches | 131 |
| Wickets | 434 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 23 |
| Best Bowling | 9/83 |
| Career Span | 1978–1994 |
3. Harbhajan Singh – 25 Five-Wicket Hauls
Harbhajan Singh is one of India’s greatest spinners, known for his fighting spirit and consistency. He debuted in the late 1990s and gained fame during the 2001 Test series against Australia. In the Kolkata Test, Harbhajan took 13 wickets, including his first five-wicket haul, helping India secure a historic victory.
By the end of his career, Harbhajan had 25 five-wicket hauls, making him one of the top Indian bowlers with the most five wicket hauls in Test cricket. His ability to dominate in home conditions and take wickets in crucial moments made him a match-winner for India throughout the 2000s.
| Category | Details |
| Matches | 103 |
| Wickets | 417 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 25 |
| Best Bowling | 8/84 |
| Debut Year | 1998 |
2. Anil Kumble – 35 Five-Wicket Hauls
Anil Kumble is one of the most respected match-winners in Indian cricket history. Known for his discipline, accuracy, and strategic thinking, Kumble consistently troubled batters without relying heavily on spin. His focus and determination helped him dominate Test cricket for nearly two decades.
Kumble finished his career with 619 wickets and 35 five-wicket hauls. His 10-wicket innings against Pakistan in Delhi remains one of cricket’s greatest achievements. Kumble’s record places him among the elite Indian bowlers with the most five wicket hauls in Test cricket, highlighting how often he influenced matches in India’s favor.
| Category | Details |
| Matches | 132 |
| Wickets | 619 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 35 |
| Best Bowling | 10/74 |
| Career Span | 1990–2008 |
1. Ravichandran Ashwin – 37 Five-Wicket Hauls
Ravichandran Ashwin tops the list of Indian bowlers with the most five wicket hauls in Test cricket. Known for his clever variations and cricketing intelligence, Ashwin made an immediate impact on his debut in 2010 with a six-wicket haul against West Indies.
Ashwin ended his Test career in 2024 with 537 wickets and 37 five-wicket hauls, the highest for any Indian bowler. His sharp mind, ability to take wickets in critical moments, and consistency made him the backbone of India’s bowling attack for over a decade. Ashwin’s performances contributed significantly to India’s success in home and overseas Test matches.
| Category | Details |
| Matches | 100+ |
| Wickets | 537 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 37 |
| Best Bowling | 7/59 |
| Career Span | 2010–2024 |
FAQs
1. What does a five wicket haul mean in Test cricket?
A five-wicket haul, also called a “five-for,” means a bowler takes five or more wickets in a single innings. It is considered a major achievement and shows skill, endurance, and the ability to perform under pressure.
2. Who has the most five wicket hauls in Test cricket for India?
Ravichandran Ashwin holds the record for India with 37 five wicket hauls in Test cricket, making him the top Indian bowler in this category.
3. Which Indian fast bowler has the most five wicket hauls?
Kapil Dev leads among Indian fast bowlers with 23 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
4. Are five-wicket hauls more common for spinners or fast bowlers in India?
Historically, spinners like Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, and Ashwin have taken more five-wicket hauls than Indian fast bowlers.