Top 10 Indian bowlers with most wickets in ODI cricket

India stands as a formidable force in the realm of world cricket. Although they have not secured a 50-over ICC tournament victory since 2013, they have consistently advanced to the semi-finals of every 50-over ICC event following the 2011 Cricket World Cup, demonstrating exceptional performance in bilateral series.

Indian pitches are usually batting-friendly, making it challenging for bowlers in limited-overs cricket. Small grounds further help batters in posting big scores.

Despite this challenge, several Indian bowlers have produced match-winning performances that have contributed to the team's success in securing victories.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top 10 Indian bowlers with most wickets in ODI cricket.

10. Kuldeep Yadav – 174 wickets

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has quickly risen through the ranks to earn a spot on this elite list, with 174 wickets in 109 games at an average of 26.47, including two five-wicket hauls.

Following the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, he received consistent opportunities in limited overs cricket as India explored the strategy of employing two wrist spinners to enhance their wicket-taking potential during the middle overs.

9. Venkatesh Prasad – 196 wickets

Former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad picked up 196 wickets across 161 ODIs at an average of 32 and economy rate of 4.67, with one five-for. 

Prasad commenced his ODI career in 1994, with his final ODI appearance coming against Kenya in Gqeberha in 2001.

8. Mohammed Shami – 202 wickets

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has taken 202 wickets in 104 ODIs with an impressive average of 23.63. He is recognized for having the highest number of five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in ODIs, having accomplished this feat six times. Shami also holds the record for best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in ODIs – 7/57, which he achieved against Sri Lanka in 2023 World Cup.

Shami emerged as the top wicket-taker in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.

7. Ravindra Jadeja – 226 wickets

Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most underrated Indian bowlers in limited-overs formats. The all-rounder has taken 226 wickets in 200 ODIs, maintaining an average of 35.54 including two five-wicket hauls.

He was instrumental in India's victory at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, concluding the tournament as the top wicket-taker with 12 wickets. He also received the Player of the Match award in the final for his contributions of 33 runs and two wickets.

6. Kapil Dev – 253 wickets

Considered India’s greatest all-rounder, Kapil Dev finished his ODI career in 1994 with 253 wickets from 225 innings, averaging 27.4 with an economy rate of 3.71. Kapil bagged only one five-wicket haul in his ODI career.

He is most renowned for guiding India to its first ICC Cricket World Cup victory in 1983. He also holds the record as India's most accomplished fast bowler in Test cricket, having taken 434 wickets throughout his career.

5. Harbhajan Singh – 265 wickets

Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh stands as one of the most decorated spinners in Indian cricket history. He was instrumental in India's victories at both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.

Harbhajan retired with a tally of 265 ODI wickets in 234 matches, taken at an average of 33 and including three five-wicket hauls.

4. Zaheer Khan – 269 wickets

One of India’s all-time greats, Zaheer Khan is the country’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket with 269 wickets in 194 games at an average of 30.

Khan played a key role in India’s World Cup 2011 title-winning campaign, leading the wicket-takers chart with 21 wickets in nine games at an average of 18. He picked up one fifer in his ODI career.

3. Ajit Agarkar – 288 wickets

Former Indian fast bowler Agarkar made his debut in 1998 and was seen as a highly promising young talent for the Indian cricket team. Throughout his ODI career, Agarkar claimed 288 wickets in 191 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 27, including three five-wicket hauls.

2. Javagal Srinath – 315 wickets

Javagal Srinath’s emergence for India in international cricket marked the beginning of India’s next generation of pace bowling after Kapil Dev. The Karnataka pacer finished his career with 315 wickets in 229 ODIs at an average of 28 including three five-wicket hauls.

1. Anil Kumble – 334 wickets

Anil Kumble holds the record of India's leading wicket-taker in ODI cricket, having claimed 334 wickets in 269 matches at an average of 30 and an economy rate of 4.3.  He took two ODI five-fors.

He was the highest wicket-taker in the 1996 World Cup with 15 wickets. However, Kumble never won a World Cup in his decorated career.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official