Top five bowlers with most wickets in a single edition of Ranji Trophy

The Ranji Trophy stands as the foremost domestic First-Class (FC) cricket championship in India. Started in 1934, the tournament is known for its grinding nature and has produced world-class players for India.

The Mumbai Cricket Team has been the most successful in the competition, winning the trophy record 42 times.

One defining feature of the Ranji Trophy is the different conditions players face. Historically recognized for its spin-friendly surfaces, the BCCI has recently redirected its attention towards green wickets to improve the quality of fast bowling in the country.

In this article, let’s take a look at top five bowlers with most wickets in a single edition of the Ranji Trophy.

5. Dodda Ganesh (1998-99) & Kanwaljit Singh (1999-00) – 62 wickets

Karnataka's Dodda Ganesh and Hyderabad's Kanwaljit Singh are currently equal in the fifth position, each having taken 62 wickets. Ganesh reached this milestone during the 1998-99 season, whereas Kanwaljit accomplished the same feat in the 1999-00 season.

Ganesh reached his tally in 11 matches at an average of 26 and helped his team win the trophy by defeating Madhya Pradesh in the final.

On the other hand, Kanwaljit played 12 matches to pick 62 wickets. His outstanding performance led Hyderabad to the final, where they were defeated by Mumbai by a margin of 297 runs.

Dodda Ganesh played four tests for India, while Kanwaljit, unfortunately, never got the chance to represent India in international cricket.

4. Bishan Singh Bedi (1974-75) – 64 wickets

Late Bishan Singh Bedi is next on the list for his historic 1974-75 Ranji Trophy campaign, where he took 64 wickets at an average of just 8.53 for Delhi.

Known for his ability to mislead batters with his flight, Bedi's remarkable performances contributed to Delhi's advancement to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they faced defeat against Karnataka. 

He took 266 wickets for India in 67 tests at an average of 28.60.

3. Jaydev Unadkat (2019-20) – 67 wickets

Left-arm fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat played a pivotal role for Saurashtra during the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, leading the team to victory over West Bengal in the final match.

Unadkat's incredible season featured an impressive tally of 67 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 13.24 with seven five-wicket hauls.

He has so far represented India in four tests, eight ODIs, and 10 T20Is.

2. Ashutosh Aman (2018-19) – 68 wickets

Bihar's Ashutosh Aman had a memorable Ranji Trophy season in 2018-19. The left-arm spinner excelled by claiming 68 wickets in seven matches at an average of just 6.48.

Despite his brilliance, which included nine five-wicket hauls and three four-wicket hauls, Bihar was unable to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.

Aman never got the chance to represent India in international cricket.

1. Harsh Dubey (2024-25) – 69 wickets

Vidarbha’s left arm-spinner Harsh Dubey holds the record of taking the most wickets in a single edition of Ranji Trophy.

Harsh reached this milestone in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he spearheaded the Vidarbha bowling unit, claiming 69 wickets in 10 matches.

Dubey was instrumental in the team's semi-final match against Mumbai, picking up a five-wicket haul in the second innings to secure their spot in the final.

Cover Credits - ESPNcricinfo