Explore the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in India vs. Bangladesh Test matches. This article delves into their remarkable records, standout performances, and significant contributions to the encounters. Learn about these cricket legends and their pivotal roles in shaping the competitive rivalry between India and Bangladesh on the Test cricket stage.
5. Shakib Al Hasan – 21 Wickets
Shakib Al Hasan, a key player for Bangladesh, has claimed 21 wickets in 12 innings across eight Test matches against India. He has one five-wicket haul and a notable seven-wicket match performance in January 2010 in Chattogram. In December 2022, he took six wickets in a match where Bangladesh nearly secured their first Test win against India. Shakib’s bowling average against India is 37.95, with an economy rate of 3.52 after bowling over 226 overs.
4. Umesh Yadav – 22 Wickets
Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav has taken 22 wickets against Bangladesh in just six Test matches, making it his third-highest tally against any team, after Australia and West Indies. His standout performance came in the historic Pink-Ball Test in November 2019, where he claimed eight wickets, including 5-53 in the second innings. Umesh also took five wickets in the December 2022 Test in Mirpur. His bowling average against Bangladesh stands at an impressive 21.04, significantly better than his overall career average of 30.95.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 23 Wickets
Ravichandran Ashwin, an exceptional off-spinner, ranks third with 23 wickets from just six Test matches against Bangladesh. He claimed five wickets in an innings in June 2015 in Fatullah and took 6-137 at Mirpur in December 2022. Ashwin also has two four-wicket hauls and boasts a bowling average of 26.78 and an economy rate of 2.98, both of which have been pivotal to India’s success against Bangladesh.
2. Ishant Sharma – 25 Wickets
Ishant Sharma has been highly effective against Bangladesh, claiming 25 wickets in seven Test matches at an outstanding average of 20.88, significantly lower than his career average of 32.40. His best performance came at Eden Gardens in November 2019, where he took nine wickets in total, including 5-22 and 4-56 in both innings.
1. Zaheer Khan – 31 Wickets
Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan tops the list with 31 wickets from seven Test matches against Bangladesh between 2000 and 2010. His bowling average of 24.25 is the best against any single Test opponent. Khan’s standout performance came in January 2010 at Mirpur, where he took 7-87. He also boasts his best strike rate against Bangladesh, taking a wicket every 38.2 balls, compared to his career strike rate of 60.4.