15+ Best Fast Bowlers in India (Top Bowlers of India)

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Cricket |

2024-12-17 |

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Best Bowlers In India

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In India, cricket is more than just a sport; it's a national feeling, an emotion that brings millions of people together. Even though the batters get most of the attention, it’s the bowlers who truly shape the game’s outcome. India has produced some of the best bowlers in the world.

They include famous spinners who can twist the ball like magic and strong fast bowlers who amaze batsmen. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the best bowlers in India, no matter how much you know about the game or how new you are to it. Get ready to learn more about these great cricket players who have represented India with honour on many international stages.

List of Best Indian Bowlers

List of Best Indian Bowlers

  1. Kapil Dev

  2. Anil Kumble

  3. Javagal Srinath

  4. Bishan Singh Bedi

  5. Erapalli Prasanna

  6. Venkatesh Prasad

  7. Narendra Hirwani

Kapil Dev: The All Round Dynamo

Kapil Dev, wearing a cricket jersey, standing on the field during a match, showcasing his iconic confident pose.

In Indian cricket, Kapil Dev is more than simply a name. He is a symbol of perseverance and achievement. Born on January 6, 1959, Kapil's incredible all-around abilities revolutionised cricket in India. He was renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways and bowled quickly, which was uncommon among Indian bowlers at the time. With 434 wickets in 131 Test matches, Kapil was among India's top wicket-takers.

However, Kapil was more than simply a bowler. When India won the Cricket World Cup in 1983, his batting prowess peaked. His historic 175-run innings against Zimbabwe is still regarded as one of the greatest World Cup performances ever. A entire generation of cricket players were greatly impressed by Kapil's leadership, and his influence on Indian cricket is still felt today.

Kapil Dev - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj

Date of Birth

January 6, 1959

Bowling Style

Right-arm fast

Test Wickets

434

ODI Wickets

253

Major Achievement

1983 World Cup Winner

 


Anil Kumble: The Spin Wizard

Anil Kumble in action, wearing the Indian cricket team's whites, preparing to deliver a leg-spin bowling during a Test match.

Anil Kumble born on Oct 17, 1970 was also known as one of the best Spin bowlers in the entire cricket history. A lot of spin bowlers only use wrist spin, but Kumble came up with his own style that mixed precision with small changes, which made him very hard to beat. He had a great career and took 619 wickets in 132 Test matches, which made him India's all-time leader in Test wickets.

Kumble's best game was against Pakistan in Delhi in 1999, when he took all 10 wickets in one match, which isn't often done in cricket. Bowlers all over the world look up to him because of how hard he works, how smart he is, and how well he can handle stress. Kumble is admired for more than just his numbers; he is a true gentleman who lives by the spirit of the game.

Anil Kumble - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Anil Kumble

Date of Birth

October 17, 1970

Bowling Style

Leg-spin

Test Wickets

619

ODI Wickets

337

Major Achievement

Taking all 10 wickets in a Test innings (1999)

 


Javagal Srinath: India’s Premier Fast Bowler

Javagal Srinath, in full cricket gear, captured mid-delivery while bowling a fast ball on the cricket field.

Born on August 31, 1974, Javagal Srinath is frequently given credit for leading India's pace assault in the 1990s and the first part of the 2000s. At six feet four inches, Srinath was a powerful bowler who blended height and raw speed. He demonstrated his flexibility across formats by taking 315 wickets in 229 ODIs and 236 wickets in 67 Test matches.

India benefited greatly from Srinath's ability to bowl quickly even on subcontinental wickets that are often more inclined towards spin. He was instrumental in a number of noteworthy triumphs, such as the historic 2007 Test series victory in England. Future stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were made possible by Srinath's unwavering commitment to fitness and his never-ending quest for growth, which set new benchmarks for Indian fast bowlers.

Javagal Srinath - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Javagal Srinath

Date of Birth

August 31, 1974

Bowling Style

Right-arm fast

Test Wickets

236

ODI Wickets

315

Major Achievement

Leading India's pace attack in the 90s & 2000s

 


Bishan Singh Bedi: The Gentleman of Spin

Bishan Singh Bedi, wearing the classic Indian cricket whites, preparing to bowl with his graceful left-arm spin action.

He was born on September 25, 1946, and was in the "Legion of Doom" with Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. Bedi was a famous left-arm orthodox spin bowler who was known for his graceful style, perfect line and never-ending determination. He took 266 wickets in 67 Test matches, and batters were mesmerised by his ability to get turn and keep tight control.

Bedi had an effect that went beyond his numbers. He was a thinker on the pitch, and you could often see him planning plays and inspiring his friends. People still talk about his matches against the great West Indian and Australian players of his time as some of the best in cricket history. The way Bedi worked to help young players improve and his work as a commentator and teacher for Indian cricket will never be forgotten.

Bishan Singh Bedi - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Bishan Singh Bedi

Date of Birth

September 25, 1946

Bowling Style

Left-arm orthodox spin

Test Wickets

266

ODI Wickets

170

Major Achievement

Part of the “Legion of Doom” spin quartet

 


Erapalli Prasanna: The Chess Master of Spin

Erapalli Prasanna, captured in a vintage photo, delivering his signature right-arm off-spin bowling in a match.

Erapalli Prasanna, who was born on June 17, 1932, and was known as "Prash," was another great Indian spin bowler. Together with the other bowlers in the "Legion of Doom," Prasanna gave the Indian team a unique mix of imagination and control. He was very sneaky and could change his speed and direction, which made him a problem for batsmen. He was known for his off-spin.

Prasanna took 217 wickets in 46 Test matches. His best bowling stats were 7/83 against Pakistan in 1967. He worked well with Bedi and Chandrasekhar to make a strong spin trio that ruled the bowling world at the time. Prasanna was one of the best spin bowlers in cricket history because he was smart on the pitch and could adjust to different circumstances.

Erapalli Prasanna - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Erapalli Prasanna

Date of Birth

June 17, 1932

Bowling Style

Right-arm off-spin

Test Wickets

217

ODI Wickets

0 (Played before ODI prominence)

Major Achievement

Part of the legendary “Legion of Doom” spin trio

 


Venkatesh Prasad: The Accurate Medium-Pacer

Venkatesh Prasad, wearing India's ODI jersey, delivering a ball with a focused expression during a match.

Venkatesh Prasad, who was born April 5, 1969, was an important bowler for India in the 1990s. Prasad, who was famous for bowling accurately at medium speed and being able to swing the ball, played a big role in India's wins. Two hundred and sixty-nine Tests and two hundred and eighty One-Day Internationals (ODIs) were played by him.

Prasad's most famous achievement was in the 1996 World Cup, when he took important wickets in the last few overs to help India win against all odds. He was a reliable bowler when things got tough because he kept his cool and worked methodically. Prasad worked as a coach and consultant for the next generation of Indian bowlers after he stopped playing cricket.

Venkatesh Prasad - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Venkatesh Suresh Prasad

Date of Birth

April 5, 1969

Bowling Style

Right-arm medium pace

Test Wickets

259

ODI Wickets

287

Major Achievement

Key player in India's 1996 World Cup win

 


Narendra Hirwani: The Debut Sensation

Narendra Hirwani, in a close-up shot, showcasing his poised expression and focus on the cricket field.

Narendra Hirwani made a sensational debut in Test cricket. In his very first Test match against the West Indies in 1988 he took 16 wickets including 8/61 in the first innings which remains one of the best debut performances in cricket history of all time. Although his career didn’t sustain the heights of his debut, Hirwani took 170 wickets in 35 Test matches.

Known for his leg-spin, he was a talented bowler who could turn the ball sharply and deceive batsmen with his variations. Despite facing competition and injuries, his remarkable entry into international cricket remains a highlight in Indian bowling history.

Narendra Hirwani - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Narendra Krishna Hirwani

Date of Birth

September 25, 1968

Bowling Style

Right-arm leg-spin

Test Wickets

170

ODI Wickets

2

Major Achievement

16 wickets in debut Test match (1988)

 


List of Current Star Best Bowlers of India

  1. Jasprit Bumrah

  2. Mohammed Shami

  3. Yuzvendra Chahal

  4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

  5. Mohammed Siraj

  6. Shardul Thakur

  7. Kuldeep Yadav

  8. Navdeep Saini

  9. Arshdeep Singh

Jasprit Bumrah: The Precision Bowler

Jasprit Bumrah mid-action during a cricket match, delivering a powerful right-arm fast ball in India’s cricket jersey.

Born on December 6, 1993, Jasprit Bumrah has rapidly rose to become one of the world's top fast bowlers. Bumrah's unusual bowling movement allows him to create remarkable velocity and accuracy. His ability to deliver yorkers on demand, particularly in the last overs, makes him important in limited overs cricket.

Bumrah has now taken over 200 wickets in ODIs and has contributed significantly to India's success in both ODIs and T20Is. His performances in important games, including the 2019 World Cup, have solidified his image as a match-winner. Off the pitch, Bumrah's calm demeanour and unwavering work ethic motivate his teammates and young bowlers around the country.

Jasprit Bumrah - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Jasprit Bumrah

Date of Birth

December 6, 1993

Bowling Style

Right-arm fast

Test Wickets

110

ODI Wickets

221

Major Achievement

Key performances in 2019 World Cup

 


Mohammed Shami: The Swing Specialist

Mohammed Shami, wearing the Indian jersey, preparing to bowl a swing delivery with precision during a cricket match.

Mohammed Shami was born on September 3, 1990, and is another important fast bowler for India. He is known for his deadly Yorkers and the fact that he can swing the ball both ways. Shami has been a consistent worker in all formats. He is known for getting important wickets in the middle overs and has taken over 300 wickets in Test cricket.

From poor to best bowler in the world that is Shami. This in itself shows how determined, tough he is. The Indian rise to the top of the world cricket has been in a big way facilitated by his great performance in each important match, particularly that played abroad. Shami will thus be a great asset in the Indian team since, under pressure, he can produce good results and is flexible.

Mohammed Shami - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Mohammed Shami

Date of Birth

September 3, 1990

Bowling Style

Right-arm fast

Test Wickets

308

ODI Wickets

233

Major Achievement

Key wickets in overseas series

 


Yuzvendra Chahal: The Spin Magician

Yuzvendra Chahal smiling and standing in the Indian blue ODI jersey, holding the cricket ball ready for his spin delivery.

Yuzvendra Chahal was born on July 23, 1990. He grew up to be counted among the very best in India when it came to leg-spin in limited-overs cricket, sharp in his turn, subtle in his variation, and wise in bowling. Chahal has picked up more than 150 wickets in ODIs and been consistently performing well in T20s.

Chahal has been quite significant for India in both ODIs and T20s with his partnership-breaker and building pressure in the middle overs. Performances at the IPL, for franchises such as Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals, have honed his skills further and showcased his talent on the global platform. The tactical acumen and flair make Chahal one of the stand-out bowlers in the modern game.

Yuzvendra Chahal - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Yuzvendra Chahal

Date of Birth

July 23, 1990

Bowling Style

Right-arm leg-spin

Test Wickets

12

ODI Wickets

130

Major Achievement

Consistent performances in IPL and international cricket

 


Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The Swing Maestro

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, captured mid-action while bowling a swinging delivery in the Indian team’s ODI jersey.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was born on February 5, 1990, is famous for how well fast he bowls both normal and reverse swing. He is a strong threat in all types of cricket because he can hit the ball late and keep his lines tight. As a bowler, Bhuvneshwar has been very important to India's team, taking over 200 wickets in ODIs.

In many situations where a win was needed, Bhuvneshwar's precise and controlled bowling in the last few overs made all the difference. He is flexible enough to work well both at home and abroad because he can change to different situations. His services to the IPL, where he has been a consistent performer, also show how skilled and important he is to Indian cricket.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Date of Birth

February 5, 1990

Bowling Style

Right-arm medium swing

Test Wickets

115

ODI Wickets

250

Major Achievement

Exceptional swing bowling in death overs

 


Mohammed Siraj: The Rising Star

Mohammed Siraj in the Indian cricket jersey, celebrating after taking a crucial wicket during a match.

Mohammed Siraj was born on March 13, 1994, and is one of the brightest talents in Indian fast bowling today. Pace, aggression, and an ability to bowl long spells have carved his place in both Test and limited-overs cricket for Siraj. He had been fantastic in the Test series against Australia in 2021 and was really pivotal in India's historic series win in the country.

Siraj's is a story of progression, from representing the country in domestic cricket to going on to play for India in global cricket. His drive for getting better at his trade and a fearless approach towards the game make him one of the promising Indian cricket talents to watch out for in the near future. As he grows into it and gathers more experience, Siraj is surely in line for becoming a regular fixture in India's bowling line up.

Mohammed Siraj - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Mohammed Siraj

Date of Birth

March 13, 1994

Bowling Style

Right-arm fast

Test Wickets

67

ODI Wickets

76

Major Achievement

Crucial role in India's 2021 Australia series win

 


Shardul Thakur: The Knuckleball Specialist

Shardul Thakur, in action on the cricket field, bowling with precision and focus in India’s blue jersey.

Born on October 16, 1991, Shardul Thakur has grown to be a vital member of India's bowling lineup. Thakur has demonstrated his worth in both Test and limited-overs formats and is well-known for his ability to deliver variations like the knuckleball and his talent for grabbing wickets at critical times. He has been a key member of India's T20 team and has claimed more over 200 wickets in ODIs.

Thakur's ability to produce under pressure has been demonstrated by his IPL performances, particularly with the Rajasthan Royals. His tenacity and capacity to recover from injuries show how dedicated and determined he is to the game. Thakur is a dynamic player whose all-around skills provide the Indian squad depth.

Shardul Thakur - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Shardul Narendra Thakur

Date of Birth

October 16, 1991

Bowling Style

Right-arm medium-fast

Test Wickets

58

ODI Wickets

117

Major Achievement

Key performances in IPL and international matches

 


Kuldeep Yadav: The Left-Arm Spin Dynamo

Kuldeep Yadav mid-delivery in a cricket match, showcasing his left-arm wrist-spin bowling technique in the Indian jersey.

Kuldeep Yadav was born on December 14, 1994. Kuldeep Yadav's left-arm wrist-spin adds a spark to India's spin attack with his sharp turn in the ball and precision at deliveries. Kuldeep has taken more than 100 wickets in both ODIs and T20s. He has been quite impressive in breaking partnerships and controlling the run flow.

Kuldeep's performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL brought his talent and potential into the limelight. He has this knack of picking wickets in the middle overs and stopping runs in the death overs, which is a great value to the team. The fighting spirit and improvement that Kuldeep carries make him one of the mainstays in India's spin lineup.

Kuldeep Yadav - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Kuldeep Yadav

Date of Birth

December 14, 1994

Bowling Style

Left-arm wrist-spin

Test Wickets

10

ODI Wickets

108

Major Achievement

Effective performances in IPL and international cricket

 


Navdeep Saini, in the Indian cricket team jersey, captured mid-run-up while bowling a fast delivery.

Navdeep Saini was born on October 16, 1994, and has been one of the talented and prospective Indian fast bowlers. He, by nature, possesses real pace and can manage with a good spell to earn wickets for his side. Saini may be a decent choice with both Test and limited-over cricket. In IPL cricket, he was promising in the Delhi Capitals especially because he could bowl both with variations and to the finest set of batsmen.

Saini's trudge through the domestic level and his rise into national cricket speaks volumes of his diligence and hard work. Certainly, with the ability to bowl brisk pace and produce under pressure, Saini is set to become the most prized assets for India in the years to come. His further development and gains in experience will be indispensable for India in their futuristic bowling plans.

Navdeep Saini - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Navdeep Saini

Date of Birth

October 16, 1994

Bowling Style

Right-arm fast

Test Wickets

16

ODI Wickets

20

Major Achievement

Impressive performances in IPL and domestic cricket

 


Arshdeep Singh: The Rising Fast Bowler

Arshdeep Singh, in India’s ODI jersey, bowling a sharp delivery with focus and intensity during a cricket match.

Arshdeep Singh is one of the brightest among the multitude of talented fast bowlers coming out of India. Born on September 5, 1999, Arshdeep made a name very quickly by gaining phenomenal pace and learning how to bowl with sleight of hand. First at the national and later at the international levels, he started representing the Indian cricket team during his representation in the Indian Premier League while playing for Punjab Kings.

He has been known for maintaining consistency above 140 km/h regularly and manages to swing the ball either way, which makes life difficult for the batsmen. Since coming into international cricket, Arshdeep has picked up vital wickets for the team and has become an essential member of the Indian bowling group. The dedication he has shown to the art of acquiring skills, along with his fearless approach on the field, have earned him respect from his teammates and experts in the cricket world. Arshdeep Singh, with his bright performances, is likely to emerge as a regular in the fast bowling armory of Indian cricket.

Arshdeep Singh - Key Details

Detail

Information

Full Name

Arshdeep Singh

Date of Birth

September 5, 1999

Bowling Style

Right-arm medium-fast

Test Wickets

10

ODI Wickets

25

Major Achievement

Notable performances in IPL and international matches


Emerging Talents In Indian Bowling Squad:-

India’s cricketing future looks bright with a new generation of bowlers ready to take the mantle. Players like Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, and Navdeep Saini are making significant strides in international cricket. Additionally, young talents such as Mohammed Siraj and others are stepping up to fill the gaps and add depth to the bowling lineup.

1. Shivam Mavi: The Young Fast Bowler

Shivam Mavi has impressed everybody with his consistent pace and ability to bowl Yorkers. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, Shivam took crucial wickets in tight matches, helping his team win important games.

2. Kartik Tyagi: The Speedster with Swing

Kartik Tyagi is known for his raw speed and excellent swing. Representing Punjab Kings in the IPL, he made headlines by taking five wickets in a single match, showcasing his ability to change the game with his pace and accuracy.

3. Ravi Bishnoi: The Young Leg-Spinner

Ravi Bishnoi has emerged as a promising leg-spinner with sharp turn and variations. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he picked up key wickets in pressure situations, highlighting his potential to become a mainstay in India's spin attack.

4. Chetan Sakariya: The Reverse Swing Specialist

Chetan Sakariya stands out with his ability to swing the ball both ways, especially reverse swing. Representing Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Chetan took four wickets in a crucial match against a top team, proving his capability to perform under pressure.

5. Yash Dhull: The All-Round Genius

Yash Dhull adds versatility to the bowling lineup with his ability to bowl both medium-fast and off-spin. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Yash impressed with his all-round performances, including a match-winning innings and key wickets.

6. Nikhil Zawar: The Promising Fast Bowler

Nikhil Zawar has shown great promise with consistent performances in domestic cricket. Representing Delhi Capitals in the IPL, Nikhil delivered tight spells and took crucial wickets at important moments, demonstrating his potential to climb higher in Indian cricket.

7. Akash Madhwal: The Young Pace Whiz

Akash Madhwal is known for his aggressive bowling style and impressive pace. Playing for Punjab in domestic tournaments, Akash took three wickets in a high-pressure IPL match, marking him as a future talent to watch.

8. Shubham Singh: The Emerging Spinner

Shubham Singh has started making his presence felt with effective spin bowling. Representing Mumbai in domestic cricket, he took several significant wickets, earning a spot in India’s future plans.

9. Aditya Tare: The Young Swing Bowler

Aditya Tare has shown remarkable skill in swinging the ball, both conventional and reverse. Playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Aditya took vital wickets in tight matches, proving his ability to perform under pressure.

10. Prashant Pathan: The Rising All-Rounder

Prashant Pathan is steadily rising with his all-round capabilities, contributing with both bat and ball. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he took key wickets and scored crucial runs in tight games, showcasing his versatility.

11. Mayank Yadav: The Fast Bowler with Lightning Speed

Mayank Yadav is one of the newest additions to India’s pace lineup, known for his incredible speed. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Mayank bowled at speeds exceeding 156 km/h and took three wickets in the death overs of a key match, marking him as a promising fast-bowling talent for India’s future.

These emerging talents, combined with the experience of established stars, ensure that India’s bowling department remains strong and competitive on the global stage.


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Wrapping Up

India’s bowlers have been the unsung heroes behind many of the country’s cricketing triumphs. From the legendary spinners like Anil Kumble and Bishan Singh Bedi to modern-day fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, Indian bowlers have consistently showcased their talent, resilience, and adaptability. The blend of experience and fresh talent ensures that India remains a formidable force in international cricket.

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