Top 10 Best Bowlers in India | Ranked 2025
The game of cricket has often been glorified as a batsman’s paradise, where sixes and centuries make headlines. However, it’s the bowlers who shape the game’s rhythm, create pressure, and deliver those match-turning moments that define victories. In India, a country where batting legends are idolized, the contribution of bowlers has often been underappreciated—until now.
Over the years, India has produced a fine legacy of bowlers—masters of swing, seam, spin, and yorkers—who have time and again proven their mettle on both home soil and overseas conditions. As the game has evolved, so has India’s bowling arsenal. In 2025, Indian bowlers are not just complementing the team’s success—they are leading it.
List of Best Bowlers in India – Updated 2025
| Rank | Player | Formats | Matches | Wickets | Avg | Econ | SR | Best Figures | 4W / 5W | Bowling Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jasprit Bumrah | Test, ODI, T20I | 207 | 457 | 20.37 | 4.54 | 30.06 | 6/19 | 13/17 | Right-arm fast |
| 2 | Ravindra Jadeja | Test, ODI, T20I | 363 | 615 | 30.14 | 4.85 | 42.43 | 7/42 | 21/17 | Left-arm orthodox spin |
| 3 | Mohammed Shami | Test, ODI, T20I | 197 | 462 | 26.10 | 4.17 | 37.55 | 7/57 | 22/12 | Right-arm fast |
| 4 | Kuldeep Yadav | Test, ODI, T20I | 166 | 306 | 22.86 | 4.82 | 28.45 | 6/25 | 11/8 | Left-arm wrist spin (Chinaman) |
| 5 | Mohammed Siraj | Test, ODI, T20I | 101 | 208 | 29.12 | 5.51 | 34.90 | 6/15 | 10/6 | Right-arm fast |
| 6 | Axar Patel | Test, ODI, T20I | 153 | 198 | 25.28 | 4.29 | 35.34 | 6/38 | 2/5 | Left-arm orthodox spin |
| 7 | Hardik Pandya | Test, ODI, T20I | 219 | 202 | 30.91 | 6.02 | 30.76 | 5/28 | 4/1 | Right-arm medium-fast |
| 8 | Washington Sundar | Test, ODI, T20I | 90 | 104 | 26.61 | 5.05 | 35.10 | 7/59 | 3/1 | Right-arm off spin |
| 9 | Arshdeep Singh | ODI, T20I | 72 | 113 | 18.88 | 7.60 | 14.89 | 5/37 | 3/1 | Left-arm medium-fast |
| 10 | Varun Chakravarthy | ODI, T20I | 22 | 43 | 15.60 | 6.18 | 15.13 | 5/17 | 0/3 | Right-arm mystery spin |
Who is the Best Bowler in India?
India’s transformation into a fast-bowling powerhouse is one of the most inspiring stories in modern cricket. Once known primarily for its legendary spin bowlers, India has now developed a world-class pace attack that performs exceptionally well across all formats and in all conditions.
Today, Indian fast bowlers are known for their raw pace, swing, seam movement, and death-over mastery. They strike early with the new ball, build pressure in the middle overs, and finish strongly—contributing massively to India’s success in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
10.Varun Chakravarthy | 43 Wickets
Varun Chakravarthy has made a strong comeback to the Indian national team after a disappointing run in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Known for his mystery spin, he has been consistently taking wickets in the middle overs, building pressure, and aiding India’s bowling attack. With 43 wickets in 22 ODIs and T20Is at an impressive economy of 6.18, including three five-wicket hauls, Chakravarthy is currently rising in the ICC T20I bowler rankings and proving to be one of India’s most impactful bowlers in limited-overs cricket.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 4 | 10 | 19.00 | 4.75 | 24.00 | 5/42 | 0/1 |
| T20I | 18 | 33 | 14.57 | 7.02 | 12.4 | 5/17 | 0/2 |
| IPL | 84 | 100 | 23.85 | 7.57 | 18.8 | 5/20 | 1/1 |
9. Arshdeep Singh | 113 Wickets
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as one of India’s most promising bowlers in limited-overs cricket, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways with precision. Often compared to the legendary Zaheer Khan, Arshdeep brings a deceptive angle and sharp swing that troubles batters consistently. Currently ranked 10th in the ICC T20I Bowler Rankings, he has taken 113 wickets in 72 international matches, including 99 wickets in T20Is—the highest by any Indian bowler in the format. With an economy of 7.60 and an average of 18.88, Arshdeep is proving to be a match-winner and a vital asset for India in both white-ball and red-ball formate.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 9 | 14 | 23.00 | 5.17 | 26.6 | 5/37 | 1/1 |
| T20I | 63 | 99 | 18.30 | 8.29 | 13.2 | 4/9 | 2/0 |
| IPL | 82 | 97 | 26.49 | 8.99 | 17.6 | 5/32 | 2/1 |
8. Washington Sundar | 102 Wickets
Washington Sundar has established himself as a dependable all-format spinner for India, known for his economical bowling and smart use of variations. Initially recognized as a powerplay specialist in T20Is, he has consistently maintained tight lines and kept run rates in check across formats. Sundar played a key role in India’s famous Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020–21 win, showcasing his all-round skills. With 102 wickets in 88 international matches, an economy of 5.02, and an average of 25.84, he is seen as a potential successor to Ravichandran Ashwin in the Test format and remains one of India’s top 10 bowlers in 2025.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 13 | 32 | 28.46 | 3.37 | 50.50 | 11/115 | 3/1 |
| ODI | 23 | 24 | 27.87 | 4.84 | 34.5 | 3/30 | 0/0 |
| T20I | 54 | 48 | 23.50 | 6.94 | 20.3 | 3/15 | 0/0 |
| IPL | 66 | 39 | 36.82 | 7.69 | 28.6 | 3/16 | 0/0 |
7. Hardik Pandya | 202 Wickets
Hardik Pandya has cemented his place as one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket. Known for his explosive batting and lethal bowling, Pandya is also counted among India’s top bowlers in white-ball formats. His ability to break crucial partnerships, swing the ball, and deliver sharp bouncers makes him a vital asset for the Indian team.
Despite retiring from Test cricket, where he had also shown promise, Pandya continues to dominate in limited-overs formats. His unforgettable spell in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final is still etched in fans’ memories as a match-winning performance under pressure.
In his international career so far, Hardik has played 219 matches across formats, picking up 202 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.02 and an average of 30.91. His consistency in taking wickets without leaking runs highlights his value as a bowler who delivers when it matters most.
Hardik Pandya is not just an all-rounder — he’s a game-changer.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 11 | 17 | 31.05 | 3.38 | 55.1 | 6/50 | 0/1 |
| ODI | 94 | 91 | 35.50 | 5.60 | 38.00 | 4/24 | 1/0 |
| T20I | 114 | 94 | 26.43 | 8.20 | 19.3 | 4/16 | 3/0 |
| IPL | 152 | 78 | 31.94 | 9.18 | 20.8 | 5/36 | 0/1 |
6. Axar Patel | 198 Wickets
Axar Patel has quietly established himself as one of India’s most economical and reliable spinners. Although he spent the early years of his career waiting for opportunities, he has now become a key figure in India’s bowling attack across formats.
His breakthrough came during his memorable Test debut against England in 2021, where he bamboozled the English batters with his tight lines and deceptive drift. Axar’s ability to bowl accurately and consistently, along with his subtle variations, makes him a tough bowler to score off.
With 198 wickets in 153 international matches, an economy of just 4.29, and a superb bowling average of 25.28, Axar continues to prove his value as a dependable match-winner for India.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 14 | 55 | 19.34 | 2.51 | 46.1 | 11/70 | 2/5 |
| ODI | 68 | 72 | 32.94 | 4.49 | 43.9 | 3/24 | 0/0 |
| T20I | 71 | 71 | 22.12 | 7.30 | 18.1 | 3/9 | 0/0 |
| IPL | 162 | 128 | 31.60 | 7.34 | 25.8 | 4/21 | 1/0 |
Also read-Top 10 Best Cricket Team in the World – Ranked 2025
5. Mohammed Siraj | 198 Wickets
Mohammed Siraj has emerged as one of India’s most impactful fast bowlers in recent years. Though his international career began on a slow note, his breakthrough came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2020–21, where he made his Test debut and instantly impressed with his discipline and aggression.
Since then, Siraj has been a consistent performer for India across all formats. Known for bowling sharp lengths and maintaining relentless pressure, he has delivered in crucial moments — be it in overseas tours, the ICC World Cup 2023, or the Asia Cup 2023.
In 99 international matches so far, Siraj has taken 198 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17 and an average of 29.06. One of his standout performances came during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he played all five Tests. In the final match, with the series on the line, Siraj stepped up with a brilliant 5/104 in the second innings, helping India secure a memorable win and level the series.
From a struggling start to becoming India’s pace spearhead — Mohammed Siraj’s journey is a tale of resilience and rising to the occasion.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 41 | 123 | 31.05 | 3.57 | 52.10 | 9/190 | 7/5 |
| ODI | 44 | 71 | 24.04 | 5.18 | 27.8 | 6/21 | 2/1 |
| T20I | 16 | 14 | 32.28 | 7.79 | 24.8 | 4/17 | 1/0 |
| IPL | 108 | 109 | 30.72 | 8.73 | 21.1 | 4/17 | 3/0 |
4. Kuldeep Yadav | 306 Wickets
Kuldeep Yadav stands out as one of India’s most unique and difficult bowlers to face. As a rare left-arm wrist spinner, he possesses the rare ability to spin the ball both ways with minimal cues, making life tough for even the most seasoned batters.
Once part of the iconic “Kul-Cha” duo with Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep became a key wicket-taker in the middle overs, consistently troubling opposition batters. Though he faced a dip in form, he made a remarkable comeback — sharper, more controlled, and even more effective at breaking partnerships without leaking runs.
In his international career so far, Kuldeep has played 166 matches and taken an impressive 306 wickets with an economy rate of 4.82 and a stellar average of 22.86. His revival and consistent impact make him one of India’s best bowlers in modern cricket.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 13 | 56 | 22.16 | 3.55 | 37.3 | 8/113 | 3/4 |
| ODI | 113 | 181 | 26.44 | 4.99 | 31.7 | 6/25 | 7/2 |
| T20I | 40 | 69 | 14.07 | 6.77 | 12.4 | 5/17 | 1/2 |
| IPL | 98 | 102 | 26.95 | 8.03 | 20.1 | 4/14 | 4/0 |
3. Mohammed Shami | 462 Wickets
Mohammed Shami is widely regarded as one of the best seam bowlers in the world. Known for his immaculate seam position and ability to generate movement off the pitch, Shami has consistently troubled top batters across formats. A proven wicket-taker, he has been a vital part of India’s pace attack in both Tests and ODIs.
Shami’s most iconic performance came during the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand, where he delivered a career-best spell of 7/57 — a match-winning effort that highlighted his ability to rise to big occasions.
Despite battling injuries in recent years, which have limited his appearances, Shami’s impact remains undiminished. In 197 international matches, he has taken 462 wickets at an economy of 4.17 and an average of 26.10 — underlining his consistency and match-winning pedigree.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 64 | 229 | 27.71 | 3.30 | 50.2 | 9/118 | 12/6 |
| ODI | 108 | 206 | 24.05 | 5.58 | 25.8 | 7/57 | 10/6 |
| T20I | 25 | 27 | 28.18 | 8.95 | 18.8 | 3/15 | 0/0 |
| IPL | 119 | 133 | 28.18 | 8.63 | 19.5 | 4/11 | 2/0 |
2. Ravindra Jadeja | 611 Wickets
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most experienced and dependable bowlers in India’s lineup. Known for his tight left-arm orthodox spin, he bowls with incredible accuracy and pace, often finishing his overs in a flash and building pressure with consistency.
A true all-rounder, Jadeja has contributed significantly with both bat and ball across all formats. He’s also widely regarded as the best fielder in world cricket, turning matches with his athleticism and sharp throws. Though he has retired from T20Is, he remains a vital player in Tests and ODIs.
Over 361 international matches, Jadeja has picked up 611 wickets at an economy rate of 4.84 and an average of 30.06. He’s known to deliver breakthroughs just when the team needs them most, proving his match-winning instincts time and again.
Ranked second among India’s best bowlers, Jadeja is not just a cricketer — he’s a complete package every team dreams of.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 85 | 330 | 25.16 | 2.57 | 58.50 | 10/110 | 14/15 |
| ODI | 204 | 231 | 35.41 | 4.85 | 43.7 | 5/33 | 7/2 |
| T20I | 74 | 54 | 29.85 | 7.13 | 25.1 | 3/15 | 0/0 |
| IPL | 254 | 170 | 30.51 | 7.67 | 23.8 | 5/16 | 3/1 |
1. Jasprit Bumrah | 455 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation talent who has redefined fast bowling with his unique action, calm demeanor, and deadly accuracy. Capable of swinging the ball, firing in toe-crushing yorkers, and delivering fierce bouncers, Bumrah is a complete fast bowler who thrives under pressure.
Often referred to as the backbone of India’s bowling attack, his presence alone can shift the momentum of a game. While his unconventional action has made him injury-prone, it hasn’t stopped him from delivering world-class performances time and again.
In his international career so far, Bumrah has played 206 matches and taken 455 wickets with a brilliant economy of 4.54 and an outstanding average of 20.25. He is currently regarded as the best bowler in the world and is undoubtedly the finest yorker specialist India has ever produced.
When Jasprit Bumrah is on the field, every batter knows — survival won’t be easy.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 4W / 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 48 | 219 | 19.82 | 2.78 | 42.6 | 9/86 | 7/15 |
| ODI | 89 | 149 | 23.55 | 4.59 | 30.7 | 6/19 | 6/2 |
| T20I | 70 | 89 | 17.74 | 6.27 | 16.9 | 3/7 | 0/0 |
| IPL | 145 | 183 | 22.02 | 7.24 | 18.2 | 5/10 | 3/2 |
Who is the Best Bowler in India of All Time?
Anil Kumble holds the title of the best bowler in India of all time. Nicknamed “Jumbo” for his fast spin deliveries, Kumble was a nightmare for batters across the globe. His sharp accuracy and relentless intensity made him one of the greatest match-winners India has ever produced.
In a legendary career spanning 401 international matches, Kumble took an astonishing 953 wickets, placing him among the highest wicket-takers in the history of the game. His 619 Test wickets alone stand as a testament to his unmatched bowling prowess.
One of his most iconic achievements is the rare feat of taking all 10 wickets in a single Test innings — a record that remains etched in cricketing history.
Anil Kumble’s legacy goes beyond numbers — he was a true warrior on the field and a bowler who led by example. Without a doubt, he is India’s greatest bowler of all time.
