ODI India is undeniably one of the dominant forces in world cricket. Although they haven’t secured a 50-over ICC trophy since 2013, they have consistently reached the semi-finals of every 50-over ICC event since their 2011 World Cup triumph. Their performances in bilateral series have also been exceptional.
Indian pitches are typically batting-friendly, posing a challenge for bowlers in limited-overs cricket. Additionally, the smaller ground dimensions further favor batters, making high-scoring encounters a common sight.
5. Harbhajan Singh – 265 Wickets
Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is among India’s most celebrated spinners. A key figure in India’s victorious campaigns at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, Harbhajan was a crucial match-winner with the ball.
In his ODI career, he claimed 265 wickets in 234 matches at an average of 33, including three five-wicket hauls.
4. Zaheer Khan – 269 Wickets
Zaheer Khan, one of India’s greatest fast bowlers, ranks fourth on the list of India’s leading ODI wicket-takers.
With 269 wickets in 194 matches at an average of 30, Zaheer played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning campaign. He finished as the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker, securing 21 scalps in nine games at an average of 18. His ODI career also included one five-wicket haul.
3. Ajit Agarkar – 288 Wickets
Ajit Agarkar, known for his ability to strike with both the new and old ball, was one of India’s finest pace-bowling all-rounders.
Making his debut in 1998, Agarkar picked up 288 wickets in 191 ODIs at an average of 27, with three five-wicket hauls to his name.
3. Javagal Srinath – 315 Wickets
The Karnataka speedster ended his ODI career with 315 wickets in 229 matches at an average of 28, including three five-wicket hauls.
1. Anil Kumble – 334 Wickets
India’s highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, Anil Kumble, was a relentless match-winner with his sharp accuracy and variations.
Kumble picked up 334 wickets in 269 matches at an average of 30 and an economy rate of 4.3. He also took two five-wicket hauls in his career.
He was the leading wicket-taker in the 1996 World Cup with 15 wickets but, despite his illustrious career, never won a World Cup title.