Indian Cricket has seen some of the most talented bowlers of all time. From the likes of Fast bowlers like Kapil Dev & Zaheer Khan to spinners like Anil Kumble & Ashwin, India always had a challenging bowling line-up. In this article, we will talk about the ‘Top 10 Wicket Takers for India in Test Away From Home’; who have caused trouble for batters in world cricket.
1. Anil Kumble
The former Indian spinner Kumble tops the list with 269 wickets away from home. Kumble has played 69 matches away from home, picking 269 wickets at an average of 35.85, which is decent for a spinner away from home in less supportive conditions. Kumble is also the highest wicket-taker for India in tests, with 619 wickets in 132 test matches at an average of 29.65.
2. Kapil Dev
The former Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev also finds a place in this list with 215 wickets away from home. Kapil has played 66 matches away from home, picking 215 wickets at an average of 32.85. Kapil was leading the Indian pace battery at his time, along with having an impact with the bat. Overall, in his career, Kapil Dev has 434 wickets in 131 test matches at an average of 29.64.
3. Zaheer Khan
The former Indian pacer finds a place in this list with 207 away test match wickets. Zaheer has played 54 away test matches, picking 207 wickets at an average of 31.47. Zaheer averages below 30 in four different countries, which shows his adaptability to different conditions. Overall, Zaheer has played 92 test matches, picking 311 wickets at an average of 32.95.
4. Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma makes his way into this list with 207 wickets in away test matches. Ishant has played 63 test matches away from home, picking 207 wickets at an average of 32.78. Ishant was seen as a young talent during his debut; however, he showed his full potential under Kohli's captaincy, where he used to bowl long spells. In his test career, Ishant played 105 test matches, picking 311 wickets at an average of 32.40.
5. Mohammed Shami
The Indian pacer Shami finds a place in this list with 153 wickets in away test matches. Shami has played 43 away test matches, picking 153 wickets at an average of 30.49. Shami has been one of the best Indian pacers ever since his debut and bowls with probably the best seam position in modern cricket. In his Test career, Shami has played 64 test matches, picking 229 wickets at an average of 27.71.
6. Ravi Ashwin
The Indian spinner Ashwin makes a way in the list with 152 wickets away from home. Ashwin has played 39 matches away from home, picking 152 wickets at an average of 29.82. Ashwin has been a regular on the Indian test side since his debut in 2010. Overall, in his test career, Ashwin has played 94 test matches for India, picking 489 wickets at an average of 23.65.
7. Harbhajan Singh
Another former Indian spinner Harbhajan finds a place in the list with 152 wickets away from home. Harbhajan has played 48 test matches away from home, picking 152 wickets at an average of 38.90. However, his performance away was always a cause of concern, but he still played a crucial role in India's success away from in Ganguly era. In his test career, Harbhajan played 103 test matches, picking 417 test wickets at an average of 32.46.
8. Bishen Singh Bedi
The legendary Indian spinner makes his way into the list with 129 test wickets away from home. Bishen Singh Bedi played 37 away test matches, picking 129 wickets at an average of 33.72. Bedi was part of the famous Indian spin quartet that dominated in the 60s and 70s. Overall, in his test career, Bedi played 67 test matches, picking 266 wickets at an average of 28.71.
9. Jagaval Srinath
The former Indian pacer Srinath picked 128 test wickets in 35 away test matches at an average of 33.76. Nicknamed Mysore Express, Srinath was a force to reckon with in overseas conditions, while leading the Indian pace battery with very little support. Overall, in his test career, Srinath played 67 test matches, picking 236 test wickets at an average of 30.49.
10. Jasprit Bumrah
The last entry in the list is Bumrah, who has picked 114 away wickets in 26 test matches at an average of 22.77. Bumrah has the best average and strike rate in this list, which shows his importance. He was also the main reason why India won the series in Australia in 2018/19. Overall, in his test career, Bumrah has played 30 test matches, picking 128 wickets at an average of 21.99.
