Wickets have shaped the outcome of some of the most iconic battles in the India vs England Test rivalry, a contest steeped in history, prestige, and fierce competitiveness. While batters often steal the limelight with monumental scores, it’s the bowlers who have truly turned games on their heads. From dustbowls in Chennai to swing-friendly mornings at Lord’s, it’s the hunt for wickets that has defined this clash, producing moments etched forever in cricketing folklore.
In this article, we spotlight the Top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in India vs England Test matches, showcasing legendary names from both sides who thrived under pressure and shaped this riveting rivalry.
5. Bishan Singh Bedi (India) – 85 Wickets
The most graceful left-arm spinner India has ever produced, Bishan Singh Bedi, relied on flight, guile, and unmatched control. His economy rate of just 2.12 in this list is a testament to his discipline and accuracy. BS Bedi’s spells often built pressure, allowing fellow spinners to attack from the other end. His best of 6/71 came in 1974, as he proved instrumental in spinning webs around England’s middle order.
Stats Table:
| Span | Matches | Innings | Balls | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967–1979 | 22 | 36 | 7173 | 1195.3 | 373 | 2539 | 85 | 6/71 | 29.87 | 2.12 | 84.38 | 5 | 4 |
4. Anil Kumble (India) – 92 Wickets
India’s most prolific Test wicket-taker, Anil Kumble, brought precision and patience to the forefront. Though not a big spinner of the ball, his relentless line and length tormented England over the years. Kumble’s best against England, 7/115 at the Oval in 2007, came late in his career but proved crucial in India’s series win on English soil. The quiet assassin was India’s go-to bowler in crucial sessions, often breaking partnerships with subtle variations.
Stats Table:
| Span | Matches | Innings | Balls | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990–2007 | 19 | 36 | 6434 | 1072.2 | 258 | 2815 | 92 | 7/115 | 30.59 | 2.62 | 69.93 | 4 | 4 |
3. BS Chandrasekhar (India) – 95 Wickets
The most unorthodox of India’s famed spin quartet, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, bowled with a whipping arm action and incredible wrist flexibility despite a polio-stricken right hand. Against England, his venomous leg-breaks and topspinners often bewildered batters unfamiliar with his pace and trajectory. His career-best 8/79 at The Oval in 1971 turned the tide in India’s favour and remains one of India’s most iconic overseas bowling performances.
Stats Table:
| Span | Matches | Innings | Balls | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964–1979 | 23 | 38 | 6199 | 1033.1 | 249 | 2591 | 95 | 8/79 | 27.27 | 2.50 | 65.25 | 3 | 8 |
2. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 114 Wickets
India’s modern-day spin wizard, Ravichandran Ashwin, has been England’s biggest nemesis on home soil. With his variations in flight, dip, and spin, Ashwin has dismantled England’s batting in venues like Chennai and Ahmedabad. His dominance against left-handers and clever use of the crease have brought him consistent success, and he remains India’s top wicket-taker against England in Tests. Ashwin’s 6/55 in Chennai in 2021 is etched in memory as he ran through a world-class England line-up.
Stats Table:
| Span | Matches | Innings | Balls | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2024 | 24 | 45 | 6383 | 1063.5 | 171 | 3161 | 114 | 6/55 | 27.72 | 2.97 | 55.99 | 3 | 8 |
1. James Anderson (England) – 149 Wickets
A master of swing and seam, James Anderson has terrorised Indian batters across generations. Making his debut against India in 2006, Anderson’s career against the Men in Blue has been a textbook on adaptability. From reverse swing in the subcontinent to hooping deliveries in English conditions, his relentless accuracy, fitness, and ability to reinvent himself made him a nightmare for Indian line-ups. Notably, he dismissed many modern-day greats, Tendulkar, Kohli, and Rahane, multiple times. His 5/20 in Chennai remains a blueprint for pace bowling on spin-friendly tracks.
Stats Table:
| Span | Matches | Innings | Balls | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2024 | 39 | 73 | 8318 | 1386.2 | 375 | 3796 | 149 | 5/20 | 25.47 | 2.73 | 55.82 | 7 | 6 |
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