In the rich history of Indian cricket, few achievements stand taller than taking a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. It’s a symbol of bowling dominance, skill, and control. Over the decades, several Indian bowlers have repeatedly stunned the world with such match-winning performances. In this article, we bring you the top 10 Indian bowlers with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests in simple words and with detailed stats.
List of Top 10 Heroes with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests
10. Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan was the face of India’s pace attack for over a decade. A master of reverse swing and seam movement, Zaheer played a key role in India’s success overseas in the 2000s. His memorable spells in England, Australia, and South Africa made him one of the best Indian pacers of his era. Though primarily known for his consistency and discipline, Zaheer still managed to record Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests 11 times in his career, which is an impressive feat for a fast bowler playing in subcontinent conditions.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
---|---|---|---|---|
92 | 165 | 311 | 7/87 | 11 |
9. Subhash Gupte

Before the rise of India’s famous spin quartet, there was Subhash Gupte. Known for his incredible wrist spin, Gupte troubled batters with his accuracy and flight. Playing in an era with limited Test matches, his impact was immense. He was considered among the best leg-spinners in the world during his time. Subhash Gupte recorded Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests on 12 occasions, a number that could have been much higher with more opportunities.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
36 | 61 | 149 | 9/102 | 12 |
8. Bishan Singh Bedi

Bishan Singh Bedi was elegance personified with the ball. A classical left-arm spinner, Bedi’s bowling relied on flight, drift, and turn. He formed a key part of India’s famous spin quartet and led India in many Tests. Bedi played during a golden phase for Indian spin bowling and delivered consistent performances. His 14 five-wicket hauls highlight his ability to outthink batters. Bedi’s name will always be remembered among those with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
67 | 118 | 266 | 7/98 | 14 |
7. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah burst onto the Test scene with unorthodox action and lethal pace. Since his debut, Bumrah has become India’s go-to bowler in tough overseas conditions. His ability to swing the ball late, bowl pinpoint yorkers, and maintain pressure has made him a rare gem in Indian cricket. Despite playing fewer Tests so far, he has already claimed 14 five-wicket hauls. His journey towards breaking records for Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests is just beginning.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
46 | 88 | 210 | 6/27 | 14 |
6. Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is a complete package. Apart from his all-round abilities, his bowling has matured into a deadly weapon in Test cricket. On turning Indian pitches, Jadeja’s speed, control, and sharp spin make him unplayable. With 15 five-wicket hauls, Jadeja is steadily climbing the ladder for Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests. He is not only Ashwin’s spin partner but also a match-winner in his own right.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
81 | 152 | 324 | 7/42 | 15 |
5. BS Chandrasekhar

BS Chandrasekhar was known for his fast leg-spin and unpredictability. He had a unique action and explosive deliveries that shocked even the best batters of his time. Despite suffering from polio, he became a match-winner for India. With 16 five-wicket hauls, Chandrasekhar features prominently in the record books for Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests. His best of 8/79 remains one of the finest bowling performances in Indian cricket.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
58 | 97 | 242 | 8/79 | 16 |
4. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev is one of the finest all-rounders India has ever produced. But apart from his batting, his bowling was sharp, aggressive, and consistent. He led the Indian pace attack for over a decade and inspired a generation of fast bowlers. With 23 five-wicket hauls, Kapil’s name is etched in the history of Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests. His ability to deliver match-winning spells under pressure was unmatched.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
131 | 227 | 434 | 9/83 | 23 |
3. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh brought aggression and energy to India’s spin bowling. His performances against Australia, especially the historic 2001 series, remain legendary. Harbhajan had a special ability to take big wickets in pressure moments. With 25 five-wicket hauls, he proudly holds a high position among bowlers with the Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests. He played a vital role in India’s rise in world cricket during the 2000s.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
103 | 190 | 417 | 8/84 | 25 |
2. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble is a name that defines consistency and excellence. India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, Kumble was known for his relentless accuracy and fighting spirit. His best performance came when he took all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999. With 35 five-wicket hauls, he stands second in the list of Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests. Kumble’s contribution goes beyond numbers he was a true warrior.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
132 | 236 | 619 | 10/74 | 35 |
1. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has redefined spin bowling in Indian Test cricket. From his debut in 2011, Ashwin has been unstoppable, especially in home conditions. He combines variation, intelligence, and precision to dominate batters. With 37 five-wicket hauls and still going strong, Ashwin leads the chart for Most 5 Wicket Hauls in an Innings for India in Tests. His ability to adapt and perform across formats makes him one of the greatest bowlers India has ever seen.
Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | 5-Wicket Hauls |
106 | 200 | 537 | 7/59 | 37 |
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FAQ
Q1. Who has the most five-wicket hauls for India in Test cricket?
A: Ravichandran Ashwin leads with 37 five-wicket hauls.
Q2. Which Indian fast bowler has the most five-wicket hauls in Tests?
A: Kapil Dev leads among fast bowlers with 23 five-wicket hauls, followed by Jasprit Bumrah with 14.
Q3. How many five-wicket hauls does Anil Kumble have?
A: Kumble has taken 35 five-wicket hauls in Tests.
Q4. Who is the only Indian bowler to take all 10 wickets in an innings?
A: Anil Kumble, with his iconic 10/74 vs Pakistan in 1999.
Q5. Who is India’s best Test bowler right now?
A: Currently, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah are India’s top-performing Test bowlers.