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5 Bowlers With Most Wickets In Fourth Innings For India

Ravichandran Ashwin leads the wicket-taking charts for India in the fourth innings (X)Ravichandran Ashwin leads the wicket-taking charts for India in the fourth innings (X)

"Records are meant to be broken," they say, and Ravichandran Ashwin proved just that during the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai. With India storming to a commanding 280-run victory, Ashwin once again showcased his brilliance with the ball, registering a remarkable 6/88 in Bangladesh’s fourth innings.

The performance was historic, as it propelled Ashwin past Indian legend Anil Kumble to claim the record for most wickets in the fourth innings for India. As the dust settled on this feat, Ashwin's achievement provided the perfect moment to reflect on the other Indian bowlers who have been a thorn in the side of their opponents in the final moments of a Test match.

Here’s a detailed ranking of the top five Indian bowlers with the most wickets in the fourth innings:

5. Ishant Sharma: 54 wickets in 36 innings

Ishant Sharma (X)Ishant Sharma (X)

Known for his determination and ability to bend his back on the toughest pitches, Ishant Sharma has claimed 54 wickets in 36 fourth innings at an average of 24.37.

His height and steely demeanour often left batsmen in a bind, especially during the crunch moments of a match. His best performance of 7/74 in the fourth innings stands proof of his fighting spirit.

Throughout his 105-Test career, Ishant's overall tally of 311 wickets includes 11 five-wicket hauls, and in the twilight of many games, he was the silent warrior who delivered crucial breakthroughs when it mattered most.

4. Ravindra Jadeja: 54 wickets in 30 innings

Ravindra Jadeja (X)Ravindra Jadeja (X)

Ravindra Jadeja’s ability to turn the tide of matches in the blink of an eye is well known. A lethal force with both bat and ball, Jadeja’s fourth-innings brilliance has been one of the factors of India's success in recent years.

With 54 wickets in just 30 innings at an average of 23.03, his left-arm spin often dismantles batting orders late in matches. His best figures of 5/21 speak volumes of his ability to exploit crumbling pitches.

Overall, with 299 Test wickets and 13 five-wicket hauls to his name, Jadeja has shown that when the game is on the line, he’s the player India looks to for inspiration.


3. Bishan Singh Bedi: 60 wickets in 23 innings

Bishan Singh Bedi (X)Bishan Singh Bedi (X)

A master of flight and ploys, Bishan Singh Bedi terrorized batsmen with his left-arm orthodox spin in an era dominated by pace. In the fourth innings, his 60 wickets in just 23 innings at an incredible average of 14.46 are proof of his craft.

His best figures of 6/42 in a fourth inning speak volumes of how he could weave magic with the ball, even on the most docile of tracks.

Throughout his 67-match Test career, Bedi claimed 266 wickets at an average of 28.71, including 14 five-wicket hauls. His calm yet menacing approach in the final innings often spelled doom for opposition teams.

2. Anil Kumble: 94 wickets in 35 innings

Anil Kumble (X)Anil Kumble (X)

Anil Kumble’s name still sends shivers down the spine of batsmen who faced his relentless leg-spin. Kumble’s 94 wickets in 35 fourth innings at an average of 22.39 cement his place as one of India’s all-time greats.

Known for his ability to bowl tirelessly for hours on end, Kumble was often the man for a crisis. His fourth-innings exploits include five five-wicket hauls, and his best performance of 10/74 in a single innings is a record that might never be eclipsed.

Overall, Kumble’s remarkable career saw him pick up 619 wickets in 132 Tests, with 35 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls, and his ability to rise to the occasion in the most critical moments is what makes him a true Indian legend.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin: 99 wickets in 35 innings

Ravichandran Ashwin (X)Ravichandran Ashwin (X)

Ravichandran Ashwin has now firmly taken his place atop this elite list. With 99 wickets in 35 fourth innings at a stunning average of 19.06, Ashwin’s ability to break partnerships and dominate the game when it matters most is unparalleled.

His recent match-winning performance of 6/88 against Bangladesh underlines his mastery over opposition batsmen, particularly in pressure situations. Known for his tactical nous and variations, Ashwin’s tally includes several game-changing performances that have bailed India out of tricky situations.

With over 500 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin continues to be India’s talisman, particularly when the match is on the line, and his 99 fourth-innings wickets make him the undisputed king of the final day.