5 ODI Series Where India Lost Most Wickets To Spin

Sri Lanka spinners took 27 wickets in 3 ODIs vs India [X]

Indian batters’ ability to play spin bowling is well-documented and revered across the cricketing world. Known for their deft footwork and impeccable technique, Indian batters are traditionally masters at playing spin.

However, this reputation has been put to the test in several bilateral series where India's batters have unexpectedly stalled against the spinners.

The challenges faced have not only been proof of the quality of opposition spinners but also highlighted moments of vulnerability in an otherwise dominant narrative by Indian batters.

Here are the top five instances where Indian batters lost the most wickets against spin in a bilateral series:

5. vs Pakistan, 2005 (18 wickets in 6 ODIs)

Arshad Khan celebrates after dismissing Sachin Tendulkar [X]

The six-match ODI series in 2005 on Indian soil saw Pakistan's spinners turn the tables quite literally.

Played across various Indian venues, the series witnessed Pakistan's spin contingent, particularly Arshad Khan, who took 9 wickets, challenge the Indian batsmen on pitches that were familiar yet laden with difficulties.

Supported by Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, and Danish Kaneria’s spin bowling, Pakistan overcame an initial 2-0 deficit to clinch the series 4-2.

Their ability to adapt and exploit the dual-natured pitches displayed their understanding of the conditions, ultimately scripting a remarkable comeback and guiding their team to a win against their arch-rivals.

4. vs Sri Lanka, 1997 (18 wickets in 4 ODIs)

Sri Lankan spinners celebrating after dismissing Indian batter [X]

On their own turf in 1997, Sri Lanka's spinners turned the screws on the visiting Indian team during a four-match ODI series.

The spin of Muttiah Muralitharan (3 wickets), Kumar Dharmasena (3), Aravinda de Silva (3), and the all-around spin contributions from Sanath Jayasuriya (4) and Upul Chandana (4) left the Indian batsmen in a tangle.

Collectively, the Sri Lankan spinners secured 18 wickets, spinning a narrative of dominance that led them to a 3-0 series victory, with one game washed out.

The islanders' depth in spin bowling was a masterclass in how to exploit home advantage, something which has been evident is the following years.

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3. vs Pakistan, 1998 (21 wickets in 5 ODIs)

Sourav Ganguly during the infamous series [X]

The saga continued in Toronto in the 1998 Friendship Cup, where India once again stumbled against Pakistan's spinning sorcery, losing 21 wickets to spin.

With the Toronto Cricket, Skating, and Curling Club's pitches playing perfect hosts to the spinners, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Saleem Malik exploited the conditions brilliantly as they picked 14 wickets between them to demolish Indian batting in the series.

Their combined efforts dismantled the Indian batting lineup, handing Pakistan a decisive 4-1 victory and illustrating how history often repeats itself in the cruellest of manners.

2. vs Pakistan, 1996 (22 wickets in 5 ODIs)

Rahul Dravid in action vs Pakistan spinner during 1996 Friendship Cup [X]

During the 1996 Friendship Cup in Toronto, the subcontinental rivalry reached a boiling point.

India managed to clinch victories in the first and third matches but found themselves on slippery ground against Pakistan's spin duo, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed.

Together, they wove a spell that claimed 17 of the 22 Indian wickets to fall to spin during the series, leading Pakistan to a 3-2 series victory.

Their brilliance in exploiting the conducive conditions threw India off balance, proving that even the giants could stall when the pitch turns traitor.

1. Sri Lanka, 2024 (27 wickets in 3 ODIs)

Dunith Wellalage celebrates after dismissing Axar Patel (Twitter)

In the humid climes of Sri Lanka in August 2024, India found themselves ensnared in a web spun by the host's spinners.

Over the three-match series, Indian batters gave away a record 27 wickets to spin, leading to a comprehensive 0-3 series defeat.

Jeffrey Vandersay was the chief tormentor, with a staggering 8 wickets, including a haul of 6 in the second ODI.

His spin partner, Dunith Wellalage, wasn't far behind, snaring 7 wickets, including a devastating five-wicket haul in the concluding ODI.

Captain Charith Asalanka also chipped in with 6 vital wickets, ensuring a clean sweep against a usually spin-savvy Indian side.

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