Jasprit Bumrah breaks in; joins Indian bowlers with most five-wicket hauls in Tests

Kaushik Kashyap

Most 5-fers for India in Tests. [Source - @bcci/x.com]Most 5-fers for India in Tests. [Source - @bcci/x.com]

India’s bowling legacy in Test cricket has been shaped by some legendary names who turned sessions, matches, and entire series with a single fiery burst. From classical pace bowling masters to relentless spinners, these bowlers etched their names into history by producing game-changing spells that defined eras and transformed Indian cricket forever.

Five-wicket hauls in an innings remain the ultimate marker of dominance, showcasing control, endurance, and an ability to dominate moments when pressure peaks. This listicle celebrates the Indian greats who mastered that art, repeatedly dismantling batting line-ups and standing tallest on the grandest stage of the longest format of the game over the years.

5. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar - 16 five-wicket hauls

Joint fifth on the list is India’s 1970s spin wizard Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, a transformative figure who reshaped Indian cricket by proving they could win abroad. His brilliance inspired belief, shifting India’s reputation from home-track bullies to genuine global contenders capable of major overseas triumphs.

Chandrasekhar claimed 242 Test wickets and 16 five-wicket hauls, the highest Indian tally in his era, highlighted by his iconic six-for at The Oval in 1971 and a couple of more 6-wicket hauls during India's first Test win on Australian soil in Melbourne, 1978, each cementing his legacy as one of India’s most influential and fearless match-winners.

5. Jasprit Bumrah - 16 five-wicket hauls

Jasprit Bumrah is the latest entrant into India’s top five for most five-wicket hauls in Tests after his recent bowling master-class against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. A modern-day master whose unique action, pace artistry and adaptability across conditions have redefined fast bowling standards for an entire generation.

With 16 five-wicket hauls and a remarkable career average of 19.52, the best among the top five, Bumrah’s impact is both immediate and historic. As the 31-year-old is far from slowing down at the peak of his powers, he appears destined to climb even higher on this list.

4. Kapil Dev - 23 five-wicket hauls

Kapil Dev, India’s first superstar fast bowler, made his debut in 1978 and transformed Indian cricket with his sheer pace, aggression, and charisma. His emergence changed Indian cricket forever, inspiring a generation and proving India could produce world-class fast bowlers capable of dominating the longest format.

Across a remarkable career, Kapil claimed 434 wickets, a world record at his retirement in 1994, including 23 five-wicket hauls, the most by an Indian and fifth overall in Test history back then. His all-round brilliance and match-winning spells remain legendary in cricket lore.

3. Harbhajan Singh - 25 five-wicket hauls

Harbhajan Singh, currently third on India’s list of most five-wicket hauls, made his debut in the late 1990s. His breakthrough came during the iconic 2001 Kolkata Test against Australia, claiming 13 wickets and a maiden five-for in a historic match-winning performance.

The off-spinner went on to become one of India’s premier match-winners in Test cricket in 2000s, taking 25 five-wicket hauls in his career. In 2010, he surpassed Kapil Dev’s tally with another Kolkata masterclass against South Africa, cementing his place among India's Test bowling legends.

2. Anil Kumble - 35 five-wicket hauls

Anil Kumble, arguably India’s greatest match-winner in Tests, captured 619 wickets across an 18-year career spanning 132 matches. His consistency, determination, and tactical brilliance made him a relentless force, dominating batting line-ups in all conditions and eras.

Kumble’s record includes 35 five-wicket hauls, the highest by an Indian until Ravichandran Ashwin surpassed him, highlighting his ability to single-handedly turn matches. His legendary spells and unwavering discipline cemented his legacy as one of India’s most formidable and respected Test bowlers.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin - 37 five-wicket hauls

Ravichandran Ashwin sits atop India’s list of most five-wicket hauls, earning the reputation of India’s “cheat code,” especially during the 2010s. He made an immediate impact with a six-for on Test debut against the West Indies in 2010 and never looked back.

The off-spinner went on to claim 537 wickets over a 14-year long career at an average of 24, including 37 five-wicket hauls before he announced his retirement in 2024 in Australia. His mastery, particularly in home conditions, made him a relentless match-winner and India’s most prolific spin bowler in modern Test cricket.