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Anil Kumble (L) and Ravindra Jadeja (R) (Source: AFP)
The struggle of having the quality bowlers to contain opponents in ODIs has been one of the major concerns to address for India. Notably, the bowling in ODIs is quite different from that in the Tests.
The bowling in Tests demands a session-by-session strategy, while in ODIs it needs to be controlled across the three distinct phases of a 50-over innings, namely powerplay, middle overs, and the death overs.
Nevertheless, India have had some notable bowlers who excelled and left an impact in ODIs amid their struggle to find a bowling lineup that offers consistency and longevity. That said, here’s a look at the five Indian bowlers who have featured in the most ODIs.
Five bowlers with most ODIs for India
Anil Kumble- 269 ODIs (1999-2007)
The former spin legend, Anil Kumble, was not only the Test great for India, but he also ended his career as the leading wicket-taker for India in the ODIs as well. Kumble picked 334 wickets in 263 innings, with a brilliant economy rate of 4.29, including eight four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, Kumble’s 269 ODI appearances also happened to be the highest number of ODIs played by any bowler in ODIs for India. He is still the leading wicket-taker for India in ODIs after almost 19 years since his last game in the format.
Harbhajan Singh- 234 (1998-2015)
Harbhajan Singh, with a 17-year-long ODI career, remained the backbone of India’s spin arsenal. The Jalandhar-born off-spinner made his ODI debut for India against New Zealand in the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup. He went on to play 234 ODIs till his last appearance in October, 2015.
In these 234 games, Harbhajan Singh bagged 265 wickets in 225 innings, with two four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls.
He had been a vital cog in the wheel for India in a couple of wins in the must-win games, be it in the bilateral assignments or in marquee international tournaments. With 234 ODIs to his name, Harbhajan Singh is the second Indian bowler with the most ODIs.
Javagal Srinath - 229 ODIs (1991-2003)
Javagal Srinath was one of the go-to frontline pacers for India in the 90s and early 2000s. He played 229 ODIs over his 12-year career from 1991 to 2003, taking 315 wickets in 227 innings, including seven four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls.
Srinath also finished his career as the second leading wicket-taker of all-time in ODIs for India. Besides that, is third in the list of the bowlers to represent India in the most ODIs, following Harbhajan Singh.
Kapil Dev- 225 ODIs (1978-1994)
The former World Champion skipper, Kapil Dev, led India in two ODI World Cup editions in 1983 and 1987. Notably, the team reached the knockouts of both the World Cups, including a historic first-ever title win in 1983 and a semi-final appearance in the home edition of 1987.
Speaking of his ODI appearances for India as a bowler, Kapil Dev played 225 ODIs, picking 253 wickets in 221 innings, with three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul. Out of these 225 ODIs, Kapil Dev led India in 74 ODIs, registering 39 wins and 33 defeats, alongside two games without a result. He ranks fifth in the list of bowlers with the most ODIs for India.
Besides that, his captaincy numbers in World Cups speak volumes about his leadership: he won 11 and lost just 4 of the 15 matches he led India in the 1983 and 1987 World Cups.
Ravindra Jadeja- 210 ODIs (2009-Present)
The veteran India all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, has been one of the vital elements for India in the ODIs. In India’s current ODI mix, Ravindra Jadeja is the most experienced bowler with 210 ODI appearances. In the overall list of the bowlers with the most ODIs for India, Jadeja is fifth, following the former legendary skipper and all-rounder, Kapil Dev.
In his 210 ODIs so far, Jadeja has scalped 232 wickets in 202 innings, with seven four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. He is also the leading wicket-taker among the currently active bowlers in India’s current ODI setup.
