This list showcases the top five greatest bowling performances by Indian bowlers at The Oval, featuring remarkable spells of pace and spin that turned matches and helped secure historic victories. These performances demonstrated skill, discipline, and determination, leaving a lasting legacy in India’s cricketing history at this iconic venue.
5. Mohammad Nissar: 5/120 in 1936
In India’s formative Test years, Mohammad Nissar’s pace and skill stunned England at The Oval. On a flat pitch, he dismissed legends like Wally Hammond (217) and Maurice Leyland, bowling with aggression. Despite India’s loss, Nissar’s performance heralded the arrival of genuine Indian fast bowling.
4. Harbhajan Singh: 5/115 in 2002
In a high-scoring match where England piled up 515, Harbhajan Singh stood out as India’s sole effective bowler. Delivering a marathon 38.4-over spell, he took five key wickets, including prominent batsmen. His disciplined and persistent bowling helped contain England’s dominance on a batsman-friendly The Oval pitch.
3. Mohammed Siraj: 5/104 in 2025
In the thrilling final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Mohammed Siraj bowled with fiery intensity, swinging the ball both ways. His crucial five-wicket haul helped India defend a challenging target of 374, sealing a memorable six-run victory and leveling the series against England on a historic stage.
2. Surendra Nath: 5/75 in 1959
Against a dominant England side, Surendra Nath’s spell was a shining light. Bowling 51.3 overs with remarkable discipline, he took five wickets while maintaining an extraordinary economy of 1.45 runs per over. His relentless accuracy kept England’s scoring in check despite India’s overall poor batting performance.
1. B.S. Chandrasekhar: 6/38 in 1971
In India’s first-ever series win in England, Chandrasekhar’s devastating six-wicket haul on a flat pitch was pivotal. His unplayable spin bowled England out for just 101 in the second innings, setting India up for a thrilling 4-wicket victory. This performance remains one of the most iconic at The Oval.
