The top five Indian bowlers with the most Test wickets against England in England have taken between 36 and 51 wickets each. Their performances span several tours, featuring consistent wicket-taking ability and key contributions that helped India compete strongly on challenging English pitches over the years.
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5. Anil Kumble – 36 Wickets
Former Indian captain Anil Kumble ranks fifth with 36 wickets against England on their home soil. The leg-spinner played 10 Tests in England, maintaining a bowling average of 41.41. His standout performances came during the 2002 and 2007 tours, where he took 14 wickets across three Tests on both occasions. His best innings figures are 4/66, achieved in August 2002 at Headingley, Leeds.
4. Jasprit Bumrah – 37 Wickets
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has claimed 37 wickets in nine Tests against England in England, boasting an impressive average of 26.27. The right-arm pacer has also recorded two five-wicket hauls in England over 17 innings. Bumrah’s dominant bowling in the 2021-22 series saw him take 23 wickets across five matches.
3. Mohammed Shami – 42 Wickets
Mohammed Shami holds a fantastic record in England, picking up 42 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 40.50. Since 2014, Shami has toured England three times. His best series came in 2018 when he took 16 wickets in five matches, including his best innings figures of 4/57 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
2. Kapil Dev – 43 Wickets
Legendary all-rounder and former India captain Kapil Dev occupies second place with 43 wickets at an average of 39.18 in 13 Tests in England. He achieved two five-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures being 5/125 at Lord’s in June 1982. Kapil toured England four times between 1979 and 1990, shining brightest in his debut series in 1979 with 16 wickets in four Tests.
1. Ishant Sharma – 51 Wickets
Ishant Sharma is the most successful Indian bowler in Tests against England on English soil, with 51 wickets in 15 Tests. The right-arm pacer has a bowling average of 33.35 and boasts a remarkable seven-wicket haul, which he achieved during India’s famous win at Lord’s in July 2014. His best overall series performance came in 2018, taking 18 wickets across five matches during India’s tour of England.
