5 bowlers who took the most wickets on Test debut

#1 Narendra Hirwani - 16/136 (1988)

Hirwani's awe-inspiring performance helped India humble the intimidating West Indies team

In the aftermath of Bob Massie's jaw-dropping debut, it seemed like his record was unlikely to be surpassed for a long time. However, only 16 years later, a bespectacled spinner from India emerged to eclipse the Australian's remarkable initiation by picking up as many wickets as him at the cost of one lesser run.

Debuting on a tailor-made surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Madras, Narendra Hirwani made mincemeat of an extremely menacing West Indies lineup. With Kapil Dev's 124-ball 109 propelling the hosts to 382 in the first innings, the newly inducted leg-spinner strengthened India's position by razing the visitors with a magical spell. His 8/61 procured a hefty lead of 198 runs.

Extra Cover: SK Flashback - Narendra Hirwani's record-breaking debut against West Indies

Defending 416 on a rapidly deteriorating track, Hirwani blew away West Indies for the second time in the match. None of the touring batsmen could prevent themselves from falling prey to his extravagant flight and loop. Kiran More made merry behind the stumps by effecting a record six stumpings in the Test. India surged to an euphoric 255-run triumph and levelled the series in grand style. As for Hirwani, the match remained the high-point of his brief Test career.

Relive Narendra Hirwani's sensational debut