India vs South Africa 2019: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets in Tests in India

#3. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble has two five-wicket hauls to his name against South Africa.

The retired Indian leg-break bowler has undoubtedly been one of India’s greatest match-winner at home. Not surprisingly, he comes third on the list of highest wicket-takers against South Africa in India. In a total of nine Tests, he picked up 39 wickets at a slightly high average of 31.53 with two five-wicket hauls. In comparison to his home record against other nations, these figures pale in comparison, particularly when one considers how weak the Proteas have been against spin traditionally.

Kumble’s best bowling figures of 6 for 131 came in a drawn Test at Kanpur in November 2010. The leggie got the scalps of Graeme Smith, Andrew Hall and Jacques Kallis among others. However, South Africa posted a formidable 510 for 9 on the board. It needed a fighting knock of 164 from Virender Sehwag to ensure the match ended in a stalemate.

Kumble also picked up 6 for 143 during the Bangalore Test in March 2000. However, South Africa posted 479 in response to India’s 158 and won by an innings and 71 runs despite Mohammad Azharuddin’s valiant 102, in what turned out to be his last Test match. Kumble got the wickets of Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Nicky Boje, Jacques Kallis and Daryl Cullinan, but four of these five scored half-centuries.