Top 5 Indian Test bowlers of all time

3. Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan was a shrewd operator with the ball in hand

Perhaps one of the most intelligent bowlers of the modern era, Zaheer Khan led the Indian pace attack in Tests for more than a decade. Although Zaheer did take some time coming to terms with the longest format of the game, but once he managed to settle down there was no stopping him.

A major reason why the Mumbai pacer catapults other Indian bowling stalwarts to occupy the third position in this list is his bowling record in away games, especially in countries like England and New Zealand. In 54 Tests outside India, he bagged 207 wickets at a very decent average of 31.47 including 8 five-wicket hauls.

Comparatively, the left-armer’s figures at home were slightly inferior with 104 wickets in 38 matches at an average of just under 36. During his career, Zaheer Khan also established his credentials as a match-winner claiming 149 out of his 311 wickets in Tests which the Indians won.