Cricket, as we all know, is a batsman’s game, and rightly so, scoring runs makes the game a beautiful spectacle, and that is what makes people come in huge numbers to watch the game. This is especially true in Indian cricket, which historically has seen many legendary batters, and the craze for them among the public is pretty huge.
But at the same time, we have to admit that it is the bowlers who make the game even more interesting than it already is. There are moments when the bowlers take centre stage, weaving their magic and leaving an indelible mark on the game.
The article provides key statistical information on the best bowling performances achieved by Indian cricketers in One Day International (ODI) matches, highlighting record-breaking six and seven-wicket hauls.
Best Bowling Figures for India in ODIs
| Player | Bowling Figures | Opposition | Venue | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | 7/57 | New Zealand | Mumbai | 15 Nov 2023 | Won |
| Stuart Binny | 6/4 | Bangladesh | Mirpur | 17 Jun 2014 | Won |
| Anil Kumble | 6/12 | West Indies | Eden Gardens | 27 Nov 1993 | Won |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 6/19 | England | The Oval | 12 Jul 2022 | Won |
| Mohammad Siraj | 6/21 | Sri Lanka | Colombo | 17 Sep 2023 | Won |
| Ashish Nehra | 6/23 | England | Durban | 26 Feb 2003 | Won |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 6/25 | England | Nottingham | 12 Jul 2018 | Won |
| Murali Kartik | 6/27 | Australia | Wankhede | 17 Oct 2007 | Won |
| Ajit Agarkar | 6/42 | Australia | Melbourne | 09 Jan 2004 | Lost |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 6/42 | Australia | Melbourne | 18 Jan 2019 | Won |
Explore More “Indian Bowling” Records
Most Wickets in Tests for India
Most Wickets in T20Is for India
Most ODI Wickets for India in a Calendar Year
Most Test Wickets for India in a Calendar Year
Most T20I Wickets for India in a Calendar Year
Most Wickets across All Formats for India
Most ODI 5-Wicket Hauls for India
Most Test 5-Wicket Hauls for India
Most Test 10-Wickets Hauls for India
Best ODI Bowling Figures for India
Best Test Bowling Figures for India
Best T20I Bowling Figures for India
Key Insights on Best Bowling Figures by Indian Bowlers in ODIs
Record-Breaking Bowling Performances in ODI History
Mohammed Shami holds the best bowling figure for India in ODIs, taking 7 wickets for 57 runs against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup.
Stuart Binny registered the second-best ODI figure for India with 6/4 in a bilateral game against Bangladesh in Mirpur back in 2014, defending a small total of 105 runs. This is also India’s best ODI bowling performance away from home.
Anil Kumble previously held the record for the best ODI figure for India with 6/12, which he took in the Hero Cup final against the West Indies in 1992, a record that stood for 22 years.
Six-Wicket Hauls in Major Tournaments and Overseas
A total of more than 10 times, an Indian bowler has taken a six-wicket haul in ODI cricket, achieved by 11 different players.
Mohammed Shami’s 7/57 is also the best bowling performance by an Indian bowler in the ODI World Cup.
Ashish Nehra’s 6/23 against England in a crucial fixture is the second-best ODI figure for an Indian bowler in the ODI World Cups.
Mohammad Siraj delivered an unforgettable spell of 6/21 in the 2023 Asia Cup final. Siraj’s second-best Asia Cup bowling performance helped India bowl out Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah’s 6/19 at the Oval is the next best figure, dismantling the strong batting line-up of England and helping India bowl out the hosts for 110.
Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav took 6/25 at Nottingham in 2018 against England, snapping 5 wickets of the top 6 batters.
Unique Milestones and Notable Bowling Feats
Ashish Nehra is the only player who has taken a six-wicket haul twice for India in ODI cricket, with his other haul being 6/59 against Sri Lanka at Colombo in 2005.
There are close to 50 instances where an Indian bowler has taken a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. See who has picked more than once here.
The best spell by an Indian left-arm spinner, a figure of 6/27, came from the bowling of Murli Kartik against Australia at Wankhede.
Sreesanth is one of the 11 players to achieve a six-wicket haul, picking up 6/55 against England at Indore in 2006.
