The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune hosted its first international match on December 20, 2012, with the first T20I of the two-match series between India and England. The host won the contest by five wickets.

The MCA Stadium made its ODI bow the following year on October 13, 2013, with an India-Australia match. The series opener of the seven-match ODI duel, which produced some high-scoring games, was won by the visitors by a margin of 72 runs.

The venue made its entry into Test cricket in February 2017, again with an India-Australia duel with the visitors winning the match by 333 runs.

The venue has played host to a total of four T20Is, 12 ODIs, including five matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and two Test matches.

On that note, let us have a detailed look at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Test records and stats.

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium Test records and stats

Highest Total

India’s aggregate of 601/5d against South Africa in an October 2019 Test match is the highest total by any team in an innings at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Skipper Virat Kohli led from the front with an unbeaten double century (254*) with opener Mayank Agarwal also scoring a hundred (108). Cheteshwar Pujara (58), Ajinkya Rahane (59) and Ravindra Jadeja (91) also chipped in with half-centuries to help the team’s cause.

India’s huge total helped the team to beat the Proteas convincingly by an innings and 137 runs.

Lowest Total

India’s first-innings total of 105 in the first Test of a four-match series is the lowest in a Test innings by a team at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Incidentally, India’s 107 runs in the second innings of the same Test is the second-lowest total at the venue.

Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe was the star of the match recording a match haul of 12/70 to spin Australia to a 333-run victory in the series opener.

Most runs

Virat Kohli leads the list of players with the most runs in Test matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The middle-order batter has amassed 267 runs from three innings at an astonishing average of 133.50.

His tally includes a mammoth unbeaten knock of 254 which helped India beat South Africa by an innings and 137 runs in the second Test of a three-match series in October 2019. 

Most wickets

Ravichandran Ashwin leads the bowling charts in Tests played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune with a tally of 13 wickets from two matches at an average of 22.76 and a strike rate of 51.92. 

The off-spinner registered two four-wicket hauls in the four innings he bowled at this venue with the 4/69 that he picked up against South Africa being his best figures in an innings.

Highest individual score

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 254 against South Africa in the second Test of a three-match series in October 2019 is the highest individual score by a batter in Tests at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. 

Kohli’s monumental knock included 33 fours and two sixes and powered India to the highest Test total recorded at the venue, 601/5d. He was also adjudged the Player of the Match in India’s massive win by an innings and 137 runs.

Best bowling figures in a match

Australian Steve O’Keefe, with figures of 6/35 against India in the first innings of the series opener of a four-match Test series in 2017, holds the record for best bowling figures in an innings at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

The left-arm spinner also recorded identical figures of 6/35 in the second innings to help Australia beat India by 333 runs. His match haul of 12/70 is also the best bowling figures registered by any bowler in a Test match at this venue.

Highest Partnership

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja’s 225-run stand for the fifth wicket against South Africa in the second Test of a three-match series in October 2019 is the highest partnership for any wicket in Tests played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 254 while Ravindra Jadeja (91) was unlucky to miss out on a well-deserved century as the pair batted the visitors out of the match. Kohli smashed 33 fours and two sixes whereas Jadeja's knock included eight fours and two sixes.

The partnership powered India to 601/5d as the visitors succumbed to an innings and 137-run defeat.

Photo credit: Imago

The World Test Championship is the premier competition in Test cricket akin to the World Cup in ODI and T20 cricket. 

The idea of WTC was introduced in 2019 when the Test-playing nations played against each other for over two years. At the end of the two-year cycle, teams that occupy the top two spots in the points table will qualify to play the Final.

New Zealand won the inaugural edition of the WTC in June 2021 beating India by eight wickets at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. It was Australia who won the title in June 2023, once again beating India by 209 runs, at the Oval in London.

India currently leads the points table in the current edition of the WTC and are well-placed to qualify for the Final to be played in June 2025 in England.

Batters win you sessions, but bowlers win you matches in Test cricket. For any team to win a Test match, it is imperative that they pick up 20 wickets of the opponents within the stipulated five days.

It is sweat and toil for the bowlers as they do the dirty job to help their team get the better of their opposition. Bowling is always a thankless job, especially in the longer format of the game.

Here, we look at the players with the most wickets in WTC history after it was introduced in 2019. 

Most wickets in WTC history: List of players with most wickets in the World Test Championship

Player	Span	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	Best Bowling figures
Nathan Lyon	2019-2024	43	187	26.70	58.05	8/64
Pat Cummins	2019-2024	42	175	22.81	46.93	6/91
Ravichandran Ashwin	2019-2024	35	174	20.43	44.79	7/71
Mitchell Starc	2019-2024	38	147	27.08	46.83	6/66
Stuart Broad	2019-2024	33	134	24.09	47.55	6/31
Kagiso Rabada	2019-2024	27	123	22.52	40.30	6/50
James Anderson	2019-2024	36	116	23.81	59.06	6/40
Tim Southee	2019-2024	30	116	28.45	59.34	5/32
Jasprit Bumrah	2019-2024	26	110	20.16	43.32	6/27
Josh Hazlewood	2019-2024	26	109	21.33	45.88	5/8

Nathan Lyon | 187 wickets

Nathan Lyon is the leading wicket-taker in the history of the World Test Championship with 187 wickets from 43 matches. He averages 26.70 with the ball along with a strike rate of 58.05 balls per wicket. He also has 10 five-wicket hauls to his name.

The off-spinner played a stellar role in Australia’s victorious campaign in the WTC 2021-2023 cycle with a massive haul of 88 wickets from just 20 matches. He also picked up five wickets against India in the Final at The Oval, which the Aussies won by 209 runs in June 2023. 

With a tally of 43 wickets from nine games, he is fourth in the current edition of the WTC and holds the key for Australia in the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November 2024.

Pat Cummins | 175 wickets

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is next on the list with a tally of 175 wickets from 42 matches. The pacer has eight five-wicket hauls with an average of 22.81 runs per wicket and strikes at an excellent frequency of 46.93 balls.

Cummins has led the Australian attack from the front providing timely breakthroughs for the team. He finished second in the list of top wicket-takers in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 with an impressive tally of 70 wickets from just 14 matches.

Cummins once again finished in the top five list in the subsequent edition of WTC to take Australia to the title in 2023. He is currently second in the bowling charts in the ongoing WTC cycle with 48 wickets from 12 matches.

Ravichandran Ashwin | 174 wickets

Following closely at third spot is India’s Ravichandran Ashwin with 174 wickets, just one short of Cummins, from 35 matches, including 10 five-wicket hauls. The off-spinner has an impressive average of 20.43 and a strike rate of 44.79, both best among his peers in the top-five wicket-takers list in the WTC.

Ashwin topped the bowling charts in the WTC 2019-2021 cycle with 71 wickets from 14 matches. He finished third in the list of top wicket-takers in the next edition in 2023. Ashwin’s excellent performances lifted India to consecutive Finals in the first two editions, the only team to do so.

In the current WTC cycle too, Ashwin is the top Indian in the list of wicket-takers with 42 wickets from eight matches.

Mitchell Starc | 147 wickets

Mitchell Starc completes the Aussie domination in the list of bowlers with the most wickets in the history of WTC. Starc is placed fourth with 147 wickets from 38 matches.

The left-arm pacer has an average of 27.08 and a strike rate of 46.83 with three five-wicket hauls to his name. He is currently third in the list of wicket-takers in the WTC 2023-2025 cycle with 48 wickets from 11 matches.

Photo credit: Imago

Arshdeep Singh holds the record for the most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition for India. 

During a T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match against Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Saint Lucia, Arshdeep Singh surpassed former pacer RP Singh’s T20 World Cup 2007 tally of 12 wickets to bag the most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition for India. 

Arshdeep Singh was in sensational form in T20 World Cup 2024 and scalped 17 wickets in eight matches at an average of 12.64 and an economy of 7.16.

The talented left-arm pacer earlier made his T20 World Cup debut against arch-rivals Pakistan in Melbourne in 2022. His figures of 3/32 helped India restrict Pakistan to 159/8 in their 20 overs. India later won the game by six wickets courtesy of Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls.

Arshdeep finished as India’s leading wicket-taker at T20 World Cup 2022 with 10 scalps in six matches at an average of 15.60 and an economy of 7.80.

Pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah features second on the list of most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition for India. 

Jasprit Bumrah was one of the standout bowlers for India in T20 World Cup 2024. The right-arm pacer tormented most of the batters, having picked up 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 8.26 and an impressive economy of 4.17.

Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi holds the record for the most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition. The star left-arm pacer scalped 17 wickets in eight games in 2024.

Meanwhile, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is fourth on the list of most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition for India. 

Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 11 wickets in six matches in T20 World Cup 2014 to guide India to the final. However, India later suffered a six-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Get list of most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition for India.

Most wickets in a T20 World Cup edition for India

Player	Tournament	Matches	Wickets
Arshdeep Singh	T20 World Cup 2024	8	17
Jasprit Bumrah	T20 World Cup 2024	8	15
RP Singh	T20 World Cup 2007	7	12
Ravichandran Ashwin	T20 World Cup 2014	6	11
Hardik Pandya	T20 World Cup 2024	8	11

Photo credit: Alamy

Ever since the inaugural edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, which a young Indian side won against all odds, the premier cricket tournament has seen some extraordinary bowlers take centre stage. 

Currently, Bangladesh player Shakib Al Hasan’s 50 wickets is the record for most wickets taken in the T20 World Cup history. 

Meanwhile, spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin holds the record for most wickets for India in T20 World Cup with 32 wickets in 24 matches. Ashwin made his T20 World Cup debut in the 2012 edition.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s best bowling figures at the T20 World Cup is 4/11, which he recorded in a group phase match against Australia in the 2014 edition. India won that match by 73 runs.

Arshdeep Singh is next on the list of most wickets for India in T20 World Cups. The left-arm medium-pacer from India has picked up 27 wickets in only 14 games from 2022-2024. He holds an impressive average of 13.74 and an economy rate of 7.42. 

India's star all-pacer Jasprit Bumrah also features in the list of leading wicket-takers for India in the T20 World Cup. The right-arm fast bowler has scalped 26 wickets in 18 games. His top spell of 3/7 came against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. Bumrah bowled the penultimate without concerning any runs to register a historic victory in India's opening encounter of the Super Eights of the tournament.

With 24 wickets in 24 matches, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is next on the list. His best spell of 3/27 was registered in India's latest T20 World Cup 2024 match against Ireland in New York.

Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja completes the list of top five. The slow left-arm orthodox spinner, who first played in the 2009 edition, has taken 22 wickets in 30 matches. He bagged seven wickets in the previous edition, which is his individual best. Jadeja was all set to feature in the Twenty20 World Cup 2022 but an unfortunate injury ruled him out of the tournament in Australia.

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan is the sixth Indian bowler on the list with 16 wickets in 15 games. He took 10 wickets at an economy of 6.77 in the inaugural edition and played a crucial part in India lifting the trophy. His best figures of 3/16 came in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan - a performance that won him the Man of the Match award too.

The left-arm formed a formidable pace bowling partnership with RP Singh and the duo accounted for a total of 22 wickets in that first edition of World T20.

Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh completes the top seven list of the most wickets for India in the T20 World Cup. Nicknamed ‘The Turbanator� he has taken 16 wickets in 19 matches between 2007 and 2012. Interestingly, he also holds the record for bowling the most number of maiden overs in World T20 with four in as many editions.

Ashish Nehra, RP Singh and Mohammed Shami are the other top wicket-takers for India in the T20 World Cup.

Most wickets for India in T20 World Cup

No.	Player	Wickets	Matches	Best Figures
1	Ravichandran Ashwin	32	24	4/11
2	Arshdeep Singh	27	14	4/9
3	Jasprit Bumrah	26	18	3/7
4	Ravindra Jadeja	22	30	3/15
5	Hardik Pandya	24	24	3/27
6	Irfan Pathan	16	15	3/16
7	Harbhajan Singh	16	19	4/12
8	Ashish Nehra	15	10	3/19
9	RP Singh	14	9	4/13
10	Mohammed Shami	14	14	3/15

Photo credit: Ryan LIM / AFP

The Indian cricket team scripted history as they won the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007.

Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, India beat arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs in a nail-biting final to clinch their maiden T20 World Cup title in Johannesburg.

Later in the next three editions of the T20 World Cup in 2009, 2010 and 2012, the Men in Blue experienced disappointing campaigns as they were knocked out in either the Super 8s, Super 10s or Super 12s.

In the 2014 edition of the T20 World Cup, the MS Dhoni-led Indian cricket team had a memorable campaign as they reached the final before going down to eventual champions Sri Lanka held in Bangladesh. 

Having hosted the T20 World Cup for the first time in 2016, favourites India stormed into the semi-finals before they once again lost to eventual winners West Indies in the last four.

The seventh edition of the T20 World Cup was held after five years in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman in 2021. 

Led by Virat Kohli, India had a dismal campaign as they were knocked out in the Super 12 Stage.

One year later, the marquee ICC tournament was held once again in Australia. Favourites India once again faltered at the semi-final stage as they lost to eventual champions England.

India lifted their second T20 World Cup in a thrilling final against South Africa in 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Let's take a look at India in T20 World Cup knockouts record and stats.

India in T20 World Cup 2024 knockouts record and stats

The Indian cricket team has played eight knockout matches in T20 World Cup history including three finals and five semi-finals.

The Men in Blue have a mixed record in T20 World Cup knockouts, winning five and suffering three defeats.

Matches	Won	Lost	Win%
8	5	3	62.5

Interestingly, India’s last match in T20 World Cup was the Final against South Africa in Barbados, 2024. The Rohit Sharma-led India won the T20 World Cup 2024 Final by seven runs.

The highest team total posted by India in T20 World Cup knockouts is 192/2 in 20 overs which came against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 2016. Despite the record, India later suffered a seven-wicket defeat in that game.

On the other hand, the lowest team total registered by India in T20 World Cup knockouts is 130/4 which came against Sri Lanka in the final in Mirpur in 2014. Led by MS Dhoni, India finished as runners-up as Sri Lanka won the T20 World Cup 2014 final by six wickets.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has the highest individual score by an Indian in T20 World Cup knockout history. Kohli scored an unbeaten 89 off just 47 balls against West Indies at Wankhede in 2016.

Former left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan has the best bowling figures recorded by an Indian in T20 World Cup knockouts. Pathan recorded brilliant figures of 3/16 against arch-rivals Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2007 final to guide India to the inaugural title in Johannesburg.

Overall, Virat Kohli has the most runs for India in T20 World Cup knockouts. The former India captain amassed 373 runs in four matches at an average of 93.25 and a strike rate of 145.13. Get list of most runs for India in T20 World Cup knockouts.

Most runs for India in T20 World Cup knockouts

Player	Matches	Runs	HS	AverageÂ	Strike Rate
Virat Kohli	6	373	89*	93.25	145.13
Rohit Sharma	8	227	57	37.83	139.26
Yuvraj Singh	4	113	70	28.25	129.88

Among the bowlers, Irfan Pathan has the most wickets for India in T20 World Cup knockouts. The former pace-bowling all-rounder bagged five wickets in two matches at an average of 12 and an economy of 7.50. Know list of most wickets for India in T20 World Cup knockouts.

Most wickets for India in T20 World Cup knockouts

Player	Matches	Wickets	BBI	Average	Economy
Jasprit Bumrah	3	5	2/12	14.40	6.75
Irfan Pathan	2	5	3/16	12.00	7.50
Ravichandran Aswin	4	4	3/22	24.50	8.28

Get India in T20 World Cup knockouts full list of results.

India in T20 World Cup knockouts: Get full list of results

Tournament	Match	Venue	Result
T20 World Cup 2007Â	India vs Australia semi-final	Durban	India won by 15 runs
T20 World Cup 2007	India vs Pakistan final	Johannesburg	India won by 5 runs
T20 World Cup 2014	India vs South Africa semi-final	Mirpur	India won by 6 wickets
T20 World Cup 2014	India vs Sri Lanka final	Mirpur	Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
T20 World Cup 2016	India vs West Indies semi-final	Wankhede	West Indies won by 7 wickets
T20 World Cup 2022	India vs England semi-final	Adelaide	England won by 10 wickets
T20 World Cup 2024	India vs England semi-final	Guyana	India won by 68 runs
T20 World Cup 2024	India vs South Africa final	Barbados	India won by seven runs

Photo credit: Alamy

The India vs Australia cricket rivalry is one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.

The two teams first met in 1947 when India toured Australia for a five-match Test series. The hosts won the series 4-0. Since then, both countries have engaged in several Test, ODI and T20I matches. 

India and Australia have locked horns on 290 occasions at the international level to date with Australia having a better head-to-head record over India in Tests and ODIs. 

However, India holds a better head-to-head record against Australia in T20 international cricket history.

With that being said, let’s have a look at India vs Australia head-to-head in cricket.

India vs Australia head-to-head in cricket

Format	Matches	India won	Australia won	Draw/Tie/NR
Test	107	32	45	30
ODI	151	57	84	10
T20I	32	20	11	1
Total	290	109	140	41

India vs Australia in World Cups

Tournament	Matches	India won	Australia won	Draw/Tie/NR
50-over World Cup	14	5	9	0
T20 World Cup	6	4	2	0
Total	19	8	11	0

India vs Australia cricket records and stats

India vs Australia in Tests

Highest team total in a Test innings: India scored 705/7d against Australia in the fourth Test in Sydney in 2003/04. 

Lowest team total in a Test innings: Australia bowled India out for 36 in the first Test in Adelaide in 2020/21.

Highest individual score in Tests: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke scored 329 not out against India in the second Test at Sydney Cricket Ground in 2012. 

Best bowling figures in Tests: India’s Harbhajan Singh picked up 15/217 against Australia in the third Test at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in 2001. 

India vs Australia in ODIs 

Highest team total in ODIs: India posted 399/5 against Australia in the second ODI in  Indore in 2023. 

Lowest team total in ODIs: Australia bowled India out for 63 in a Benson & Hedges World Series Cup clash in Sydney in 1981.

Highest individual score in ODIs: India opener Rohit Sharma scored 209 against Australia in the seventh ODI at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in 2013. 

Best bowling figures in ODIs: India’s Murali Kartik picked up 6/27 against Australia in the seventh ODI of Australia’s tour of India at Wankhede in 2007. 

India vs Australia in T20Is

Highest team total in T20Is: India scored 235/4 against Australia in the second T20I in Thiruvananthapuram in 2023. 

Lowest team total in T20Is: Australia bowled India out for 74 in the only T20I at Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2008. 

Highest individual score in T20Is: Australia opener Shane Watson's unbeaten 124 is the highest individual score registered in this fixture in the third and final T20I in Sydney.

Best bowling figures in T20Is: India’s Ravichandran Ashwin picked up 4/11 against Australia in a Group 2 match of the 2014 T20 World Cup at Mirpur.

Photo credit: Alamy

Mankading in cricket has always been a polarizing topic with debates and discussions always surrounding the law. 

A high-profile Mankading incident that took place involving Ravichandran Ashwin and Jos Buttler in the 2019 edition of the Indian T20 League sparked off the spirit of cricket dispute with people divided over the legitimacy and nature of the dismissal.   

With all the hype surrounding it, we delved into the Mankading rule, its origin and the legality of the mode of dismissal. 

What is Mankading in cricket?

Mankad in cricket is a run-out attempt made by the bowler before his delivery stride to dismiss the batter at the non-striker’s end. After the latest update in the law, the dismissal is termed as a run-out at the non-striker's end.

The origin of Mankading dates back to 1947 when the Indian team toured Australia. Vinoo Mankad, Indian opener and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, is credited to have pulled off this mode of dismissal for the very first time in cricket.

During one of his overs after observing that the non-striker was frequently out of his crease at the point of delivery, Mankad stopped in his delivery stride and took the bails off from the non-striker’s end, dismissing Bill Brown during the second Test. And thus, began the ‘Mankading�era.

Mankad came in for heavy backlash, especially from the Australian media, for showing ‘unsportsmanlike�conduct, but former Australian captain Don Bradman didn’t see what all the fuss was about.

“For the life of me I cannot understand why. The laws of cricket make it quite clear that the non-striker must keep within his ground until the ball has been delivered,�Don Bradman wrote in his autobiography.

Is Mankading legal in cricket?

The attempt of dismissing a batter by Mankading is within the laws of cricket. Previously, Mankad was considered an unfair practice under Law 41 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) - the guardians of the cricket laws.  

Running a non-striker out for backing up too far has been moved from "unfair play" to "run-out" in the laws of the game. About time. Question is: why was it in the unfair play section at all when it was the non-striker who was carrying out an unfair act?

�Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 9, 2022

As per the law, ‘If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out. Whether the attempt is successful or not, the ball shall not count as one in the over.’�/span>

However, as per the latest amendments in the cricket laws made by the MCC, Mankading or dismissing a batter who is out of his crease at the non-striker’s end before the delivery of the ball will now be considered a run-out.

Deepti Sharma's Mankad run-out incident during a women's ODI at Lord's in September 2022 raised multiple eyebrows. Deepti dismissed England's Charlie Dean to win a close encounter. While multiple experts expressed their concern about it, the umpires deemed it a fair dismissal, considering the latest amendments to the Mankad law.

While the Mankad mode of dismissal continues to be polarising, raising questions surrounding the spirit of the game, this mode of dismissal isn't going anywhere and only seems to be getting more popular these days following the advent and evolution of T20 cricket.

Featured photo: Saeed Khan / AFP

Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble has picked the most wickets for India across formats in international cricket.

Having made his international debut against England in a Test match in 1990, Kumble went on to claim 953 wickets for India in 401 matches at an average of 30.06.

The Bangalore-born cricketer ended his career with 619 Test wickets in 132 matches at an average of 29.65. He picked 35 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls. 

Kumble also played 269 One-Day International (ODI) matches between 1990 and 2007, bagging 334 wickets at an average of ​�/span>30.83.

Among active players, Ravichandran Ashwin has the most wickets for India across formats. Ashwin features second on the list as he has scalped 744 wickets in 281 matches so far. The second-highest wicket-taker for India Tests, Ashwin has so far tallied 516 scalps in 100 Tests followed by 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 wickets in the T20Is.

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh is third on the list of most wickets for India across formats. The quality off-spinner picked 707 wickets in 365 matches at an average of 32.59.

Harbhajan made his Test debut against Australia in 1998 and ended his career with 417 wickets in 103 matches in the longest format.  

Fondly known as ‘The Turbantor� Harbhajan also featured in 234 ODIs, claiming 265 wickets at an average of 33.47.

Former fast bowler Kapil Dev and seamer Zaheer Khan complete the top five list of most wickets for India across formats.

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, picked 687 wickets for India in 356 matches. An impressive 434 of those 687 wickets came in the longest format while 253 were picked in ODI cricket.

On the other hand, the 2011 World Cup winner Zaheer Khan bagged 597 wickets in 303 matches.

Most wickets for India across formats

Player	Test wickets	ODI wickets	T20I wickets	Total wickets
Anil Kumble	619	334	-	953
Ravichandran Ashwin	516	156	72	735
Harbhajan Singh	417	265	25	707
Kapil Dev	434	253	-	687
Zaheer Khan	311	269	17	597
Ravindra Jadeja	292	220	53	565
Javagal Srinath	236	315	-	551
Mohammed Shami	229	195	24	448
Ishant Sharma	311	115	8	434
Jasprit Bumrah	157	149	74	378

Featured photo: LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP

Former leg-spinner Anil Kumble holds the record for the most Test wickets for India.

The Karnataka-born cricketer picked 619 wickets in 132 Test matches that included 35 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls. Kumble is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.

In 1999, he etched his name into history books as he became just the second bowler to claim 10 wickets in an innings in a Test after England’s Jim Laker.

Since making his Test debut against England in 1990, Kumble played a vital role in helping India win Test matches against various opponents both at home and abroad. He formed a lethal partnership with India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, scalping a combined 501 wickets in 54 matches, the most by any spin bowling pair.

Kumble played his last Test match against Australia at Feroz Shah Kotla in 2008.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin features second on the list for most wickets for India in Tests. Ashwin overtook former captain Kapil Dev to climb second in the list for most wickets for India in Tests. The legendary bowler became the second Indian bowler to bag 500 wickets in Test cricket. He achieved the incredible feat during the third Test of England's tour of India 2024 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

. !

Only the second #TeamIndia cricketer to reach this landmark in Tests

Congratulations, @ashwinravi99 #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/bP8wUs6rd0

�BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024

Former India captain Kapil Dev is third-highest Test wicket-taker for India. The right-arm fast bowler picked 434 wickets in 131 matches at an average of 29.64.

India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and seamer Ishant Sharma complete the top five list of most wickets for India in Tests.

While Harbhajan Singh has claimed 417 wickets in 103 matches. seamer Ishant Sharma has scalped 311 wickets in 105 matches.

Most Test wickets for India: Know the Top 10

Player	Matches	Wickets
Anil Kumble	132	619
Ravichandran Ashwin	100	516
Kapil Dev	131	434
Harbhajan Singh	103	417
Ishant Sharma	105	311
Zaheer Khan	92	311
Ravindra Jadeja	71	292
Bishan Bedi	67	266
Bhagwath Chandrasekhar	58	242
Javagal Srinath	67	236

Featured photo: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP

The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium is Gujarat's first solar-powered stadium located in Rajkot, India.

Also known as the Khandheri Cricket Stadium, the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium was established in 2008 and has a seating capacity of 28,000.

The Rajkot Cricket Stadium is part of a larger sports complex that features venues for other sports such as badminton, basketball, and volleyball as well. 

It is the home ground of the Saurashtra team in domestic cricket and also the Indian cricket team.

The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium staged its first international cricket match, an ODI between India and England, in January 2013. The visitors won the game by nine runs after scoring 325/4.

It later hosted its first T20 International (T20I) played between India and Australia in October 2013. India chased down Australia’s 201/7 with six wickets and two balls to spare.

Three years later, the stadium hosted its first Test match played between India and England in November 2016. The match ended in a draw.  

Since then, it has staged one more Test match so far. Let’s have a closer look at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot Test records and stats.

Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot Test records and stats

Highest total

The Indian cricket team holds the record for the highest total at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Test cricket. During the first Test of the West Indies tour of India in 2018, the Virat Kohli-led hosts posted a mammoth total of 649/9d after electing to bat first. Captain Kohli led from the front as he slammed 139 along with contributions from Prithvi Shaw (134), Ravindra Jadeja (100 not out), Rishabh Pant (92) and Cheteshwar Pujara (86) to help India register a record Test total at the venue. India later bowled out West Indies for 181 and 196 in their two innings to win the Rajkot Test by an innings and 272 runs.

Lowest total

The West Indies cricket team registered the lowest total at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Tests. The Kraigg Brathwaite-led visitors were skittled out for 181 in 48 overs in their first innings of the opening Test of West Indies�tour of India in 2018. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was the wrecker-in-chief with four wickets for just 37 runs to help India enforce a follow-on after they posted 649/9d in their first innings. West Indies were once again bowled for 196 in the second innings as they succumbed to an innings defeat.

Most runs

India’s Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli share the record for the most runs at this ground in cricket’s longest format. Between 2016 and 2018, Pujara amassed 228 runs in two Test matches at an average of 76.00, including one hundred and one fifty. On the other hand, Kohli accumulated 228 runs in two matches at an average of 114. The former India captain has also slammed one hundred at this venue in Test cricket. Among the visiting teams, England's Ben Stokes holds the record for the most Test runs at the venue. The southpaw scored 157 runs in two innings in 2016.  

Most wickets

India’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has picked up the most wickets at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Test cricket. The right-arm off-spinner scalped nine wickets in two matches at an average of 37.55. He has one four-wicket haul at this ground in Tests. England leg-spinner Adil Rashid features second on the list with seven wickets in the only Test that he played at the venue in 2016.

Highest individual score

India talisman Virat Kohli registered the highest individual score at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Tests. Batting at number four, Kohli scored 139 off 230 balls against West Indies in the first innings of Rajkot Test in 2018. His magnificent century was laced with 10 fours. His innings helped India post a massive total of 649/9d in their first innings. India won the Test by an innings and 272 runs.

Best bowling figures in an innings

India’s Kuldeep Yadav recorded the best bowling figures in an innings of a Test at this venue in 2018. The left-arm wrist spinner registered brilliant figures of 5/57 to help bundle out West Indies for 196 in their second innings. Kuldeep dismissed Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Ambris and Roston Chase as India later won the Test by an innings and 272 runs..

Best bowling figures in a match

Adil Rashid holds the record for the best bowling figures in a Test match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The veteran leg-spinner took seven wickets during the first Test of England’s tour of India in 2016. While Rashid scalped four wickets for 114 runs in the first innings, he bagged three more wickets for 64 runs in the second innings. Rashid’s magnificent performance helped England put the hosts under pressure as they secured a draw in India. 

Highest partnership

India’s Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara recorded the highest partnership at this ground in Test cricket. Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara forged a huge 209-run stand for the second wicket in their first innings of the opening Test against England in 2016. Vijay scored 126 while Pujara slammed 124. The Rajkot Test later ended in a draw.

Photo credit: Alamy