A gripping look at India’s five-wicket warriors across eras of ENG-IND battles
In Test cricket, a five-wicket haul can dramatically change the game. It's more than just a statistic—it's a moment of triumph. During the India vs. England series, especially in high-stakes matches, these hauls often make headlines.
As the 2025 series returns to Old Trafford, let's revisit India's top 5 bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls against England.
You can't talk about England's nightmares without mentioning B. S. Chandrasekhar. Between 1964 and 1979, this man took 8 five-wicket hauls in just 23 matches against England, tied for the most by any Indian.
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Chandra wasn't just unorthodox; he was unpredictable. Bowling leg-breaks at pace, with a paralysed arm that made his wrist-flicks unplayable, he left English batters in a trance. His best? 8 for 79—a spell that turned the game around. He finished with 95 wickets in 38 innings, averaging 27.27 with the ball. And though he wasn't economical like a miser, his 2.50 economy rate meant England couldn't escape either.
Step aside and make room—Ravichandran Ashwin has rewritten records in the modern era. From 2012 to his retirement, the off-spinner has taken 114 wickets in 45 innings against England, including 8 five-wicket hauls, matching Chandrasekhar's tally despite an era of DRS, flat decks, and fearless batters.
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His best figure, 6/55, came on a turning Indian pitch. But he's performed both at home and abroad. A strike rate of 55.99 and an average of 27.72 demonstrate he's a relentless force, wheeling away in the heat, finding openings when nothing else works.
If Chandra and Ashwin are artists, Jasprit Bumrah is a demolition expert. India's most reliable modern-day fast bowler has taken five fifers in just 30 innings. His best, 6 for 45, came when England was cruising and needed just one big partnership. Bumrah shut the door.
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He averages 21.97, with an economy of 2.83 and a stunning strike rate of 46.56. Whether it's the shiny red Dukes or the old ball under overcast skies, Bumrah finds a way in. Reverse swing, awkward angles, and brutal yorkers—England have had no answers.
In just 10 innings, Axar Patel has already taken 4 five-wicket hauls. His best figure of 6/38 on a surface where the ball kept low and England's footwork faltered. With just 32 wickets at 15.37 each, Axar's impact is truly remarkable. His strike rate of 32.75 is the best among all five names here.
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Axar's rise was swift, but his control has made him essential. Whenever India face England on a turning pitch at home, you can rely on Axar to spot the cracks—both in the pitch and in the batters' minds.
Last but certainly not least, Kapil Dev, India's steadfast workhorse, claimed 4 five-wicket hauls in 27 Tests against England. He bowled 6343 balls, took 85 wickets, with a best of 6/91.
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Yes, his average of 37.34 is slightly higher, but context is key. Kapil bowled with the old ball, often without much support, on lifeless pitches. Yet he continued to persevere. He ran in fiercely, swung the ball late, and led by example.
