Top 5 Indian ODI bowlers of the decade
The decade from 2010-2019 has been a mixed one for Indian cricket as far as one-day internationals are concerned. While they won the World Cup under MS Dhoni in 2011, they failed to go past the semi-final stage in the next two editions. India also won the Champions Trophy in 2013, but faltered at the final hurdle in 2017. Further, there was a disastrous CB series in Australia in 2012. Before this year’s World Cup, India beat Australia in Australia 2-1. However, the Aussies soon exacted revenge by defeating India in India as part of a five-match series.
India’s bowling in ODIs did not have a settled look in the first half of the decade. While left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan was at the fag end of his career, Ishant Sharma failed to make an impression in the format. Further, 2011 World Cup heroes Harbhajan Singh and Munaf Patel faded away rather quickly after the tournament even as Ashish Nehra battled injuries. It was only towards the second half of the decade that India’s ODI bowling starting having a more assured presence.
With the 2010-2019 decade coming to an end, here’s a look at the top five Indian ODI bowlers in this period.
#5 Ravindra Jadeja
Matches - 142, Wickets - 168, Average - 34.88, Economy Rate - 4.84, Best Figures - 5/36
Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja is India’s top wicket-taker in the decade. However, that is more down to the fact that he has played more number of matches than an indication of his wicket-taking ability. For most part, Jadeja has played the role of holding one end up for India, and trying to keep the runs in check. The same reflects in his average, which is just under 35, and the strike rate of 43.2. Jadeja’s economy rate of 4.84 defines his role as a bowler in the ODI squad.
Having said that, Jadeja has had his moments in ODIs. He was the leading wicket-taker in India’s Champions Trophy win in 2013 with 12 wickets. His career-best of 5 for 36 came in the same tournament, against West Indies in a group match. He lost his place in the Indian ODI team following a stretch of poor performances, including the 2017 Champions Trophy. The all-rounder made a comeback a year later and since has been a constant presence in all three formats.
Jadeja’s quick-scoring ability and scintillating fielding have given him an edge over senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the one-day team.