Top 5 Indian Test bowlers of all time
India’s cricketing culture over the years has primarily been batting-centric and most of the country’s heroes in the sport have been men wielding the bat. The likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag among others have been worshipped as gods by the Indian fans.
In contrast, though, the Asian nation has not been as gifted in the bowling department compared some of the other top teams in world cricket. However, there have been a few bowlers who performed brilliantly and managed to create a space for themselves among the greats of Indian cricket.
Also Read: 7 changes which can make ODI cricket more interesting
What made them stand out from the rest is the fact that they not only succeeded in taking wickets but did so in all types of conditions. Another thing that must also be considered is their contribution in matches that India won or drew.
Here’s a look at the top 5 Indian Test bowlers of all time:
5. BS Chandrasekhar
It would not be wrong to state that former Indian leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar was a ‘one of a kind’ bowler. His unique style of bowling can be credited almost entirely to a handicap that he developed during childhood courtesy of a polio attack which left his right arm withered.
Chandrasekhar had a 15-year long career for India during which he played 58 Tests and claimed 242 wickets at an average of just a little under 30. While the Mysore-born cricketer was a deadly force to reckon with in home conditions, he was equally adept on tracks outside India which barely helped spinners.
Also Read: 5 great Indian cricketers who never captained the country
The leggie grabbed 100 wickets in 26 away Tests at an impressive average of 32.66, which was only slightly higher than his figures of 27.69 at home. He claimed 159 out of his career tally of 242 wickets in matches which the Indians won or managed to draw, his average being as low as 19.27 in the victories.