Top Five Indian Bowlers With Most ODI World Cup Wickets

Mohammed Shami leads India's all-time ODI World Cup wicket-takers with 55 wickets in just 18 matches.
By Vishesh Shukla · 18 Oct 2026 · 9:14 PM IST · 5 Reads
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Mohammed Shami tops the list of India’s most successful bowlers in ODI World Cup history, having claimed 55 wickets in 18 matches. His outstanding performance at the 2023 edition, where he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets, helped underline his impact on cricket’s biggest stage.

Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath share second place with 44 wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah and Anil Kumble complete the top five.

India’s Leading ODI World Cup Wicket-Takers

Rank Player Wickets Matches
1 Mohammed Shami 55 18
2 Zaheer Khan 44 23
3 Javagal Srinath 44 34
4 Jasprit Bumrah 38 20
5 Anil Kumble 31 18

1. Mohammed Shami – 55 Wickets

Shami leads the rankings with 55 wickets in only 18 World Cup matches. His finest campaign came in 2023, when he claimed 24 wickets in seven matches to finish as the tournament’s leading bowler. His pace, seam movement and ability to generate reverse swing made him a major threat throughout the competition.

2. Zaheer Khan – 44 Wickets

Zaheer was a key figure in India’s bowling attack during his international career. He claimed 44 wickets in 23 World Cup matches, including a significant contribution to India’s title-winning campaign in 2011. His left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball made him one of India’s most dependable bowlers in major tournaments.

3. Javagal Srinath – 44 Wickets

Srinath was India’s leading fast bowler through much of the 1990s and early 2000s. He took 44 wickets in 34 World Cup matches across four editions, from 1992 to 2003. His best figures in the tournament were 4/30, and he played an important role in India’s pace attack during his career.

4. Jasprit Bumrah – 38 Wickets

Bumrah has taken 38 wickets in 20 ODI World Cup matches. Renowned for his accuracy, deceptive variations and pinpoint yorkers, he has been a crucial part of India’s pace attack. His ability to deliver in the powerplay and at the death has made him one of the team’s most valuable fast bowlers.

5. Anil Kumble – 31 Wickets

Kumble claimed 31 wickets in 18 ODI World Cup matches across four editions: 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2007. The former India leg-spinner recorded best figures of 4/32 and was known for his accuracy and consistency. He finished his international career as one of India’s most successful bowlers across formats.

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