IND vs ENG has always been a spectacle in cricket, a clash that brings out the best from both teams.
The recent first One-Day International (ODI) in Nagpur was no exception, where India, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, clinched a four-wicket victory, with Shubman Gill’s 87 off 96 setting a new benchmark for batting averages.
However, beyond the batting heroics, the history of IND vs ENG encounters is rich with stories of Indian pacers who have left an indelible mark with their bowling.
The narrative of IND vs ENG in ODIs is fascinating, particularly when it comes to the Indian pace attack.
5 Indian pacers who have taken the most wickets in this storied rivalry of IND vs ENG
Showcasing their dominance over English batsmen across decades, but surprisingly, there’s no place for the current pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah.
Javagal Srinath, often referred to as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers, leads this elite list.
With a total of 315 wickets in ODIs, Srinath was a force to reckon with, especially in the IND vs ENG series. His precision, swing, and the ability to bowl long spells made him a nightmare for English batsmen.
His contribution went beyond just taking wickets; he was a consistent performer who often broke partnerships at crucial moments.
Following Srinath is Ajit Agarkar, who managed to scalp 288 wickets in his ODI career.
Agarkar’s place in this list is a testament to his consistency and the sheer number of overs he bowled in IND vs ENG matches.
Known for his express pace and the knack for picking up wickets in the middle overs, Agarkar was a pivotal part of India’s strategy against England, showcasing an ability to adapt to different conditions and situations.
Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder and former captain, is third on the list with 253 ODI wickets.
Kapil’s impact on IND vs ENG series cannot be overstated.
His bowling during the 1983 World Cup final, which included a spell against England, remains one of cricket’s iconic moments.
His ability to swing the ball both ways and his sheer enthusiasm made him a threat in any conditions, particularly against England.
Venkatesh Prasad holds the fourth spot with 196 wickets.
His contribution in IND vs ENG ODIs was significant, especially during the late ’90s.
Known for his accuracy and his uncanny ability to take crucial wickets, Prasad’s most memorable moment perhaps comes from his confrontation with Aamer Sohail in the 1996 World Cup, but his performances against England were equally impactful.
His swing bowling, especially in conditions favoring seam and swing, made him a key player in India’s bowling lineup.
Finally, Mohammed Shami, with 195 wickets, rounds up this list.
Shami’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, and his absence from the current IND vs ENG series due to injury does not diminish his standing in this historical context.
His ability to move the ball off the seam, his pace, and his control have made him a modern-day warhorse for India, particularly in matches against England where he has often turned the game with crucial breakthroughs.
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah from this list is notable but not surprising given his relatively fewer ODIs against England compared to these veterans.
However, Bumrah’s impact in IND vs ENG encounters, when he has played, has been significant, often living up to his reputation as one of the world’s best bowlers.
As India prepares for the second ODI on February 9 in Cuttack, with ODIs scheduled until February 12, and then the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 starting with a match against Bangladesh on February 20, the legacy of these pacers serves as both inspiration and a reminder of the depth and quality of Indian cricket’s fast bowling history.
While the current team looks forward to continuing this legacy in the IND vs ENG series, the performances of Srinath, Agarkar, Kapil, Prasad, and Shami remind us that Indian cricket has always had a knack for unearthing and nurturing fast bowlers who can challenge the best in the world.
Their contributions in IND vs ENG ODIs are not just about the wickets; they’re about the moments, the pressure situations, and the sheer art of fast bowling that has defined these battles over the years.
