India's top 5 wicket-takers in Tests vs Bangladesh ft. Ravichandran Ashwin

Team India will square off against Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, starting on Thursday, September 19, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The series is a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle and both teams will look to claim some crucial points.

Overall, the two teams have locked horns 13 times previously in red-ball cricket. India have won 11 times, while two matches ended in draws. Bangladesh, who recently won their first Test against Pakistan, will look to do the same against the Men in Blue.

Looking back, there have some bowlers who have starred for India consistently in the previous games. On that note, let's take a look at India's top 5 wicket-takers in Tests vs Bangladesh.

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#5 Irfan Pathan - 18 wickets

The former all-rounder is still known for his ability to swing the new ball both ways. Irfan Pathan was a menace during his playing days, troubling batters with his swing. He enjoyed a decent success against Bangladesh in red-ball cricket and is the fifth-highest Indian wicket-taker.

While spinners are known to dominate in subcontinent pitches, Pathan was adept in adjusting to conditions and bringing his best. He played only two Tests against the Bangla Tigers and picked up 18 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul in Dhaka.

He bagged a five-wicket haul in the first innings and followed it up with six wickets in the second essay. Pathan averages a staggering 11.88 and boasts a strike rate of 21 against the neighbors.

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#4 Umesh Yadav - 22 wickets

The 36-year-old fast bowler has been part of India's many special Test victories. His 100 percent commitment is what makes him stand out from the rest. While he has been sidelined now due to the emergence of young talents, Umesh Yadav remains one of India's prized pacers.

The 57-Tests veteran played six red-ball matches against Bangladesh and picked up 22 wickets, which ranks him fourth in the list. He averages a staggering 21.04 against them and has one five-wicket haul in his kitty.

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#3 Ravichandran Ashwin - 23 wickets

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is the only cricketer on the list who will be part of the upcoming two-match Test series. He is also the only spinner on this list.

Ashwin is arguably one of the best off-spinners of the current generation and has guided India to many Test wins. As a result, his success in the subcontinent is not a surprise.

The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer has scalped 23 wickets against Bangladesh in 11 innings, which is the third-highest among Indians. He has one five-wicket haul against them and averages 26.78.

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#2 Ishant Sharma - 25 wickets

The lanky fast bowler first burst onto the scene when he knocked over Ricky Ponting with his express pace only at the age of 19. Since then, Ishant Sharma has been part of India's several Test wins, both at home and abroad.

The right-arm pacer played seven Tests against Bangladesh and scalped 25 wickets, which places him second on the list. Ishant has one five-wicket haul and boasts an average of 20.88 against the neighbors.

The 36-year-old seamer was last seen in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, plying his trade for the Delhi Capitals.

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#1 Zaheer Khan - 31 wickets

The left-arm seamer is a true master of fast bowling. He has all attributes to be successful across the globe, which makes him a complete bowler.

Besides all his success in bouncy and spicy tracks, Zaheer Khan also relished bowling on subcontinent wickets, bringing his reverse swing into the foray. And deservedly, Zaheer tops the list of most wicket-takers among Indians against Bangladesh in Tests.

He featured in seven Tests against the Bangla Tigers and picked up 31 wickets at an average of 24.25. He has two five-wicket hauls to his name with the best figures of 7/87.