Top 3 Leading Wicket-Takers in IND vs SA Test Matches

India and South Africa will clash in a two-Test series starting November 14. The first Test of the series will be played in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, while the second will be played from November 22 onwards at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

Test matches between South Africa and India have produced some exciting matches characterised by intense bowling duels. World-class pacers and spinners on both teams have consistently and precisely turned games around. These matches have put every bowler’s flexibility and stamina to the test, from seaming tracks to twisting surfaces.

Here are the most wicket-takers in IND vs SA Tests

1. 64 wickets—Javagal Srinath

One of the most underrated Indian pacers, Javagal Srinath carried India’s pace hopes in the 1990s. He was particularly lethal against South Africa, as he took 64 wickets at an average of 24.48, with four five-wicket hauls, including the best bowling figures of 6/21. Out of these, 43 wickets came in South Africa with the best bowling of 6/76.

Srinath’s best bowling figures of 6/21 came in the first Test in Ahmedabad in 1996. India posted 233 runs in the first innings, and South Africa replied with 244, with Srinath taking two wickets. India made 190 in the second innings, setting South Africa 170 to win. Srinath then roared into action, taking 6/21, including dismissing Andrew Hudson and Daryll Cullinan for ducks. He was on a hat trick three times in his bowling performance as South Africa was dismissed for 105 and lost the game by 64 runs. Srinath won the Player of the Match for his eight wickets in the Test.

2. 65 wickets—Dale Steyn

Legendary South Africa pacer Dale Steyn was a force to reckon with whenever he played against India. He was lethal on South African pitches, but some of his best performances came on Indian surfaces. Overall, Steyn took 65 wickets at an average of 21.53, including five fifers and one ten-wicket haul, including the best bowling of 7/51.

Steyn’s best bowling figures against India were 7/51 and came on a dust bowl of Nagpur during the first Test of the 2010 series. South Africa had posted 558/6d, with Hashim Amla slamming 253* and Jacques Kallis making 173. In response, Virender Sehwag made 109, but the rest of the Indian batting was blown away by Steyn, who took seven wickets, including those of M. Vijay, Sachin Tendulkar, S. Badrinath, Wriddhiman Saha, and the tail. India lost the Test by an innings and 6six runs, as Steyn took three more wickets in the second innings and completed his 10-wicket haul. 

3. 84 wickets—Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble, the champion leg-spinner, has the most wickets in India-South Africa Tests. He has taken 84 wickets at an average of 31.79 in 21 Tests, including three five-wicket hauls. Kumble was part of the Indian squad that visited South Africa for the first time in 1992, and that IS where his best bowling performance came

It was the second Test in Johannesburg, and South Africa batted first and posted 292 with 98 by Brian McMillan and 91 by Jonty Rhodes. India replied with 227, as Sachin Tendulkar made 111. In their second innings, the Proteas made 252 runs as Kumble ripped through them, taking 6/53.  He dismissed both the main scorers, Andrew Hudson and Dave Richardson. Peter Kirsten, Jonty Rhodes, Hansie Cronje, and Brian McMillan also fell prey to Kumble as the match ended in a draw.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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