Who Holds the Record for Most International Wickets Among Left-Arm Spinners?

2024-09-03

When it comes to left-arm spinners, the art of deceiving batsmen and taking crucial wickets is an exceptional skill. Among the plethora of left-arm spinners who have graced international cricket, a few stand out for their remarkable records and contributions. Let’s take a look at the top five left-arm spinners with the most international wickets, leading up to the record-holder.

Shakib Al Hasan (707 Wickets)

At the pinnacle of left-arm spin bowling is Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, who holds the record for the most international wickets among left-arm spinners. Shakib’s career achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. With 707 wickets across 444 matches, he averages 28.29.

In Test cricket, Shakib has taken 241 wickets in 68 games at an average of 31.24, with his best innings figures being 7-36 against New Zealand. His ODI record is equally impressive, with 317 wickets in 247 matches and a best of 5-29 against Afghanistan. In T20Is, Shakib has claimed 149 wickets in 129 matches, including a best of 5-20 against the West Indies.

Daniel Vettori (705 Wickets)

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is a legendary figure in left-arm spin bowling, ranking second on the list. Vettori’s international career spanned 442 matches, during which he took 705 wickets at an average of 32.42.

Vettori’s Test career was particularly noteworthy, with 362 wickets in 113 matches at an average of 34.36. In ODIs, Vettori secured 305 wickets in 295 matches, highlighted by a remarkable 5-7 against Bangladesh. Additionally, he claimed 38 wickets in 34 T20Is, proving his all-round abilities.

Ravindra Jadeja (568 Wickets)

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, In Test cricket, has claimed 294 wickets in 72 matches, boasting an impressive average of 24.13 and best innings figures of 7 for 42 against Australia.

In ODIs, he has taken 220 wickets in 197 games, with a best performance of 5 for 33. Additionally, Jadeja has made a notable impact in T20Is, securing 54 wickets in 74 matches, demonstrating his consistency across all formats.

Rangana Herath (525 Wickets)

Rangana Herath, another Sri Lankan spinner, ranks fourth on this prestigious list. In Test cricket, Herath was particularly effective, capturing 433 wickets in 93 matches at an average of 28.07, with his most memorable performance being 9-127 against Pakistan.

In the ODI arena, he's snagged 74 wickets in 71 matches, with a top-notch best of 4-20. In T20Is, his record is like a collector’s edition 18 wickets in 17 games, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 5-for-3 against New Zealand in the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Sanath Jayasuriya (440 Wickets)

Former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya, renowned for his explosive batting, also made a significant mark as a left-arm spinner. Over a career spanning 586 matches across all formats, Jayasuriya claimed 440 wickets at an average of 35.66.

In Test cricket, Jayasuriya snagged 98 wickets in 110 matches, with a best of 5-34 against South Africa proving he could put a spin on any game. But it was in ODIs where he truly dazzled, bagging 323 wickets in 445 games, including a stellar 6-29 against England. And don’t forget his T20I cameo 19 wickets in 31 matches, proving he could turn a tricky over into a playground!