All Time Greatest Test XI of India

Fast Bowlers

Javagal Srinath

Javagal Srinath

Javagal Srinath was the first genuine pacer of India, someone who could trouble the batsmen with his ferocious velocity. Entering the international scenario as India's third choice pacer, he was forced to miss out of the playing eleven in home matches.

However, the Mysore Express was extremely lethal in the foreign pitches. He had the best record against the Proteas, taking 60 Test wickets against them.

Srinath became the spearhead of the Indian bowling attack after the retirement of Kapil Dev and continued to be the lynchpin of the line up even after his return from a shoulder injury.

The fastest ball recorded by him is 157 km/hr. Srinath later added swing and cutters into his arsenal which further improved his merit as a seamer. In addition to this, he was a decent batsman, with a high score of 76, and was tried in the middle order by captain Mohammad Azharuddin.

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Javagal Srinath's Test Record :

Matches: 67 Wickets: 236 5W 1 10W: 1 BBI: 8/86 BBM: 13/132

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Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan has been the best Indian left-arm seamer in Tests

Zaheer Khan came as a blessing to Indian cricket at the turn of the century, taking the baton from Javagal Srinath. Pace, yorker, swing or reverse swing, Khan had it all in his artillery. He was one of the most complete and versatile bowlers of his era.

ZAK was adept in exercising his supremacy with all three types of cricket balls (Kookaburra, SG and Dukes). His reverse swing with the old ball was lethal and a great asset in Test matches. Zaheer was particularly successful against left-handed batsmen with the new ball and was crucial in providing opening breaks.

Zaheer Khan is the second most successful seamer for India after Kapil Dev, and the most successful left-arm seamer. He also has the highest score by an Indian No.11 batsman to his name, with 75 runs.

Zaheer Khan emerged as the leader of the Indian pace attack throughout the decade and enjoyed great success in overseas tours.

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Zaheer Khan's Test Record :

Matches: 92 Wickets: 311 5W: 11 10W: 1 BBI: 7/87 BBM:10/149

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Kapil Dev, Srinath and ZAK are the three most successful Indian seamers in the history. The trio has a wide range of deliveries and variations and promises to breathe fire, especially in pace-friendly conditions.