Ranji Trophy 2017/18: Five best bowlers in the group stages

#4 Akshay Wakhare (Vidarbha)

Wakhare is having a sensational Ranji season; taken 27 wickets at average of 17.03

The 32-year old off-spinner played a pivotal role in helping Vidarbha to qualify for the knockout stages of Ranji Trophy games.

Wakhare had his breakthrough season in 2015-16, after debuting nine years earlier. His consistent performances on the domestic circuit in the last two seasons have earned him a spot in the Duleep Trophy. His speciality of extracting extra bounce on a placid wicket has troubled many a batsman.

He has taken 27 wickets from his five games, with an impressive average of 17.03 and an economy rate of 2.51. Wakhare is known for his stingy spells which force batsmen to make errors.

He started the campaign with a four-wicket haul against Punjab. He then, went on to take a 10-wicket haul in the next match. He again took nine wickets against Goa.

Wakhare's splendid bowling performance has helped Vidarbha to get an easy passage to the knockouts. He has taken three 5-wicket hauls and a 10-wicket haul this season.

There are players like Pathania, Parvez Rasool, D Jadeja, SA Desai who have taken more wickets than Wakhare. However, his outstanding bowling average added with his match-winning spells have earned him a spot in the top five bowlers list.