India's top 5 Test wicket-takers of all time

#4 Zaheer Khan – 311 wickets

Zaheer was instrumental in India’s rise to the top of the Test rankings

The only left-arm bowler in this list, Zaheer Khan was the cornerstone of one of India’s most successful teams. Possessing the tactical nous of setting a batsman up, he methodically worked on his prey and delivered several game-changing spells for his country.

When he broke through the ranks in 2000, Zaheer relied primarily on raw pace. However, a County stint with Worcestershire in 2006 helped him acquire the ability to outthink a batsman. Since then, he relentlessly troubled opposition teams across conditions ranging from Trent Bridge to Mohali.

A slew of high-impact spells propelled India to the top of the Test rankings in 2009. Zaheer’s value to the side was evident in the 2011 England tour when his early injury emotionally crippled the bowling attack.

Overall Career – 311 wickets from 92 Tests at an average of 32.94 and strike-rate of 60.4 with 11 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul