Ranji Trophy 2017-18: Top 5 bowlers

#2 Akshay Wakhare, Vidarbha – 34 wickets at 21.76 in 8 matches

Akshay Wakhare took 4/95 against Delhi in the final, helping Vidarbha to their maiden Ranji title

Yet another success story of the under-rated Vidarbha side, off-spinner Akshay Wakhare led the spin department with aplomb. Having shown some pre-season form with a total of seven wickets for India Bule against India Red in the Duleep Trophy, Wakhare carried on the momentum right from Vidarbha's first Ranji game.

Four wickets against Punjab in an innings victory started a memorable journey for his team as well as Wakhare. Two five-fors against Services – 5/87 and 5/16 – gave Vidarbha a big win.

Wakhare, 32, then took nine more against Goa to lead his side to yet another innings win; and two games later, contributed crucial lower-order runs against Kerala in the quarter-final. And when the biggest occasion came calling, he spun Delhi out in the final with figures of 4/95.