Highest Wicket Taker in ODI Cricket: Legends, Records & India’s Top Bowlers

Imagine the roar of the crowd when a bowler sends the stumps cartwheeling in a tense ODI match.

That moment isn’t just about one wicket—it’s about the skill, planning, and patience built over years of hard work.

In the 50-over format, where batters are free to attack and fielding restrictions make life harder for bowlers, picking up wickets consistently is a true art. From devastating yorkers to unplayable spin, the highest wicket taker in ODI history represents more than just numbers—they are symbols of cricketing greatness.

The Highest Wicket Taker in ODI – A Global Icon

When it comes to ODI bowling dominance, Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka stands at the summit. The legendary off-spinner claimed 534 wickets in his 350-match career. His precision, variations, and ability to outthink batters made him a nightmare opponent on any surface.

Before Murali’s reign, Pakistan’s Wasim Akram held the record, ending with 502 wickets from 356 matches. Akram’s mastery of swing—both conventional and reverse—helped him win countless matches for Pakistan and cemented his place as one of the greatest left-arm bowlers in cricket history.

These two giants are the only bowlers to have crossed the 500-wicket mark in ODIs, setting a benchmark that might stand for decades.

Top 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in ODI History

Most Wickets in ODI for India – Legends in Blue

India has always been known for producing great batters, but over the years, several bowlers have carved their legacy in the ODI format. Leading the way is Anil Kumble, India’s spin wizard, with 337 wickets in 271 matches. His relentless accuracy and ability to bowl long, economical spells made him a vital asset for over a decade.

Right behind Kumble is Javagal Srinath, India’s premier pace bowler of the 1990s and early 2000s, with 315 wickets. His outswingers, combined with raw pace, troubled even the best batters of his era.

Most Wickets in ODI for India

These bowlers not only brought individual glory but also played crucial roles in some of India’s most memorable ODI wins.

What Makes These Bowlers Special?

While every bowler on these lists had unique strengths, a few common traits stand out:

• Consistency Over Years – Playing over 200 matches means staying fit, effective, and mentally strong across multiple seasons.
• Adaptability to Conditions – Waqar and Akram mastered swing in all conditions, while Murali and Kumble thrived both at home and abroad.
• Match-Winning Ability – Many of these bowlers delivered their best performances in high-pressure games, often in ICC tournaments.
• Variety in Arsenal – Yorkers, bouncers, slower balls, doosras, carrom balls—each bowler had something unpredictable to keep batters guessing.

Fun Facts & Unique Records

• Chaminda Vaas’s 8/19 against Zimbabwe in 2001 remains the best bowling figures in ODI history.
• Shahid Afridi is the only player in the top 10 wicket-takers who was also known for explosive batting.
• Anil Kumble’s 6/12 against the West Indies is still one of the most destructive ODI spells by an Indian.
• Lasith Malinga is the only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive balls in an ODI.

Future Contenders

Breaking into the all-time top 10 list is becoming harder in the modern ODI era, where bowlers play fewer matches. However, players like Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have shown that skill and accuracy can still bring success.

• Shami, with his wicket-taking knack, could climb into India’s top 5 ODI wicket-takers soon.
• Bumrah’s injury interruptions may slow him down, but his strike rate is among the best in the world.

Conclusion – Will These Records Ever Fall?

The highest wicket taker in ODI cricket, Muttiah Muralitharan, set a standard of excellence that might never be matched. The most wickets in ODI list is a who’s who of cricket legends, each leaving an indelible mark on the game. For India, Anil Kumble’s record as the most wickets in ODI for India stands tall as a testament to skill, perseverance, and adaptability.

But cricket is a game of surprises. Records that seem unbreakable today might fall tomorrow to a new generation of bowlers hungry for glory. The question is—who will be the one to do it?