Fastest Indian bowlers to reach 50 wickets in Tests

Anil Kumble (10 matches, 3,730 wickets)

Probably the greatest spinner to have played the sport, Anil Kumble, right from his first game was the mainstay in the Indian team until his retirement. Kumble, popularly known as ‘Jumbo’ was India’s match winner, and this was not with the bat, but with the ball. Kumble at no point in his career was known for turning the ball squarely off the pitch, but his match awareness and the ability to read the minds of the batsman’s mind, coupled with a high arm action, gave him the success he is known for.

His ability to work hard and never giving up, even if the situation is that of a broken jaw, yes the man played a Test match with a broken jaw, made him the cricketer he was. Constantly making changes and tweaking his arsenal of unpredictable deliveries, Kumble took no time in becoming a member of the G.O.A.T. club. His ability to play a few deliveries with the bat, got him to 2,500 runs and a ton in Test matches, making his case nothing but strong.

His excellent overseas record, coupled by his ability to lead the youngsters that were coming into the side at that time in the right direction, made him earn the captain’s spot of the Indian side in 2007. After handling the Indian team in the best possible ways through every bump, including that of the ‘Monkeygate’ and the following controversy, Kumble retired from Test cricket on 19th of October 2008.

He played 132 matches and taking 619 wickets, bettered only by Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. In his 10th match against Zimbabwe in Delhi on the 17th of March 1993, his 3,730th delivery earned him the 2nd spot in this list as he got his 50th wicket.