Most wickets in ODIs in 2013

10) L Tsotsobe ( 35 wickets in 26 matches @ 29.88) : With frequent resting of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel from ODIs to manage their workload, Tsotsobe is often seen as the no 1 ODI bowler in South Africa and he fittingly proved it with his stats over the year. With 35 wickets, he stands at no 10 on the list of highest ODI wicket takers in 2013.

9) I Sharma ( 35 wickets in 22 matches @ 28.37) : Ridiculed for his death bowling, the maligned Indian pacer Ishant Sharma comes at no 9 on this list. Though he stands as the least economical bowler in the top 10 with an economy of 5.63, people often forget the fact that he provides crucial breakthroughs for India . Most recently during the Champions Trophy final where he dismissed both Bopara and Morgan in one over and brought India back into the match.

8) Mohammad Irfan ( 38 wickets in 24 matches @ 24.28) : Ever since Irfan made his debut for Pakistan, he was a source of interest for many given his enormous height and the amount to bounce he generates. In just his first year on international circuit, this lanky pacer has performed well and took some good wickets. The way he made Hashim Amla hope around earlier in the year will be fondly remembered and lets hope he stays fit longer and continue his good work.

7) L Malinga ( 39 wickets in 28 matches @ 30.15) : World’s premier T20 bowler comes at number 7 on the list. His toe crushing yorkers and deadly bouncers make batsmen hobble around in the crease. Though he is less effective these days compared to 2-3 years earlier, he still remains a threat nonetheless and can strike any time courtesy to his slinging yorkers.

6) R Ashwin ( 40 wickets in 29 matches @ 33.82) : India’s number one off spinner might have his short comings in the tests outside India, but he remains one of the best in ODI cricket. With his carrom ball and range of variations, he remains a constant threat for the batsmen. Though he faded towards the end of the year in South Africa

5) M McClenaghan ( 40 wickets in 15 matches @ 19.02) : This New Zealand sensation has been on fire since his debut picking loads of wickets against every opposition. Debuting against South Africa in their historic series win, he proved pivotal for their bowling ever since. With 4 four wicket hauls, he remains a dangerous bowler.

4) R McLaren ( 45 wickets in 27 matches @ 23.77) : With Kallis now retired from tests, it wouldn’t be long till he retires from limited over cricket too and South Africa seems to have found an able replacement for the outgoing legend in the form of McLaren. Though unproven yet with the bat, he remains South Africa’s leading wicket taker in ODI’s and will be a key component as SOuth Africa chase their first limited over competition win in 2015 World Cup.

3) R Jadeja ( 52 wickets in 34 matches @ 25.40) : ‘Sir’ Ravindra Jadeja was a revelation in 2013. After being in and out of the team many times, he finally found his grove and turned into a world-class bowler during the year. His exploits in the Champions Trophy, especially the final are truly remarkable. He also provides the option as a death bowler which Dhoni badly needs right now if he wants to keep the World Cup after 2015.

2) Junaid Khan ( 52 wickets in 28 matches @ 21.46) : Junaid Khan had the best possible beginning to the year as he repeatedly rattled the Indian batsmen in the 3 match series in India. He continued this superb form and was deservingly the second on this list. His last over against South Africa where he defended 9 runs was a real treat to watch and we expect this impressive youngster to continue his growth and turn into a complete fast bowler.

1) S Ajmal ( 62 wickets in 33 matches @ 20.45) : World’s best spinner, Saeed Ajmal finishes at the top of the pile with an impressive 62 wickets in 33 matches along with a miserly economy of 4.13. He repeatedly put the opposition batsmen to test with his spin magic and contained the hitters with his doosras in the slog overs. Whenever he was called upon by his captain he delivered and remained the linchpin in the impressive Pakistan bowling attack.