Hat-tricks Taken By Indian Bowlers in ODIs

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A hat-tricks in One Day International cricket is one of the most thrilling feats a bowler can achieve. A hat-trick occurs when a bowler takes three wickets in three consecutive balls. And such incredible feats have been achieved by only a few bowlers.

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India, known for its glorious cricketing past, has given birth to some legendary players and, from amongst those, some have even achieved a hat-trick in their respective ODIs. To date, only four Indian bowlers have succeeded in taking a hat-trick in ODIs, and those glorious and handsome achievements are still cherished by every cricketing fan. Let’s discuss them one by one along with a short note about each of them.

Chetan Sharma: The First Indian to Take an ODI Hat-Trick

Former fast bowler Chetan Sharma was the first Indian cricketer to have taken an ODI hat-trick. It was during the 1987 Cricket World Cup that he managed to do it in a match against New Zealand. Sharma’s hat-trick is one of the turning points of the game; he sent Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield three successive balls for the wicket. It’s still one of the most popular moments in the history of India’s ODI matches as that marked a milestone for Indian bowlers on an international platform.

Kapil Dev: A Hat-Trophy in 1991 against Sri Lanka

Kapil Dev was one of the best cricketers India ever had and was a former Indian captain. Kapil Dev also completed a hat-trick in ODIs. Kapil Dev completed a hat-trick in the match against Sri Lanka in 1991.

Kapil Dev sent back three Sri Lankan cricketers in three successive balls: Roshan Mahanama, Rumesh Ratnayake, and Sanath Jayasuriya. Kapil Dev, with his leadership and all-round capabilities, has the hat-trick to his already illustrious career and is one of the most respected figures in Indian cricket history.

Kuldeep Yadav: The Only Indian with Two ODI Hat-Tricks

Kuldeep Yadav is India’s left-arm chinaman bowler who has had a brilliant career, and he stands out as the only Indian cricketer to take two hat-tricks in ODIs. His first hat-trick was against Australia in a match played in Kolkata in 2017. In this match, the victims that Kuldeep Yadav got were Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, and Pat Cummins, as he managed to dismiss three consecutive batsmen of Australia on the same day.

Kuldeep’s second ODI hat-trick came in 2019 when he bowled against the West Indies in Visakhapatnam. This time, he dismissed Shai Hope, Jason Holder, and Alzarri Joseph in consecutive balls. Kuldeep’s consistent ability to take wickets and his remarkable hat-trick records have made him one of India’s top spin bowlers in the limited-overs format. His two ODI hat-tricks solidify his place in the history of Indian cricket.

Mohammed Shami: A Hat-Trick in the 2019 ODI World Cup

Mohammed Shami, the experienced fast bowler, became the latest Indian cricketer to have his name etched in the list of Indian cricketers who have taken ODI hat-tricks when he achieved this feat during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. In a match against Afghanistan in Southampton, Shami produced a spectacular spell of bowling, dismissing three Afghanistan batsmen—Mohammad Nabi, Aftab Alam, and Mujeeb ur Rahman—on three consecutive balls.

Shami’s hat-trick was crucial in helping India secure a victory in this World Cup match, and it highlighted his skill and composure under pressure. As one of the best fast bowling talents in the country, with this hat trick, Shami further sealed his position at the top class of the great fast bowlers in contemporary cricket.

ODI Hat-tricks Legacy by India

Completing a hat-trick while playing ODI cricket is rather rare and considered an extraordinary victory. Four individuals from India make it to that list of glorious cricketing stars. From Chetan Sharma’s historic first ODI hat-trick in the 1987 World Cup to Mohammed Shami’s impressive feat in the 2019 World Cup, each of these players has contributed significantly to Indian cricket’s rich legacy. Kuldeep Yadav’s unique distinction of taking two hat-tricks further demonstrates the talent and skill that Indian bowlers bring to the ODI format.

These hat-tricks not only signify individual excellence but also show the growing strength of India’s bowling attack over the years. Cricket is going to evolve more and more, and it would not be a surprise if more Indian bowlers were added to this elite list; however, these four remain proud holders of this rare and remarkable achievement in India’s ODI history.

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