Being the captain of the Indian cricket team in Test Cricket is not just about leading; it’s also about handling the pressure of millions of fans. When the captain is a bowler, the challenge becomes even harder as they have to balance their own game with leading the team. Despite there being only a few bowling captains in Indian Test Cricket history, some have delivered outstanding performances with the ball.
5 Best bowling performances in Test cricket by Indian captains
5. Bishan Singh Bedi – 5/27 vs New Zealand (1976, Wankhede)
In 1976, during a Test match against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, captain Bishan Singh Bedi showcased his brilliant bowling skills. He took 5 wickets for just 27 runs in the second innings. New Zealand, chasing 304 runs, struggled against Bedi’s spin and were all out for 141, giving India a 161-run victory. Bedi’s sharp variations and precision were too much for the New Zealand batsmen to handle in this Test Cricket contest.
4. Kapil Dev – 6/77 vs West Indies (1983, Delhi)
After India’s historic 1983 World Cup win, Kapil Dev followed it up with a fantastic bowling performance in Test Cricket. In the second Test match against the West Indies at Delhi, Kapil took 6 wickets for 77 runs in the first innings, including top players like Vivian Richards and Clive Lloyd. Even though the match ended in a draw, Kapil’s effort stood out and helped India gain an important 80-run lead in the Test Cricket series.
3. Bishan Singh Bedi – 6/71 vs England (1977, Bengaluru)
Bishan Singh Bedi appears again on this list for his stunning bowling performance in Test Cricket against England in Bengaluru during the 1977 series. He took 6 wickets for 71 runs in the second innings. England, chasing 318 runs, couldn’t cope with Bedi’s turning deliveries on a helpful pitch and were bowled out for 177. This gave India a 140-run victory in a thrilling Test match.
2. Kapil Dev – 8/106 vs Australia (1985, Adelaide)
Kapil Dev once again showed why he is one of India’s greatest fast bowlers in Test Cricket. In 1985, during a Test match against Australia in Adelaide, he took 8 wickets for 106 runs. Despite playing on a batting-friendly pitch, Kapil’s bowling was the highlight of the match, preventing Australia from running away with a huge total. Though the match ended in a draw, his outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award in this Test match encounter.
1. Kapil Dev – 9/83 vs West Indies (1983, Ahmedabad)
Kapil Dev’s best bowling performance in a Test match came in 1983 when he took 9 wickets for 83 runs against the mighty West Indies in Ahmedabad. His near-perfect display of fast bowling troubled the West Indies batsmen. Although India lost the match by 138 runs, Kapil’s incredible effort in this Test Cricket contest is still remembered as one of the finest individual performances by an Indian captain.
These remarkable performances by Indian captains in Test Cricket demonstrate how leadership and personal achievements on the field can go hand in hand.
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