Who is India's most successful bowler in South Africa? Highest wicket-takers in T20Is, ODIs, and Tests in SA

Parshva Shah

Who is India's most successful bowler in South Africa? Highest wicket-takers in T20Is, ODIs, and Tests in SA image

India have made a good start after losing to Australia in the World Cup in November as they decimated the same side in a five-match T20I series with a 4-1 scoreline.

Bet here on India vs South Africa and other cricket matches!

Now, all the focus and attention will turn towards the exciting tour of South Africa. The last time India toured South Africa, the hosts won the three-match Test series 2-1 and the three-match ODI series 3-0. 

This time around, the teams will lock horns in three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests in what will be the Proteas' first assignment following the conclusion of the World Cup. 

In this article, The Sporting News takes a look at the most successful Indian bowlers across formats in South Africa. 

MORE: Who is India's most successful batsman in South Africa?

Most Test wickets by an Indian bowler in SA

The first time India toured South Africa was in 1992-93. The two sides played four Tests and seven ODIs. India lost the Test series 1-0 and the ODI series 5-2. It was a historic tour as Sachin Tendulkar became the first-ever player in cricket history to be given a run out by a TV / third umpire. 

When it comes to the most successful Indian bowlers, though, legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble leads the wicket-takers tally in Tests in South Africa.

PlayerMatchesWicketsAverageS.R.Econ.5WI10WMBest
Anil Kumble124532.0284.72.26106-53
Javagal Srinath84325.2751.92.92306-76
Mohammed Shami83523.2244.63.12205-28
Zaheer Khan 83035.6062.73.40004-62
S Sreesanth62728.5547.53.60205-40

Most ODI wickets by an Indian bowler in SA

It's Javagal Srinath who is the most successful bowler for India in one-day internationals played in South Africa, having taken 33 wickets. 

PlayerMatchesWicketsAverageS.R.Econ.4-fer5-ferBest
Javagal Srinath 293332.1845.84.21204-30
Zaheer Khan 193124.3830.94.72104-42
Anil Kumble282933.4852.73.80104-32
Harbhajan Singh262637.7652.94.28003-27
Ashish Nehra152621.2326.34.83216-23

MORE: Rahul Dravid's advice to Indian batsmen ahead of SA tour

Most T20I wickets by an Indian bowler in SA

Retired Indian left-arm fast bowler RP Singh has taken the most T20I wickets by an Indian bowler in South Africa with 12 wickets to his name. Remember his exploits at the 2007 World Twenty20?

PlayerMatchesWicketsAverageS.R.Econ.4-fer5-ferBest
RP Singh71212.6712.06.33104-13
Irfan Pathan91120.2716.3 7.43003-16
Harbhajan Singh8825.5019.57.84002-24
Bhuvneshwar Kumar379.579.46.09015-24
S Sreesanth8730.8523.18.00002-12

Ready to make your predictions and win on cricket matches? To find all the latest odds, betting and cricket scores and fixtures from India click here

Parshva Shah

Parshva is a Content Producer for The Sporting News' India edition.