India’s win in 2024 was cemented by the Indian bowlers’ brilliance, who chugged out spellbinding spells throughout the year. Whether it was pace, swing, or spin, the Indian bowling attack always turned the matches in their favor. There were a few of the most breathtaking performances in an inning, where bowlers chugged out spellbinding spells to destroy rival teams. In crunch overs, Indian bowlers showcased their skill of playing in variable conditions and outsmarting world-class batsmen. Be it Jasprit Bumrah’s pace bowling with the killer ball or Ravichandran Ashwin’s magic with the spin ball, all the bowlers came up with match-winning performances when the going got tough. They not only won the matches but made India one of the world’s top bowling teams.
This blog will be discussing the top bowling spells of 2024 with a special focus on match-winning efforts where Indian bowlers turned tables.
Top Indian Test Bowling Figures per Innings (2024)
A five-wicket Test innings haul is always an exhilarating feat, yet certain spells leave it behind ones that set up matches and possess an irrevocable hallmark. Indian bowlers served scores of such shows in 2024 to remember, dismantling world-class batting units with sheer potential and precision.
Here are the highest individual bowling performances by Indian bowlers in a Test innings this year:
1. Jasprit Bumrah – 6/45 against England (Mumbai)
Bumrah was nearly impenetrable in this match, using reverse swing with murderous effect. His 6/45 tore the English batting asunder, leaving them at the mercy of his seething pace and lethal yorkers. Every ball was a challenge of skill to the English batsmen, and Bumrah ensured India won with ease.
2. Ravindra Jadeja – 5/41 against New Zealand (Delhi)
Jadeja bowled a spin-bowling clinic to New Zealand, utilizing his accuracy and minute adjustment to the best of his abilities. His incessant 5/41 spell subjected Kiwi batsmen to incredible pressure, scoring being all but impossible. Not only was his performance restricting New Zealand to a reasonable total but also reminded the world why he is batter’s bogey in conditions conducive to spin.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 6/88 vs Australia (Chennai)
As Chennaipitch turned, Ashwin was at his best, threading his web of magic with a 6/88 haul. His ability to deceive batsmen with flight, dip, and turn mastery left the Aussie middle-order utterly perplexed. With every wicket, Ashwin tightened India’s hold on the contest further, making it a night to cherish for the old warhorse off-spinner.
4. Mohammed Siraj – 6/15 against West Indies (Kingston)
Siraj bowled fire and aggression in this game, producing one of the most destructive spells of the year. His 6/15 tore apart the West Indian batting line-up, and his pace and swing had too much to give. His relentless attack led to India bowling the opposition cheaply, leaving the way open for an easy victory.
5. Kuldeep Yadav – 5/72 against England
Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin wizardry was in full flow as he destroyed England’s batting order with a 5/72 spell. Using his variations to lethal effect, he bamboozled the batsmen with vicious turns and subtle variations in pace. His spell was the game-changer for India, proving his value in the Test side.
Conclusion
2024 was a golden era for Indian bowling in Test cricket. Indian bowlers not only delivered us the victory but also the team’s image as a world cricket powerhouse. Bumrah’s deadly pace, Ashwin and Jadeja’s match-winning partnership and strategies, Siraj’s non-stop aggression, and Kuldeep’s tricky variations every bowler contributed to India’s triumph in a significant way.
What added to these performances was the variety and flexibility of the Indian bowling attack. India no longer depends on spin-friendly conditions only—fast bowlers such as Bumrah and Siraj have demonstrated the capacity to destroy opposition lineups anywhere in the globe, while spinners such as Ashwin and Jadeja remain match-winners at home. This flexibility is what distinguishes India from others.
The other major takeaway of 2024 was the effort and resilience demonstrated by the bowlers. They turned matches around from challenging situations on several occasions, showing that India possesses the depth and mentality to perform under duress.
