Indian cricket has produced some of the finest bowlers in the history of Test cricket, with spinners especially standing out. In the longest format of the game, where age is often seen as a hindrance for many cricketers, a select group of Indian bowlers have continued to deliver match-winning performances well into the twilight of their careers.
These bowlers have demonstrated that experience and skill can overcome the physical challenges of ageing. Achieving a five-wicket haul in Test cricket is a remarkable accomplishment, highlighting a bowler’s ability to dominate the opposition’s batting order.
Oldest Indian Bowlers to Take a Five-Wicket Haul in Test Cricket
3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 38y 2d
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest off-spinners, holds the distinction of being the oldest Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The Tamil Nadu cricketer, renowned for his match-winning performances, especially in subcontinental conditions, achieved this milestone at 38 years and 2 days during the 2024 Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai. Ashwin claimed 6 wickets for 88 runs in Bangladesh’s second innings, leading India to a commanding 280-run victory. His all-round brilliance also earned him the Player of the Match award, which included a century alongside his stellar bowling performance.
2. Vinoo Mankad – 37y 306d
At 37 years and 306 days, Vinoo Mankad, the legendary left-arm spinner, becomes the second oldest Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Mankad’s remarkable achievement came during the 1955 Peshawar Test against Pakistan, where he picked up five wickets in a marathon 54-over spell. Though his efforts were crucial, the match ended in a draw, but Mankad’s spell remains etched in history as one of the defining moments in Indian cricket.
1. Anil Kumble – 37y 70d
Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 619 wickets from 132 matches, is the third oldest Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul. At 37 years and 70 days, Kumble achieved this feat during the 2007 Melbourne Test against Australia, where he claimed five wickets in 25 overs in Australia’s first innings. Despite his incredible performance, India lost the match by a significant margin of 337 runs, but Kumble’s contribution was a testament to his legendary status as one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time.