Most Wickets: Cricket, a sport that has captured the hearts of millions, has a rich history of records and milestones, especially when it comes to bowlers. Over the years, bowlers have showcased incredible skill, precision, and endurance to break various records. Among the many categories that cricket fans keep an eye on, one of the most prestigious records is that of the most wickets taken in international cricket.
Who Holds the Record for the Most Wickets?
Most Wickets: As of 2025, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most wickets in international cricket. Muralitharan, widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers to ever play the game, took a total of 1,347 wickets across all formats of international cricket—Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Most Wickets: Let’s break down Muralitharan’s record further and see how he compares to other bowlers.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Career
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 133 | 800 | 22.72 | 9/51 |
| ODI | 350 | 534 | 23.08 | 7/30 |
| T20I | 12 | 13 | 22.38 | 3/20 |
| Total | 495 | 1,347 | 22.72 | 9/51 |
Most Wickets: Muralitharan’s staggering total of wickets across all formats is a feat that has been difficult to match by any bowler in the history of the sport. His remarkable skill set, combined with his ability to take wickets on any type of pitch, earned him a reputation as one of the most fearsome bowlers of his time.
How Muralitharan Achieved This Feat
Most Wickets: Muralitharan’s bowling was a combination of spin, accuracy, and variety. He is known for his ability to turn the ball prodigiously, thanks to his unique “doosra” delivery, which baffles many batsmen even today. His unorthodox action, which was a subject of much debate during his career, played a crucial role in his success. He relied heavily on his wrist spin and created significant turn from both sides, making him a dual threat.
Most Wickets: Muralitharan’s consistency was another key factor in his rise to the top. He played 133 Test matches and took 800 wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. His consistency in ODIs was equally impressive, with 534 wickets in 350 matches.
Other Prominent Bowlers in the Race
While Muralitharan is currently the highest wicket-taker, several other bowlers have come close to breaking his record or have had remarkable careers in their own right. Let’s look at the top wicket-takers in international cricket history.
1. Shane Warne (Australia)
Shane Warne, one of the most legendary leg spinners of all time, ranks second in terms of international wickets. Warne, known for his incredible control and the ability to deceive batsmen, took a total of 1,001 wickets across formats.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 145 | 708 | 25.41 | 8/71 |
| ODI | 194 | 293 | 25.73 | 5/36 |
| T20I | 11 | 1 | 12.00 | 1/2 |
| Total | 350 | 1,001 | 25.41 | 8/71 |
Warne’s ability to turn the ball on any surface, combined with his match-winning deliveries, made him one of the most feared bowlers of his generation. Despite retiring in 2007, his legacy continues to inspire many aspiring spinners.
2. James Anderson (England)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 180 | 700 | 26.53 | 7/42 |
| ODI | 194 | 269 | 29.39 | 5/23 |
| T20I | 19 | 33 | 30.48 | 3/11 |
| Total | 393 | 1,002 | 28.47 | 7/42 |
Anderson’s success lies in his ability to swing the ball both ways, as well as his durability and consistency in all formats. He is often regarded as one of the best fast bowlers of all time.
3. Anil Kumble (India)
Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker, occupies the fourth spot on the list. He took 956 wickets in international cricket, with 619 of those coming in Test matches.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 132 | 619 | 29.65 | 10/74 |
| ODI | 271 | 337 | 30.48 | 5/42 |
| T20I | 2 | 0 | – | – |
| Total | 405 | 956 | 29.65 | 10/74 |
Kumble was a master of variations in flight and spin. His incredible ten-wicket haul in a Test match against Pakistan in 1999 is one of the most iconic moments in cricket history.
4. Courtney Walsh (West Indies)
Courtney Walsh, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket, ranks fifth with 1,003 wickets. He was known for his accuracy, pace, and ability to bowl long spells.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 132 | 519 | 24.44 | 7/37 |
| ODI | 205 | 227 | 30.47 | 5/36 |
| T20I | 4 | 1 | 18.00 | 1/20 |
| Total | 341 | 1,003 | 25.71 | 7/37 |
His partnership with Curtly Ambrose was a defining feature of West Indies’ dominance in the 1990s.
Other Bowlers Close Behind
Here’s a look at a few more bowlers who rank highly on the all-time wicket-taker list:
| Rank | Bowler | Wickets | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Kapil Dev | 919 | 360 |
| 6 | Richard Hadlee | 944 | 425 |
| 7 | Shaun Pollock | 829 | 419 |
| 8 | Stuart Broad | 732 | 394 |
| 9 | Dale Steyn | 699 | 391 |
While Muttiah Muralitharan still holds the top spot for the most wickets in international cricket, the race for this prestigious record has been fierce. The achievements of bowlers like Shane Warne, James Anderson, Anil Kumble, and Courtney Walsh continue to resonate in the world of cricket. Each of these bowlers has left a legacy in the sport that will be remembered for years to come. As cricket continues to evolve, we can expect new challenges to these records, but for now, Muralitharan remains the most successful bowler in the history of the game.
