The stage is set for one of the most awaited fixtures of the cricketing calendar – the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Furthermore, with the race for the finals of the World Test Championship heating up, the excitement around the series is at an all-time high.
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In the build-up to the prestigious series, let’s take a look at the top performers over the years. Interestingly, both the highest run scorers list and the highest wicket takers list is dominated by Indians. While the legendary Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Anil Kumble sits on top of another list.
The legendary Kumble is the highest wicket taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While in the batting department, the top five has three Indians and two Australians, the bowling list is dominated by the Indians. In the top five of the highest wicket takers list, currently there are four Indians and just one spinner.
Interestingly, out of the top five, three will be seen in action in the upcoming edition of the prestigious tournament.
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Kumble tops Border-Gavaskar stat list
Sitting on top of the pile and way ahead of the list is former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble. The former Indian spinner, known as ‘Jumbo’, etched his name into the record books as one of the greatest. Rightfully, Kumble occupies the top spot of the most wickets in the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
The former Indian legend has played for India in the tournament from 1996-2008. During that period, Kumble pocketed a whopping 111 wickets from twenty matches. Kumble is the only bowler to have picked up more than hundred wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Harbhajan Singh
The former Indian spinner sits second on the list of most wickets in the tournament. The former Indian cricketer, who has had his fair share of controversy Down Under, has been one of the most lethal bowlers for the sub-continent.
Singh featured in the tournament from 1998-2013. During that spell, Harbhajan played in eighteen matches and picked up 95 wickets.
Nathan Lyon
Lyon is the only Australian bowler in the top five. In the see of Indian spinners, Lyon has made a place for himself and he will once again be the player to watch out for in the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
The 34-year-old Australian spinner is currently placed third on the list. Lyon will have a chance to go second on the all-time list. Heading into the upcoming edition, Lyon has 94 wickets from 22 matches, i.e, one less than Harbhajan.
R Ashwin
The senior Indian bowler is currently placed fourth on the list. Ashwin too will get a chance to climb up the table. Currently the Indian spinner has 94 wickets from 18 matches.
Ashwin has featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2011. The 36-year-old will once again lead the Indian attack in the upcoming four-match Test series.
Jadeja makes up top-five of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Another player to feature in the upcoming edition is one of the most successful bowlers of the tournament. Jadeja makes up the current top five. The 34-year-old all-rounder is making his comeback from injury.
Jadeja was picked for the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, but subject to clearing fitness. The spinner’s contribution in the tournament has been overwhelming. The all rounder first featured in the tournament in 2013. Since then, he has featured 12 matches and has picked up 63 wickets so far.
The four-match Test series is set to get underway on February 9th. The first Test will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.