Since they began playing against one another more than 50 years ago, India and the West Indies have had some of the greatest matches in sports history. Early encounters between the teams saw West Indies dominate the proceedings, but after India’s amazing World Cup victory against them in 1983, the tide has unquestionably turned.
The Indian squad will go to the West Indies for a comprehensive tour that will include two Test matches, three ODIs, and five T20 internationals. Great bowlers like Ravichandran, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts have notched up wickets in these contests throughout the years. Here are the top three highest wicket-takers of all times in Tests between India and West Indies
3. Anil Kumble (74 wickets)
The legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble is third on the list of highest wicket takers in the matches between India and West Indies. He has taken 74 wickets across 17 Test matches and has a staggering economy of 2.81 with an average of just over 29.
His most iconic performance came against the West Indies when he played with a fractured jaw in 2002 as the leg-spinner produced 14 overs while wearing bandages on his face. Inspired by the turn provided by the wicket, the leg-spinner had team physio Andrew Leipus bandage up his face before reporting to duty for India.
2. Malcolm Marshall (76 wickets)
Malcolm Marshall, who is considered as one of the best bowlers of all time, amassed some remarkable stats for the West Indies throughout his Test career. The right-arm fast pacer recorded 76 wickets with an average of 21.98 in 17 Tests while dominating Indian batting.
With his greatest performance versus India of 6 wickets for 37 runs, Marshall was exceedingly difficult to face. In the longer format, he scored six five-wicket hauls versus India along with one match haul of ten wickets.
1. Kapil Dev (89 wickets)
Kapil Dev wrote his name in history when he guided a young and buoyant Indian team to their first World Cup win. Even though that was in a different format, it laid the foundation for Indian sides to compete with a strong West Indies side and in any given ground and conditions.
He has faced the West Indies in 25 Test matches and has taken a staggering 89 wickets against the West Indies with his best match figures being 10/135 and his best innings figures being 9/83, which is one of the best amongst Indian bowlers.