Ravindra Jadeja Surpasses Zaheer Khan to Become Fifth-Highest Wicket-Taker for India in International Cricket

Ravindra Jadeja added another major milestone to his illustrious career by overtaking former pace spearhead Zaheer Khan to become the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in international cricket. The achievement came during the third Test against England at Lord’s, where Jadeja dismissed Ollie Pope in the final session of play to claim his 611th international wicket.

Pope, who was batting on 44, edged a delivery spinning away outside off from a good length, and Dhruv Jurel completed a fine catch behind the stumps. The breakthrough not only ended a resilient stand between Pope and Joe Root but also propelled Jadeja past Zaheer in the all-time Indian wicket-takers list.

Jadeja’s tally of 611 wickets has come across 361 international appearances, with best bowling figures of 7 for 42. His most productive format has been Test cricket, where he has taken 326 wickets in 83 matches, including 15 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket match performances.

Zaheer Khan, who previously held the fifth spot, took 610 wickets in 309 appearances for India, at an average of 31.14. His best bowling figures were 7 for 87. He also claimed 13 wickets while representing Asia XI in six matches, but those are counted separately from his India career.

The list of top Indian wicket-takers in international cricket continues to be led by legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who took 953 wickets at an average of 30.06. His career included 37 five-wicket hauls, eight ten-wicket match hauls, and the historic 10 for 74 against Pakistan.

The milestone came in the midst of an evenly poised third Test at Lord’s. Earlier in the day, England’s Joe Root and Ollie Pope steadied their innings after losing two early wickets in the morning. The pair added a crucial 109-run unbeaten partnership for the third wicket during the second session, helping England recover to 153 for 2 at Tea.

Root brought up his half-century off 102 deliveries and remained not out on 54, laced with seven boundaries. Pope supported him well with a determined 44 off 107 balls, hitting four boundaries before Jadeja broke the stand.

England had won the toss and opted to bat first in the third Test. The five-match series currently stands level at 1-1, with both sides looking to gain a crucial lead.