Most Wickets in India vs New Zealand ODIs: Top 10 Bowlers

India and New Zealand have played many exciting One Day International (ODI) matches over the years. Both teams have produced some of the best bowlers in cricket history. Fast bowlers, swing specialists, and spinners have played an important role in this rivalry.

When we talk about the most wickets in India vs New Zealand ODIs, former Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath holds the top position with 51 wickets. Anil Kumble is in second place with 39 wickets. Mohammed Shami and New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee have taken 38 wickets each in the available records.

These records show how important bowling has been in this rivalry. In this article, we will look at the leading wicket-takers, their performances, and important bowling records from India vs New Zealand ODI matches.

Updated: 11 November 2026

Top 10 Bowlers With the Most Wickets in India vs New Zealand ODIs

The following table shows the leading wicket-takers in India vs New Zealand ODI matches according to the available head-to-head statistical records.

Rank	Player	Team	Matches	Wickets
1	Javagal Srinath	India	30	51
2	Anil Kumble	India	31	39
3	Mohammed Shami	India	16	38
4	Tim Southee	New Zealand	25	38
5	Kapil Dev	India	29	33
6	Kyle Mills	New Zealand	29	32
7	Zaheer Khan	India	22	30
8	Ashish Nehra	India	21	28
9	Richard Hadlee	New Zealand	20	27
10	Kuldeep Yadav	India	16	27

Note: These figures are from available head-to-head statistical records and have not been independently confirmed against a complete ESPNcricinfo leaderboard updated to November 2026.

1. Javagal Srinath – 51 Wickets

Javagal Srinath is at the top of the list of bowlers with the most wickets in India vs New Zealand ODIs. He took 51 wickets in 30 matches.

Srinath was one of India's best fast bowlers during the 1990s and early 2000s. He was known for his pace, accuracy, and ability to take important wickets.

His best bowling performance against New Zealand was 4 wickets for 23 runs. His average of 20.41 also shows his consistency in this rivalry.

2. Anil Kumble – 39 Wickets

Anil Kumble holds second place with 39 wickets in 31 matches against New Zealand.

He was one of India's most successful spin bowlers. Kumble used accuracy and consistent bowling to put pressure on opposition batters.

His best bowling figures against New Zealand were 5 wickets for 33 runs. This was an excellent performance that helped India take control of the match.

3. Mohammed Shami – 38 Wickets

Mohammed Shami is one of the most successful modern Indian bowlers against New Zealand. He has taken 38 wickets in 16 matches in the available statistical records.

His biggest achievement came during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final in Mumbai. Shami took 7 wickets for 57 runs against New Zealand.

This is the best bowling performance in India vs New Zealand ODI history. His ability to swing the ball and take wickets with pace makes him a dangerous bowler.

4. Tim Southee – 38 Wickets

Tim Southee shares the third position with Mohammed Shami, having taken 38 wickets against India in 25 matches.

Southee was known for his swing bowling and ability to take wickets with the new ball. He played an important role in New Zealand's bowling attack for many years.

His best bowling figures against India were 4 wickets for 49 runs.

5. Kapil Dev – 33 Wickets

Kapil Dev is another great Indian bowler on this list. He took 33 wickets in 29 ODI matches against New Zealand.

He was an excellent all-rounder who could contribute with both bat and ball. His bowling was based on accuracy, movement, and experience.

His best bowling figures against New Zealand were 3 wickets for 26 runs.

6. Kyle Mills – 32 Wickets

Kyle Mills was an important fast bowler for New Zealand. He took 32 wickets in 29 matches against India.

He was known for his ability to swing the ball and bowl accurately. Mills regularly helped New Zealand by taking early wickets and putting pressure on Indian batters.

His best bowling figures against India were 3 wickets for 42 runs.

7. Zaheer Khan – 30 Wickets

Zaheer Khan was one of India's most successful left-arm fast bowlers. He took 30 wickets against New Zealand in ODI cricket.

He was known for his swing, reverse swing, and ability to bowl well in important matches. Zaheer played an important role in India's bowling attack during his international career.

His best bowling figures against New Zealand were 4 wickets for 42 runs.

8. Ashish Nehra – 28 Wickets

Ashish Nehra took 28 wickets in 21 ODI matches against New Zealand.

He was a left-arm fast bowler who could trouble batters with swing and accurate bowling. Nehra also played an important role in India's major international tournaments.

His best bowling figures against New Zealand were 4 wickets for 47 runs.

9. Richard Hadlee – 27 Wickets

Richard Hadlee was one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. He took 27 wickets against India in 20 ODI matches.

Hadlee was famous for his swing bowling, control, and ability to take wickets in difficult conditions.

His best bowling figures against India were 5 wickets for 32 runs. He was a major part of New Zealand's bowling strength during his playing career.

10. Kuldeep Yadav – 27 Wickets

Kuldeep Yadav is one of India's important modern spin bowlers. He has taken 27 wickets against New Zealand in 16 ODI matches in the available statistical table.

He is a left-arm wrist spinner who uses different variations to trouble batters. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs makes him valuable for India.

His best bowling figures against New Zealand were 4 wickets for 39 runs.

Best Bowling Figures in India vs New Zealand ODIs

Mohammed Shami holds the record for the best bowling performance in India vs New Zealand ODI matches.

He took 7 wickets for 57 runs during the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Here are some important individual bowling performances:

Bowler	Team	Best Bowling
Mohammed Shami	India	7/57
Shane Bond	New Zealand	6/19
A Misha	India	5/18
Trent Boult	New Zealand	5/21

Shami's performance was especially important because it helped India defeat New Zealand and reach the 2023 World Cup final.

Which Indian Bowler Has Taken the Most Wickets Against New Zealand?

Javagal Srinath holds this record with 51 wickets in 30 ODI matches. He is followed by Anil Kumble, who took 39 wickets in 31 matches.

Mohammed Shami is also close to the top with 38 wickets in only 16 matches.

Which New Zealand Bowler Has Taken the Most Wickets Against India?

Tim Southee is among New Zealand's leading wicket-takers against India, with 38 wickets in 25 matches in the available records.

Kyle Mills follows with 32 wickets, while Richard Hadlee took 27 wickets. These bowlers played important roles in New Zealand's ODI rivalry with India.

Conclusion

India and New Zealand have produced many great bowlers in ODI cricket. Javagal Srinath leads the list of the most successful bowlers in this rivalry with 51 wickets. Anil Kumble follows him with 39 wickets, while Mohammed Shami and Tim Southee have taken 38 wickets each.

Mohammed Shami's 7/57 in the 2023 World Cup semi-final remains a memorable bowling performance. These records show that both teams have had some excellent bowlers over the years.

The India vs New Zealand ODI rivalry continues to produce exciting cricket, and future matches may bring new names into the list of leading wicket-takers.