5 Indian Bowlers Who Never Took a 5-Wicket Haul in ODIs, Two Are World Cup Winners

New Delhi: India has always produced world-class bowlers, from legendary spinners of the past to the current generation of fast bowlers. While India is known as a batting powerhouse, several bowlers have been match-winners without ever claiming a 5-wicket haul in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Here are five prominent Indian bowlers who have achieved remarkable success yet never took a five-for in ODIs.

1. Axar Patel

• ODI Career: 2014–present
• Matches: 71
• Wickets: 75
• Economy Rate: 4.49
• Best Figures: 3/24
  Axar Patel has been a consistent performer for India, known for his control and ability to keep the runs down. Despite his regular presence, he has never taken a 5-wicket haul in ODIs.

2. Roger Binny

• ODI Career: 1979–1987
• World Cup: 1983 Winner
• Matches: 72
• Best Figures: 4/29
  Roger Binny played a key role in India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets. His best ODI performance remains 4 wickets for 29 runs in that same World Cup.

3. Ishant Sharma

• ODI Career: 2007–2016
• Matches: 80
• Wickets: 115
• Best Figures: 4/34
  A leading fast bowler for India for nearly a decade, Ishant Sharma took crucial wickets consistently but never managed a 5-wicket haul in ODIs.

4. Umesh Yadav

• ODI Career: 2010–2018
• Matches: 75
• Best Figures: 4/31
  Umesh Yadav, known for his pace and aggression, was a vital part of India’s bowling attack. Despite impactful spells, his ODI best remains 4 wickets for 31 runs.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin

• ODI Career: 2010–2023
• Matches: 116
• Wickets: 156
• Best Figures: 4/25
  While Ashwin has achieved 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, he surprisingly never accomplished the feat in ODIs. His best ODI figures are 4 wickets for 25 runs.

These bowlers demonstrate that consistency and match-winning contributions do not always require a 5-wicket haul. Roger Binny and Ishant Sharma, in particular, are celebrated as part of India’s World Cup-winning squads, proving that impactful performances come in various forms beyond the stats sheet.