Last updated on October 30th, 2023 at 05:57 am

Top 10 best Leg Spinner in the World

Spin bowling, often regarded as an art in cricket, has seen the emergence of some of the finest talents in the sport. Among these, leg spinners have carved a unique niche. In our exploration of the ’10 Best Leg Spinners in the World,’ we seek to answer the burning question: Who is the best leg spinner in the world? These bowlers, masters of finesse and strategy, have left an indelible mark on cricket history, and we’ll delve into their remarkable records and achievements.

1. Shane Warne:

Shane Warne’s legendary status in cricket is irrefutable, making him the unrivaled king among leg spinners. With a career that spanned international matches and defining moments, Warne’s artistry with the ball is unparalleled. His ‘Ball of the Century’ remains etched in cricket history, a testament to his mastery. Known for his lethal leg-spin and devastating flipper, Warne claimed over 1000 wickets in international cricket. Notably, he thrived in high-stake matches, exemplified by his remarkable performance in the 1999 World Cup semi-final. With 708 wickets in 145 tests and 293 ODI wickets, Shane Warne undeniably tops the leg spinners list, leaving an indelible legacy as the best spinner in the world.

2. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble, the former Indian captain and spin maestro, stands as the best leg spinner India has ever produced. Initially underestimated for his spinning abilities, Kumble’s career took a remarkable turn as he honed his accuracy and mastered the art of pitching and bouncing the ball precisely. With 619 wickets in Test matches, he holds the title of India’s highest wicket-taker, and his 337 wickets in ODIs further solidify his legacy.

Kumble’s unique style differed from the likes of Muralitharan and Warne, relying on his height to generate extra bounce from the pitch. His precision and tactical brilliance made him a formidable opponent. Notably, he achieved a historic feat by equaling Jim Laker’s record of ten wickets in an innings against arch-rivals Pakistan. In 2015, Kumble was rightfully inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, further underscoring his status as one of the best leg spinners in cricket history.

3. Abdul Qadir

Abdul Qadir, a legendary Pakistani leg spin bowler, stands as one of the most remarkable in the annals of leg spin bowlers. In his 67-test career, he secured an impressive 236 wickets, showcasing his exceptional talent. His masterful display included a record-breaking performance against England in 1987, where he claimed 9 wickets for 56 runs. Qadir’s repertoire of leg-spin deliveries, including the deadly googly, established him as a formidable force. Despite umpiring challenges in comprehending his artful spin, Abdul Qadir’s contributions underscore his status as one of the most extraordinary leg spin bowlers in cricket history.

4. Richie Benaud

Richie Benaud, a former Australian cricketer celebrated for his contributions to test matches, occupies an iconic status in Australian cricket history. As one of the prominent leg spinners in cricket, his legacy from the 1950s and 1960s endures. With bowling figures of 248 wickets in 63 test matches, boasting a remarkable average of 27.03, Benaud’s stature as an Australian cricketer and all-rounder remains unmatched. His distinctive blend of leg-spin bowling and all-round prowess truly distinguishes him. Notably, Richie Benaud’s record as the first player to achieve 2,000 test runs and 200 wickets attests to his extraordinary talent and his place in the annals of cricket history.

5. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)

Muttiah Muralitharan, renowned for his exceptional leg break bowling style, etched his name as one of the most legendary spin bowlers in cricket history. His remarkable success transcended spin-friendly pitches, with wickets on challenging foreign grounds like England and Australia. Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on April 17, 1972, Muralitharan made his international debut in August 1992, representing the national team for nearly two decades. His illustrious career spanned 133 Test matches, 350 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 12 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), solidifying his status as one of the world’s premier off-spin bowlers hailing from Sri Lanka.

6. Mushtaq Ahmed

Mushtaq Ahmed, a prominent name among leg spinners in cricket, carved his own unique style while drawing inspiration from legends like Intikhab Alam and Abdul Qadir. Known for his passionate approach, Mushtaq’s distinctive delivery was accompanied by an animated run-up and fervent appeals to the umpire. His dedication to line and trajectory was such that he occasionally signaled his next delivery in advance. Hailing from Sahiwal, Pakistan, Mushtaq’s mastery over leg-spin bowing saw him dismiss batsmen 185 times in 52 Tests for Pakistan, making him a formidable force. He also enjoyed a successful county cricket career, representing Sussex, Surrey, and Somerset.

7. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, the leg spinner sensation, has made a significant impact in international cricket with his array of spin variations. His prowess spans all three formats, excelling not just as a bowler but also as an agile all-rounder and fielder. Remarkably, he assumed captaincy for Afghanistan in his teens, becoming the youngest Test match captain in history. With a career spanning 135 matches, including 83 ODIs and three Tests, Rashid has earned recognition as one of cricket’s greatest leg spinners. His exceptional skills have also shone in various T20 leagues worldwide, cementing his reputation as a premier contemporary spin bowler.

8. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

Ravichandran Ashwin, an exceptional cricketer, is recognized as one of the world’s premier leg spinners. Born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, India, he has made significant contributions across all cricket formats, excelling in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Ashwin’s pivotal role in India’s notable victories has solidified his status as a key player. As a right-arm off-break bowler, he debuted in 2010 and has maintained remarkable consistency. Though he’s currently absent from T20Is and ODIs, he remains one of India’s finest spinners, known for introducing the elusive carrom ball and amassing 29 wickets in a 2013 Test series against Australia.

9. Harbhajan Singh (India)

Harbhajan Singh, renowned as ‘The Turbanator,’ stands tall among India’s finest spinners. His legacy includes popularizing the ‘doosra’ in cricket and achieving the rare feat of securing a test cricket hat-trick. Debuting in 1998, his career highlights began early, with a standout first series. Over 103 test matches, he claimed an impressive 417 wickets, leaving an indelible mark in Indian cricket. Acknowledged as the world’s best spinner bowler, Harbhajan was a linchpin in India’s cricket landscape, known for his varied skills, including the elusive doosra, and his knack for taking crucial wickets. His reputation as one of the world’s top googly bowlers is well-deserved.

10. Ravindra Jadeja (India)

Ravindra Jadeja, renowned as ‘Sir Jadeja,’ is a multifaceted cricketer acclaimed for his left-handed batting, slow left-arm orthodox bowling, and exceptional fielding skills. He has earned the moniker of one of India’s premier spin bowlers in contemporary cricket due to his remarkable wicket-taking abilities. Remarkably, he holds the unique record of being the first Indian cricketer to score three triple centuries in first-class cricket. Additionally, he joins the select group of Indian players with over 2,000 runs and 150 wickets in One Day Internationals, cementing his status as a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team across all formats.

Conclusion

Determining the world’s premier spinner bowler is a subjective endeavor, often debated among cricket aficionados. In the realm of leg spinners, Rashid Khan’s name looms large, while for off-spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin’s star shines the brightest. Ashwin has undeniably left an indelible mark on international cricket, particularly in the Test format. His knack for extracting substantial turn and bounce has posed a formidable challenge to even the most accomplished batsmen. In conclusion, the quest to identify the ultimate spinner bowler remains a matter of personal perspective, with Rashid Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin emerging as prominent contenders in their respective spin-bowling domains.

FAQs

Who holds the title of the world’s finest spin bowler presently?

Ravi Ashwin, the Indian spin maestro, has enjoyed global acclaim as the premier spinner for several years now. His credentials are undeniable, boasting impressive statistics. Over 74 test matches, he has secured 377 wickets with an exceptional average of 25.54, characterized by both an impressive strike rate and an outstanding economy rate. However, it’s worth noting that Tabraiz Shamsi and Rashid Khan have emerged as top contenders, excelling in all three cricket formats.

Who currently reigns as the supreme leg-spin bowler on the global stage?

Undoubtedly, Ravi Ashwin has earned recognition as the world’s best leg-spinner in contemporary cricket, courtesy of his illustrious bowling career.

Who presently holds the title of the world’s premier off-spin bowler?

Steve Harmison believes that Moeen Ali should retain his status as England’s primary spin-bowling choice, particularly ahead of their tour to India.