The ODI rivalry between India and England is a thrilling contest of contrasting styles, historical significance, and intense battles. While England embraces an aggressive, power-hitting approach, India combines stability with calculated aggression. Over the years, this rivalry has produced iconic moments, from the dramatic tie in the 2011 World Cup to India’s famous NatWest Trophy win in 2002.
India has dominated recent bilateral series, but England remains a formidable ODI side, having reshaped white-ball cricket with an attacking mindset. As both teams gear up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the upcoming series will serve as a crucial testing ground, making every match a high-stakes encounter.
Here’s a list of the top five bowlers with the most wickets in IND vs ENG ODIs:
1: Ravindra Jadeja
Indian spinning all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja has seen success in ODIs against England as a result of his exceptional accuracy, variations, and ability to extract turn on any surface. Unlike traditional wrist spinners, Jadeja relies on quick arm speed, tight lines, and subtle deviations rather than big-turning deliveries. His ability to bowl economically in the middle overs builds pressure, forcing batters into errors.
In 27 ODI matches, Ravindra Jadeja has taken a total of 42 wickets with an economy of 4.69, with 4 for 28 being his best.
2: James Anderson
English premier fast bowler, James Anderson was a lethal ODI bowler in his prime, especially in England’s swinging conditions. His key weapon was his ability to move the ball both ways, particularly under cloudy skies and in early overs. Unlike many pacers who rely on express pace, Anderson focused on seam position, accuracy, and late swing, often trapping Indian batters with deliveries that curved late.
In 31 ODI matches, James Anderson has taken a total of 40 wickets with an economy of 5.17, with 4 for 18 being his best.
3: Andrew Flintoff
Legendary English bowler, Andrew Flintoff has been the heartbeat of England’s bowling attack in ODIs against India during the early 2000s. A true pace-bowling all-rounder, Flintoff’s ability to bowl at high speeds while maintaining accuracy made him a difficult bowler to attack. His greatest strength was his ability to generate steep bounce and movement off the pitch, often unsettling Indian batters with short-pitched deliveries. He was also highly effective in the death overs, using his sharp yorkers and well-disguised slower balls.
In 30 ODI matches, Andrew Flintoff has taken a total of 37 wickets with an economy of 4.54, with 5 for 56 being his best.
4: Harbhajan Singh
India’s Harbhajan Singh’s off-spin proved to be a major challenge for England’s batting lineups, particularly on turning Indian tracks. His aggressive doosra (variation delivery that spins away from right-handers) made him difficult to read, while his ability to flight the ball and extract bounce put England’s middle order under pressure. Harbhajan was known for attacking bowling rather than just containing runs, making him a wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
In 23 ODI matches, Harbhajan Singh has taken a total of 36 wickets with an economy of 4.20, with 5 for 31 being his best.
5: Javagal Srinath
India’s pace spearhead, Javagal Srinath was known for his ability to generate pace, seam movement, and control in the 1990s and early 2000s. Unlike many Indian pacers of his era, Srinath had the ability to bowl above 140 km/h, making him a rare asset in ODIs. Against England, he was effective in both powerplays and death overs, using his sharp bouncers and pinpoint yorkers. His ability to reverse swing the ball in the later stages of the innings made him a difficult bowler to face, especially in subcontinent conditions where reverse swing is a major factor.
In 21 ODI matches, Javagal Srinath has taken a total of 35 wickets with an economy of 4.38, with 5 for 41 being his best.
