Ravindra Jadeja becomes fifth Indian bowler to take 350 Test wickets

Ravindra Jadeja became the fifth Indian bowler to take 350 Test wickets on August 17 during the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. The left-arm spinner reached the landmark by dismissing Keshara Nuwantha, who attempted to slap-drive a turning delivery but could only manage a top edge that ballooned towards Shubman Gill at cover.

The milestone places Jadeja alongside four Indian bowlers who had previously crossed the 350-wicket mark in Test cricket: Anil Kumble, who leads the list with 619 wickets; Ravichandran Ashwin with 537 wickets; Kapil Dev with 434 wickets; and Harbhajan Singh with 417 wickets.

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka had begun on August 15, with Jadeja having arrived at the series needing just two more wickets to reach the 350-wicket mark. Jadeja's scalp was his second of the game, leaving the Lankan Lions at a score of 250 for 7. Earlier, India had made their way to a score of 462 after electing to bat, courtesy of Devdutt Padikkal's stunning 167, his maiden Test century. Jadeja was able to manage just a score of 13 runs in the innings.

Why is this milestone significant beyond the wicket tally?

Jadeja's achievement carries additional weight because of his contributions with the bat. With 4,095 Test runs already to his name, he becomes only the second Indian cricketer to combine 350 or more Test wickets with more than 4,000 runs in the format. Kapil Dev is the only other Indian to have achieved that double.

The milestone also makes Jadeja the first Indian spin bowling all-rounder to score 4,000 runs and claim 350 wickets in Test cricket. While Kumble and Ashwin both surpassed 350 wickets, neither is classified as an all-rounder in the same batting sense. Kapil Dev, who achieved the runs-and-wickets double before him, was a pace bowler. Jadeja's combination of left-arm spin and consistent middle and lower-order batting therefore stands apart within Indian cricket history.

Where does Jadeja stand among India's all-time Test wicket-takers?

With 350 wickets, Jadeja now sits fifth on India's all-time Test wicket-takers list. Kumble's tally of 619 remains the highest by any Indian bowler, followed by Ashwin's 537. Kapil Dev's 434 wickets place him third, while Harbhajan's 417 put him fourth. Jadeja's 350 wickets complete the top five.

The gap between Jadeja and Harbhajan at fourth is 67 wickets, while the gap between Jadeja and Kapil Dev at third is 84 wickets. Both targets remain distant, but the ongoing Galle Test series gives Jadeja further opportunity to add to his tally.

Most Test wickets for India: