India have kicked off their preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, where it will be entering with hopes of going that one step further after
heartbreak in a home final in 2023. Their run in 2026 has not gone to plan, however, having played nine matches in the format, winning five and losing four. The run included a 3-0 whitewash of Afghanistan, sandwiched between series losses to New Zealand at home and England away from home.
India find themselves in a transition phase with their bowling attack, with fresh options ready to break down the doors of the side. In the absence of Mohammed Shami and with Jasprit Bumrah's injury record not looking promising, India will need their options, and we look at the bowlers who have stood out so far for the side in 2026.
Here are India's top 3 wicket-takers in 2026 so far:
3. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has established himself as a regular presence in India's T20I set-up, and has slowly been rising up the ranks in ODIs. The injury to Jasprit Bumrah leaves the side without an attack leader, and Arshdeep, with his left-arm angle and ability to take wickets with the new ball, could be a vital cog in India's ODI machine for the next cycle.
Arshdeep has picked up eight wickets in four matches, averaging 25.87, and bowling at an economy rate of 6.02. He has 30 wickets in 18 ODI matches, which boosts his status as a reliable strike bowler for the team. He will be hoping to feature more in the coming months and solidify his place in the side.
2. Gurnoor Brar
Gurnoor Brar's rise to prominence has been one of the stories of the recent months of Indian cricket. The tall fast bowler from Punjab has impressed with his high pace and hit-the-deck abilities, and has become a key strike bowler for the Indian side. Featuring across the entirety of the Afghanistan and England series, Brar picked up 11 wickets in six games, averaging 32.81 at an economy rate of 6.96.
With the pitches in South Africa expected to offer help to the seam bowlers, and especially those with hit-the-deck skills, Brar has been earmarked for the tournament and as a long-term prospect for the future. Aged 26, Brar has ample time on his side to evolve into a regular feature in India's bowling attack.
1. Prasidh Krishna
In the absence of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna has taken up the mantle of the attack leader and gone from a hit-the-deck option to a genuine frontline bowler for the side. The ODI format has been Prasidh's favourite hunting ground, having picked up 50 wickets in 28 matches. He has once again stood out for India this year, taking 13 wickets in seven ODI matches.
Prasidh's standout moment came against Afghanistan, where he picked up career-best figures of 5 for 23 in Chennai, and followed it up with wickets in England as well. He has prior experience of bowling on South African pitches, although in the Test format, and will be a key player as India sets out on their path to World Cup glory in 2027.
