Best Bowler in the World: Top Fast and Spin Bowlers Ranked Globally (2025 Edition)

Cricket has always been hailed as the batsmen’s game because of the sheer number of sixes and fours that they hit, which provides entertainment to the fans. Moreover, conditions have also gone on to increasingly favour the batters after the advent of limited-overs cricket. However, there have still been some great bowlers who have taken the cricket world by storm with their mesmerising display of skills and the daunting challenges that they have provided to the best of the batters. They have imprinted their name in the batsman-dominated game with the sheer number of wickets that they have scalped. In this listicle article, we will take a look at the top 10 bowlers in the world.

How We Ranked the Best Bowlers in the World

The ranking has been done on some specific and universal factors so that all the best bowler in the world are ranked on a fair basis. Here is the list of the factors on which the ranking has been done, which will help us to find the answer to who is the best bowler in the world.

• Bowling Average: The bowling average of the bowler indicates the number of runs conceded per wicket taken, which tells how many runs the bowler leaks on average while taking a wicket. The lower bowling average of the bowler indicates high effectiveness, which is best to judge the best bowler in the world.
• Strike Rate: The Strike rate of a bowler tells the balls taken by the bowler to take a wicket, which is a key measure of the wicket-taking ability of the bowler. This shows the efficiency of the bowler to take wickets in less number of balls.
• Economy Rate: Economy rate is the number of runs conceded by the bowler in each over of a match, which tells how many runs the bowler will leak in an over. It is important to control the economy rate, especially in limited-over matches.
• Wickets Taken (Overall and Format-Specific): The number of wickets taken by the bowler involves the total number of wickets taken across the three formats of the game, which include Test, ODIs, and T20Is. This shows the overall performance of the bowler and how well he is bowling to scalp a good number of wickets.
• Performance Against Top Teams: The bowler's performance against top teams shows how well the bowler can bowl against the top-rated batsmen and can take wickets, which indicates the success rate versus top-ranked international teams.
• Match-Winning Spells: This shows the skills of the bowler to have match-winning spells in the game, with bowling tightly and scalping wickets consistently. This involves the impactful performances of the bowler that changed the course of a match.
• Conditions Adaptability: The bowlers have to adapt according to the conditions of the game, where the best bowlers in the world have the ability to bowl effectively across different countries and pitch types, whether it is the bouncing track of Australia or a hard track of India
• Pressure Handling in Crunch Situations: Pressure handling in crunch situations involves how well the bowler will bowl in death overs, 4th innings, or high-stakes matches. This shows the ability of the bowler to handle pressure and keep temperament to bowl well.
• Longevity and Consistency: Longevity and consistency of the bowler indicate the sustained performance of the bowler over multiple years and series. This shows the skills of a bowler to bowl well consistently without compromising the quality of bowling.
• ICC Rankings and Awards: ICC rankings and awards achieved by the bowler show the success of the bowler in the department of bowling. This includes the bowler's official global recognition and rankings by the ICC for doing well in bowling.

Top 10 Best Bowlers in International Cricket (2025) -Updated List

In the present times, the best bowler in the world in international cricket are renowned for their consistent performances across various formats, including Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). These bowlers have shown exceptional skill in taking wickets, maintained low economy rates, and delivered under pressure, making them one of the most important players to their respective teams. Their ability to adapt to different playing conditions and formats shows how adaptability and commitment are required in international cricket.

Who is the best bowler in the world Right Now?

There are a number of bowlers who are doing well consistently at the international level and have earned a name in the world of cricket. There are many bowlers who have not been playing all formats and still performing well. But to become one of the best bowler in the world is not an easy task, where the bowlers have to show their worth in all three formats of the game and perform well in them consistently.

10. Maheesh Theekshana | Sri Lanka | 139 Wickets

Maheesh Theekshana, the talented spin bowler from Sri Lanka, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the best bowlers in the world right now. His clever off-spin and tricky variations put him among the top 10 bowlers in the world.

In 114 matches, Theekshana has taken a total of 139 wickets, showing his skill and consistency on the field. His best performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is 4 wickets for just 25 runs, a clear example of his match-winning abilities. When we look at each format, he has picked up 5 wickets in Test matches, 76 wickets in ODIs, and 58 wickets in T20 matches, proving that he can perform well no matter the challenge. His economy rate of 4.86 and average of 29.89 also shows how he can keep the runs down and build pressure on the batsmen.

9. Mitchell Santner | New Zealand | 320 Wickets

Mitchell Santner, the dependable left-arm spinner from New Zealand, is recognised as one of the finest spin bowlers in modern cricket. The ability to control the game with his sharp turn makes him an important part of the New Zealand squad in all formats. He is one of the world best bowler in the spin department.

Santner has played 257 matches, and he has taken a total of 320 wickets across all formats. He has claimed a total of 74 wickets in Tests, 126 in ODIs, and 120 in T20Is, which shows his ability to perform consistently across all formats of cricket. He achieved his career best figures of 7/53 in Test matches. Santner has a career economy rate of just 4.89 and bowls at an average of 30.68.

8. Kuldeep Yadav | India | 306 Wickets

Kuldeep Yadav, the Chinaman left-arm wrist spinner from India, is widely regarded as one of the most promising spin bowlers in the modern game. His ability to deceive batsmen with flight and turn has made him a crucial weapon for the Indian cricket team.

In 166 matches, Kuldeep has taken a remarkable total of 306 wickets across all formats of the game, showing his wicket-taking ability and sharp bowling skills. His best bowling performance in ODIs stands at 6 wickets for just 25 runs, reflecting his capacity to change the game in a single spell. He has an impressive career economy rate of 4.82 and an average of 20.89, which places him among the world best bowler.

7. Adil Rashid | England | 419 Wickets

Adil Rashid is an experienced leg-spin bowler from England. He is known for his sharp turns and clever variations that trouble even the best batsmen in the world. He is known for his deceptive leg spin, which has troubled a lot of experienced batsmen like Virat Kohli.

Adil Rashid has played a total of 298 International matches for the England national team and claimed an impressive total of 419 wickets, proving his effectiveness in every format. He achieved his career best bowling figures of 5 wickets for 27 runs in the ODI format. When we look at his format-wise breakdown, Adil has secured 60 wickets in Tests, 224 wickets in ODIs, and 135 wickets in T20Is, showcasing his ability to adapt to different formats with ease. His economy rate of 5.60 and an average of 32.15 show his ability to contain runs while consistently hunting for wickets and making him one of the best bowler in the world.

6. Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 405 Wickets

Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin wizard, is hailed as one of the most dangerous leg-spinners in modern cricket. He is considered to be one of the greatest spinners after Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, and he has kept performing well throughout his international career.

Rashid has played a total of 216 matches for his national team, claimed 405 wickets across all formats, which shows his dominance in world cricket. He achieved his career best bowling figures of 7 wickets for just 18 runs in the ODI format. A closer look at his format-wise performance reveals 45 wickets in Tests, 199 wickets in ODIs, and 161 wickets in T20Is. Rashid Khan also has an exceptional economy rate of 4.41 and an average of 18.21, which puts him among the best bowlers in international cricket.

5. Ravindra Jadeja | India | 608 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja, an Indian all-rounder, has been one of those players who keeps the balance in the team with both batting and bowling. He has been playing cricket for a very long time and has performed exceptionally well in all three formats of the game. He is known for his economical bowling and the speed of finishing overs quickly. He is one of the top gun fielders in the world and the best in the Indian team.

In his international career, he has played a total of 358 matches, where he has taken 608 wickets in his international career with an average of 29.80 and a 4.83 economy rate across the formats. With respect to each format, he has taken 323 wickets in test cricket, 231 wickets in ODIs, and 54 wickets in T20Is. He has been a key player in the Indian team set up who can anchor the innings with the bat and handle the game with the ball very well, which makes him one of the top 10 bowlers in the world.

4. Josh Hazlewood | Australia | 486 Wickets

Josh Hazlewood is one of the best fast bowlers in the current generation, who has been doing well for the team since his debut in international cricket. He is that kind of bowler who will trouble the batsman with his pace and bounce with a swing in it. He has been an integral part of the Australian cricket team and has performed well in big tournaments, making him one of the best bowler in the world.

In his international career, he has played 216 matches, where he has taken 486 wickets with an average of 24.68 and an economy rate of 5. He has been impressive in all three formats of the game, where he took 281 wickets in test cricket, 138 wickets in ODIs, and 67 wickets in T20Is. He has done well and has put in many match-winning performances.

3. Pat Cummins | Australia | 503 Wickets

Australian fearless captain Pat Cummins has been known for his pace, consistency, and ability to take important wickets. Currently, he is one of the top fast bowlers in the world and a crucial part of Australia’s bowling lineup in all formats.

He has played a total of 215 matches for the Australian national team and has taken a total of 510 wickets across all formats of the game. He achieved his career best bowling figures in Tests of 6 wickets for 23 runs, showing his skill in breaking strong batting partnerships. Looking at each format, he has taken 301 wickets in Tests, 143 wickets in ODIs, and 66 wickets in T20Is. He also has an impressive economy rate of 5.2 and an average of 24.85. Cummins keeps the runs low while being a constant threat to batsmen. His remarkable bowling skills and current form placed him among the top 3 best bowler in the world currently.

2. Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 566 Wickets

Kagiso Rabada, the fast right-arm bowler from South Africa, is known for his pace, aggression, and ability to take wickets consistently. He is considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world currently. He has featured in 242 International matches for the South African national team and has taken a total of 575 wickets across all formats. He achieved his career best bowling figures in Tests of 7 wickets for 112 runs. Breaking it down by format, he has taken 336 wickets in Tests, 168 wickets in ODIs, and 71 wickets in T20Is. He also has an impressive career economy rate of 5.57 and an average of 25.44. He is one of the top 3 best bowler in the world.

1. Jasprit Bumrah | India | 443 Wickets

Jasprit Bumrah is a right-arm fast bowler from India. His unique bowling action, deadly yorkers, and ability to take crucial wickets make him world best bowler. As per the latest stats, he has featured in 204 international matches for the Indian national team and has taken a total of 443 wickets across all formats. He achieved his career best bowling figures in the ODI format, which is 6 wickets for 19 runs. Breaking it down by format, he has claimed 205 wickets in Tests, 149 wickets in ODIs, and 89 wickets in T20Is. He has an excellent career economy rate of 3.69. He keeps the runs low while consistently troubling batsmen. He is currently the best bowler in the world.

Who is the Best Bowler in the World of All Time?

Cricket has seen a number of great bowlers who have performed well in the game. But the best bowler in the world of all time is Joel Garner, a West Indies bowler, who has created his name with deadly fast bowling. He is one of the tallest fast bowlers in cricket, where his height is 6 feet and 8 inches, which helps him in getting extra pace and bounce. His international career spanned 10 years from 1977 to 1987. He has played 58 test matches in which he took 259 wickets with an average of 20.97 and an impressive economy rate of 2.47. In his ODI career, he played 98 matches where he took 146 wickets with an average of 18.84 and an economy rate of 3.09, which is hard to achieve in the limited over format.

He has been the top-rated bowler of all time in the history of cricket with the all-time highest ratings of 970. He is one of the best bowler in the world who has troubled a lot of batsmen in his era with deadly bounce and pace.

Best Fast Bowler in the World (2025) - Updated List

The best fast bowler in the world is distinguished by their exceptional pace, accuracy, and consistency across all formats of international cricket. These bowlers consistently bowl at high speeds, often crossing the mark of 150 km/h, and maintain a low economy rate, making them match-winners in all three formats.

Best Spin Bowler in the World (2025) - Updated List

The best spin bowler in the world is known for exceptional skill in turning the ball, maintaining accuracy, and consistently taking wickets across all formats of cricket. These bowlers have shown great skill in controlling the game by keeping the run rate low and building pressure on the batsmen.