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

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 imprinted their name in the batsman-dominated game with the sheer number of wickets that they had scalped. In this listicle article, we will take a look at the top 10 best 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?

• Wickets: Wickets are one of the key ranking factors as they can help in assessing a bowler's ability to dismiss batsmen, which actually shows their impact and effectiveness in matches.
• Economy Rate: Economy Rate is a key criterion for ranking the best bowlers around the world, as it measures how effectively a bowler restricts the flow of runs, which shows their control and impact in a match.
• Impact in key matches: Sometimes a bowler continuously bowls in a great area, even gets past inside and outside edges of bats of the batters, but didn't get wickets, it does not mean he is not a great player and in that case he should be judged on the basis of impact he had in his career.
• ICC rankings: The ICC Rankings are a very handy ranking factor for ranking the best bowlers globally, as ranking factors tell about their overall bowling performances in various formats over a specific time period.
• Performance in different conditions: To be the best bowler in the world, a bowler needs to be lethal in any conditions, whether on a green top at Lord's or flat wickets in Pakistan.

Top 10 Best Bowlers in International Cricket (2025)

In the present times, the best bowler in 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.

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 best bowler in 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 5.20 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.

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 4.39

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 which places him among the best bowlers in international cricket.

7. Adil Rashid | England | 406 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 around the world.

As of May 2025, Adil Rashid has played a total of 292 International matches for the England national team and claimed an impressive total of 406 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, 215 wickets in ODIs, and 131 wickets in T20Is, showcasing his ability to adapt to different formats with ease. His economy rate of 5.44 shows his ability to contain runs while consistently hunting for wickets.

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. As of May 2025, 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, which puts him among the best bowlers in international cricket.

5. Varun Chakravarthy | India | 43 Wickets

Varun Chakaravarthy, the mystery spinner from India, is known for his unpredictable leg-breaks and googlies that leave batsmen guessing. As per the latest data, Varun has only played 22 international matches in the Indian Jersey and taken a total of 43 wickets, displaying his variation skills and ability to break partnerships. His best bowling figures of 5 wickets for 17 runs in T20Is highlight his match-winning potential. When breaking it down by format, Varun has picked up 10 wickets in ODIs and 33 wickets in T20Is, demonstrating his strength in the shorter formats. He has an economy rate of 6.18 reflects his ability to maintain control and restrict runs.

4. Mitchell Starc | Australia | 705 Wickets

Mitchell Starc, the fast left-arm bowler from Australia, is known for his pace, accuracy, and deadly yorkers. As per the latest data, Mitchell Starc has played in 288 matches and has taken a total of 705 wickets. He achieved his career best bowling figures of 6 wickets for 28 runs in the ODI. Breaking down his wickets by format, he has claimed 382 wickets in Test matches, 244 wickets in ODIs, and 79 wickets in T20Is. He has an impressive career economy rate of 4.10 highlights how he keeps runs under control while being highly effective with the ball. He is one of the world best bowler.

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 214 matches for the Australian national team and has taken a total of 503 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 294 wickets in Tests, 143 wickets in ODIs, and 66 wickets in T20Is. He also has an impressive economy rate of 3.76. 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 241 International matches for the South African national team and has taken a total of 566 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 327 wickets in Tests, 168 wickets in ODIs, and 71 wickets in T20Is. He also has an impressive career economy rate of 4.17. 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?

Who is the best bowler in the world? That's a really tough question. Currently, Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as the best bowler in the world across all formats, topping the ICC Test Bowling Rankings with remarkable performances. His dominance was proved during India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament, and his exceptional showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06.

There are many bowlers who are also doing good and achieving great heights as well in their careers; however, the impact that Bumrah has now on world cricket, no one comes close to him as the best bowler in the world at the current time across all formats.

Best Fast Bowler in the World (2025)

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)

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.