Sunil Joshi’s recent appointment as Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Indian men’s cricket team is a timely occasion to recall his achievement in ODI cricket, where he holds the record for the most economical 10-over spell by an Indian. Despite the contemporary challenges of flat pitches and aggressive batting trends, particularly after the onset of T20 cricket, his record is poised to remain unbroken. Here are the top three most economical 10-over spells by Indian bowlers in ODI cricket.
1. Sunil Joshi
In the 2nd match of the LG Cup played in Nairobi on September 26, 1999, Sunil Joshi delivered an outstanding performance, setting a record for the most economical 10-over spell by an Indian in ODI cricket. During his spell of 10-6-6-5, Joshi displayed exceptional skill and technique, running through the South African batting line-up and conceding a mere 6 runs with six maiden overs. His efforts helped India dismiss South Africa for a paltry total of 117 runs, paving the way for a convincing 8-wicket victory. This remarkable display of bowling by Joshi will always be remembered as one of the finest performances by an Indian cricketer in ODI cricket.
2. Javagal Srinath
In the 6th match of India’s tour to New Zealand in 2003, Javagal Srinath produced an outstanding spell of 10-2-13-3, which remains the 2nd most economical 10-over spell by an Indian in ODI cricket. Srinath conceded only 4 runs in his first five overs and picked up two wickets in his second spell of five overs, finishing his spell with a maiden over. Srinath’s superb bowling helped restrict New Zealand to 199/9 in their 50 overs. India won the match by one wicket, mainly due to Virender Sehwag’s brilliant century.
3. Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh
Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh hold the joint record for the 3rd most economical 10-over spell by Indians in ODI cricket. Kumble achieved it against Kenya in 2001, with figures of 10-4-14-3, while Singh replicated it against England in 2004 with 10-2-14-2. Kumble’s spell helped India secure a convincing 10-wicket victory, while Singh’s effort went in vain as England scored a massive total of 307 and won the match by 70 runs.
