Best Bowling Spells by Indians at Australian Venues (ODIs + T20Is)

Over the decades, Indian bowlers have faced one of their toughest challenges
in Australia — fast pitches, long boundaries, and batsmen trained to attack.
Yet, time and again, India’s best have risen to the occasion, delivering spells
that silenced home crowds and altered matches.
From Kapil Dev’s accuracy at the MCG to Ajit Agarkar’s intensity and Yuzvendra
Chahal’s craftiness, these moments of brilliance reflect not just individual skill
But India’s progression as a world-class bowling nation.
Here’s a look at the finest bowling spells by Indians in Australian venues, across
ODIs and T20Is — performances that have stood the test of time.
Top ODI Bowling Spells by Indians in Australia.

1. Ajit Agarkar – 6/42 at Melbourne (VB Series, 2004)

At the iconic MCG on 9th January 2004, Ajit Agarkar delivered one of the finest
One-day bowling spells by an Indian in Australia. Bowing with rhythm and late
movement, he dismantled the Australian batting order, taking 6 wickets for 42
runs in 9.3 overs.

Agarkar’s victims included Gilchrist, Hayden, Martyn, Symonds, Harvey, and
Williams is tearing through both ends of the order. Although India narrowly lost
by 18 runs while chasing 289, Agarkar’s fiery burst reminded everyone that
Indian pacers could dominate even in Australian conditions.

2. Yuzvendra Chahal – 6/42 at Melbourne (India Tour of Australia, 2019)

Fifteen years later, at the same venue, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal spun his
web in a memorable 2019 series decider. Australia was bowled out for 230, as
Chahal finished with a match-winning 6 for 42 in 10 overs — the joint-best ODI
figures by an Indian on Australian soil.

3. Ravi Shastri – 5/15 at Perth (World Series, 1991)

Perth’s W.A.C.A. pitch, with its wicked bounce, was designed to favour
Australian quicks. However, on 8th December 1991, Ravi Shastri’s left-arm spin
tore through their batting order.

Bowling figures of 5 for 15 in 6.5 overs,
Shastri guided India to a 107-run victory after the team scored only 208.
He dismissed Australia’s backbone, including stalwarts like Steve Waugh, Ian
Healy, Peter Taylor, with deceptive flight and drift, forcing false shots from a
line-up unused to spin dominance on their home ground.

4. Kapil Dev – 4/30 at Melbourne (World Series Cup, 1986)

Before India’s modern pace revolution, Kapil Dev was the man who could
swing the new ball anywhere. In January 1986, at Melbourne Cricket Ground,
Kapil led by example, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs in 9 overs against Australia.
His spell dismantled the top order, dismissing key batters like Allan Border and
David Boon, and limiting Australia to 235/7.

India chased the target of 236 with seven balls remaining, with Kapil’s sharp swing bowling setting the stage for one of India’s early ODI wins in Australia.

5. Javagal Srinath – 4/30 at Sydney (Carlton & United Series, 2000)

On 14th January 2000, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Javagal Srinath
demonstrated why he was India’s leading bowler of the 1990s. Defending just
100 runs, Srinath bowled with both precision and aggression, taking 4 wickets
for 30 runs in 10 overs.

He cut through the Australian top order, dismissing Mark and Steve Waugh,
Adam Gilchrist and Michael Bevan. Although India lost the match, Srinath’s
composure under pressure was impressive.
Top T20I Bowling Spells by Indians in Australia

6. Krunal Pandya – 4/36 at Sydney (2018)

In the 3rd T20I at the SCG on 25th November 2018, Krunal Pandya delivered
the spell of his T20 career. On a batting-friendly surface, he took 4 for 36 in 4
overs, dismissing D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex
Carey.

His breakthroughs disrupted Australia’s momentum as they finished at 164/6.
India chased the target with two balls to spare, securing a six-wicket victory.

7. Jasprit Bumrah – 3/23 at Adelaide (2016)

It was in Adelaide, on 26th January 2016, that the world got its first full glimpse
of Jasprit Bumrah, the unorthodox fast bowler with the deadly yorker. Making
his T20I debut, he rattled Australia with figures of 3 for 23, dismissing David
Warner, James Faulkner, and Cameron Boyce.

India won by 37 runs, and Bumrah’s composure under pressure earned him
immediate recognition.

8. Yuzvendra Chahal – 3/25 at Canberra (2020)

In the first T20I of the 2020 series at Canberra, Yuzvendra Chahal once again
stepped up.

He wasn’t even in the starting XI — called in as a concussion
substitute for Jadeja — but ended up earning the Player of the Match award.
His spell of 3 for 25 derailed Australia’s chase, taking the wickets of Aaron Finch,
Steve Smith and Matthew Wade. India defended 161, winning by 11 runs.

9. T Natarajan – 3/30 at Canberra (2020)

In the same match, debutant T Natarajan announced himself with pinpoint
Yorkers and clever slower balls, taking 3 for 30.

His dismissals of Glenn Maxwell, D’Arcy Short, and Mitchell Starc showcased
his nerve and adaptability. Natarajan’s control at the death helped India secure
a narrow victory.

10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 2/20 at Melbourne (2018)

The Melbourne T20I in November 2018 may have ended without a result due to
to rain, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s spell of 2 for 20 in 3 overs was a masterclass
in control.

He dismissed Aaron Finch early, then returned to remove Nathan Coulter-Nile,
keeping Australia to 132/7.

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