When he takes field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Boxing Day Test match against Australia, Bumrah will require 14 wickets to set a new record for most Test wickets in a calendar year by an Indian.

In 2024, Bumrah has 62 wickets at an average of 14.58 and a strike rate of 29.3. No other Indian has taken 50 Test wickets in any year at an average below 16 or at under six overs (let alone five overs) a wicket.

In fact, with the same 50-wicket cut-off, Bumrah’s strike rate is the best across nations, though even a slight departure from his absurd standards may lead to Waqar Younis (29.5 for 55 wickets in 1993) reclaiming the top spot. His average is also the third-best, after Imran Khan (62 wickets at 13.29 in 1982) and Syd Barnes (61 at 14.14 in 1912).

Bumrah’s tally is also the most by an Indian fast bowler since Kapil’s 75 in 1983 – a year when, despite Kapil’s magnificence, India could not win even one of the 18 Test matches. Kapil’s 75 remains the Indian record, though he had also taken 74 wickets in 1979.

The other Indians to cross the 70-mark (both spinners) were Anil Kumble (74 in 2004) and R Ashwin (72 in 2016). The only other Indian fast bowler to take 50-plus wickets is Zaheer Khan (51 in 2002).

Whether Bumrah can surpass Kapil needs to be seen, but to do that, he has to stretch himself to limits he has never done before: he is yet to take a 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Most Test wickets by an Indian in a calendar year

- The world record for most Test wickets in a calendar year is 96 wickets, by Shane Warne in 2005. Among fast bowlers, Dennis Lillee’s 85 in 1981 remain the most.
- In women’s Tests, Lyn Fullston’s 29 wickets in 1984 are the most, while Shubhangi Kulkarni holds the Indian record, with 23 in 1976.

Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.