Predicting the top 3 highest wicket-takers in IND vs SA 2025 Tests ft. Mohammed Siraj

Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj will be in action as India host South Africa for a two-match Test series. The first Test will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, beginning Friday, November 14.

The last time India hosted South Africa for a Test series was in 2019. It was a three-match affair that the hosts won 3-0 convincingly. Having won their recent Test series at home against the West Indies, India will carry momentum against South Africa and will be confident.

The reigning World Test Championship (WTC) champions, South Africa, may also pose a tough test for India in their own backyard. The Proteas recently toured Pakistan for a two-match Test series and drew 1-1.

While the focus would largely be on the batters, bowlers will have an equal and crucial role to play in this series. Having said that, here are three players who could top the bowling charts in these two Tests.

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#3 Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj is expected to be among the two frontline pacers for India in this series. While the conditions may favor spinners, the quicks have a vital role early on, particularly with the new ball. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj will be crucial for the hosts.

Mohammed Siraj was the second-highest wicket-taker in the home series against the West Indies. He bagged 10 wickets from two games at an average of 13 with best figures of 4/40.

Although the majority of his wickets have come overseas in the format, Mohammed Siraj has shown impressive signs in recent times at home. In India, he has 29 wickets from 16 matches at an average of 28.72. He will aim to carry his form from the West Indies Tests against South Africa.

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#2 Keshav Maharaj

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj would be the one opposition player who could trouble the Indian batters. Maharaj played the second Test against Pakistan and bagged nine wickets, including a seven-wicket haul in the first innings.

The right-arm spinner had played two matches in the 2019 series against India. He has an impressive record in Asia, picking up 54 wickets in nine matches at an average of 29.72 with three five-wicket hauls and a ten-wicket match haul as well.

So far this year, Keshav Maharaj has claimed 19 wickets from four Tests at an average of 24.42. He will be vital to South Africa's chances against India and will have to lead their charge with the ball. His experience and record in subconventional conditions will certainly come in handy.

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#1 Kuldeep Yadav

Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav could prove to be a major threat for the Proteas batters. He displayed solid form against the West Indies and was the highest wicket-taker with 12 scalps from two games at an average of 19.50 with a five-wicket haul as well.

Kuldeep has never played against South Africa in Tests, and this will be his first series against them. He will be eager to do well and continue proving his worth with the ball.

In India, Kuldeep has played 11 Tests and has a great record, bagging 50 wickets at an average of 22.46 with three five-wicket hauls. With form and confidence on his side, he is expected to have another impressive outing at home.