In Test cricket, taking a five-wicket haul is a tough job, but doing it while leading the team makes it even more special. These players are not only great bowlers but also successful captains who led their teams with both skill and heart. This list highlights the Captains with Most 5 Wicket Hauls in Men’s Test history true legends who led from the front.
List of Top 5 Captains with Most 5 Wicket Hauls in Men’s Test History
5. Jason Holder
Jason Holder emerged as a shining star for West Indies cricket in a time when the team struggled for consistency. Known for his calm demeanor and smart cricketing mind, Holder often led with quiet determination. What made him stand out as a captain was not just his leadership but his impactful bowling spells.
Holder’s ability to extract bounce and movement helped him take wickets at crucial moments. As captain, he picked up 7 five-wicket hauls, showing how effective he could be with the ball even under pressure. He is an inspiration for young all-rounders in modern cricket and a proud name among the Captains with Most 5 Wicket Hauls in Men’s Test matches.
| Matches as Captain | Wickets as Captain | 5-Wicket Hauls |
| 37 | 103 | 7 |
4. Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi was one of India’s finest left-arm orthodox spinners and a symbol of elegance in the 1970s. His bowling was all about control, flight, and guile. As a captain, Bedi brought a sense of calm to the Indian team and encouraged fearless cricket. He believed in attacking field placements and backed his bowlers, especially spinners.
Despite playing in an era with limited support from pace bowlers, Bedi managed to take 7 five-wicket hauls during his captaincy tenure. He proved that spinners could lead and dominate in Test cricket. His inclusion in the elite list of Captains with Most 5 Wicket Hauls in Men’s Test cricket is truly well-deserved.
| Matches as Captain | Wickets as Captain | 5-Wicket Hauls |
| 22 | 106 | 7 |
3. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins has redefined leadership in modern cricket. Becoming Australia’s Test captain as a fast bowler was a bold move, but Cummins has proved his critics wrong with both performance and poise. Known for his fierce pace and deadly accuracy, Cummins often delivers match-turning spells when the team needs them most.
As captain, Cummins has already taken 9 five-wicket hauls, a remarkable achievement given the demands of leadership and fast bowling. He has shown the cricketing world that pace bowlers can be excellent captains too. Among the Captains with Most 5 Wicket Hauls in Men’s Test, Cummins is quickly rising the ranks with each passing series.
| Matches as Captain | Wickets as Captain | 5-Wicket Hauls |
| 33 | 136 | 9 |
2. Richie Benaud
Richie Benaud was a true gentleman of the game. As a captain, he was sharp, fair, and forward-thinking. As a bowler, he was one of the best leg-spinners of his generation. Benaud led Australia during the 1950s and 1960s, combining brilliant captaincy with match-winning spells using flight, spin, and bounce.
He claimed 9 five-wicket hauls while leading the team, often turning games in Australia’s favor with his clever variations. His leadership style encouraged bold cricket, and his presence on the field was commanding. Without doubt, Benaud is one of the iconic Captains with Most 5 Wicket Hauls in Men’s Test cricket history.
| Matches as Captain | Wickets as Captain | 5-Wicket Hauls |
| 28 | 138 | 9 |
1. Imran Khan
Imran Khan remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Pakistan cricket. A charismatic leader and world-class all-rounder, he transformed Pakistan into a competitive force in international cricket. Imran led with passion, pride, and unmatched work ethic. With his fierce reverse swing and sharp bouncers, he could dismantle any batting order.
As captain, Imran Khan took an astonishing 12 five-wicket hauls, the most by any Test captain. His performances often inspired his team to rise above expectations. He tops the list of Captains with Most 5 Wicket Hauls in Men’s Test cricket, a true symbol of leadership through action.
| Matches as Captain | Wickets as Captain | 5-Wicket Hauls |
| 48 | 187 | 12 |
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