Marco Jansen, who took a spectacular 5/48 against India in 2025, is now a member of the distinguished group of bowlers. Since 1988, only three left-arm fast bowlers have secured a Test five-wicket haul on Indian soil, which makes this a rare accomplishment.
Below is the complete list:
1. Zaheer Khan – 3 Times
Zaheer Khan is the only left-arm pacer to get the benefit of three Test five-wicket hauls in India in the last three decades. Zaheer’s record shows just how tough it is for fast bowlers especially left-arm pacers to dominate in Indian conditions.
- 5/72 vs Sri Lanka (2009) – A spell filled with reverse swing and precision.
- 5/91 vs Australia (2008) – Outclassed a strong Aussie top order.
- 5/94 vs Australia (2010) – Another classic spell where he troubled the visitors with old-ball skill
2. Mitchell Johnson – 5/64 vs India (Mohali, 2010)
Mitchell Johnson produced a fiery spell in Mohali, taking 5/64 in the 2010 Test. His aggression, steep bounce, and pace made life difficult for Indian batters on a surface where pacers usually get very little help.
This was the first five-fer by a visiting left-arm pacer in India since the late 1980s.
Also Read: IND vs SA: Top 6 Indian Batsmen with Most Test Hundreds Against South Africa
3. Marco Jansen – 5/48 vs India (2025)
In 2025, Marco Jansen became only the third name on this list after ripping through India with 5/48. Tall, skilful, and relentless, Jansen extracted bounce and movement at Eden Gardens to join Zaheer and Johnson in this exclusive group.
Final Word
From Zaheer’s mastery to Johnson’s fire and Jansen’s rise only three left-arm quicks have managed a Test five-fer in India since 1988. That alone shows how special this achievement truly is.
Written By:- Manjunath S