Over the years, India have been home to some of the finest bowlers in the world, cricketers who’ve left an indelible mark with their skill, resilience, and match-defining spells across continents. While many of them have achieved remarkable feats on the biggest stages, one milestone remains uniquely coveted: earning a place on the Lord’s Honours Board. Despite their legendary status and global success, a few iconic Indian bowlers never managed to secure this rare honour at the hallowed ground of Lord’s.
Here are the top 5 Indian bowlers without a place on Lord’s Honours Board:
1. Jasprit Bumrah
One of modern cricket’s most feared fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah has redefined pace bowling for India. Known for his unorthodox action, sharp pace and accurate lengths, Bumrah has become a match-winner in all conditions. Despite being India’s go-to bowler overseas, he has played only once at Lord’s, during the 2021 series. He bowled with fire and precision but ended with a best of 3/33, short of the five-wicket mark needed for the honours board. With his growing legacy, it’s only a matter of time before he returns to Lord’s for another shot at history.
2. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests with 619 dismissals, stands tall among the game’s greatest. Unlike conventional leg-spinners who focus on extravagant turn, Kumble built his legacy through accuracy, extra bounce, and deceptive pace. Yet, despite multiple appearances at Lord’s, Kumble never managed a five-for at the iconic ground. His best performance at the venue was 3/84, and he often played a containing role in England. Nevertheless, his greatness is undisputed, and the lack of a Lord’s mention doesn’t take away from his incredible impact on Indian cricket.
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3. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan was India’s one of the most impactful performers with the ball, known for his lethal swing both conventional and reverse. The left-arm seamer with immense skill, Zaheer excelled in overseas conditions, especially in England. In fact, it was at Lord’s in 2007 where he played a key role in setting up India’s historic win by bowling consistently in the second innings. Still, he never reached the five-wicket mark in a single innings at the venue, his best being 3/90. With 311 Test wickets and several memorable spells abroad, Zaheer’s legacy remains rich, honours board or not.
4. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami has been one of India’s most reliable pace bowlers in the last decade. Known for his seam position, reverse swing, and ability to extract late movement off the pitch, Shami has been a consistent wicket-taker in all conditions. At Lord’s, he’s played twice and bowled some threatening spells, including a gritty half-century with the bat in 2021. However, his best bowling figures at the venue remain 3/96, falling way short of the five-wicket mark needed to etch his name on the honours board.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
One of India’s greatest modern-day match-winners, Ravichandran Ashwin is known for his thinking approach to spin bowling. He uses a wide variety of deliveries, carrom balls, sliders, and off-breaks, to outwit batters. While Ashwin has been brilliant in several overseas condition but his record in Lord’s is somehow sub par according to his standards. In his single appearance at the home of cricket, Ashwin went wicketless conceding 68 runs in 2018.
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