The India-West Indies ODI series is set to begin on September 27, 2026, with the opening match scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram. Ahead of the three-match contest, the spotlight is not only on India's new-look bowling attack but also on the leading wicket-takers in ODI cricket this year.
India will be without Jasprit Bumrah for the ODI series, with the fast bowler part of India's Asian Games squad. The hosts have instead selected a pace group featuring Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi, while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja provide spin options.
Interestingly, none of India's bowlers feature among the leading names in the 2026 ODI wicket-taking chart covered here. Bangladesh's Nahid Rana has been one of the standout performers, sitting at the top with an impressive 27 wickets.
Here is a closer look at five bowlers who have made a major impact in ODI cricket during 2026.
Nahid Rana Leads With 27 ODI Wickets
Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana occupies the top position with 27 wickets from 10 ODI innings.
His numbers are particularly impressive because he has collected those wickets at an average of 16.07 and an economy rate of 4.52. His best bowling performance is 6 for 21.
Even more striking is his ability to produce match-changing spells. Rana has recorded three five-wicket hauls during the year, along with one four-wicket haul.
| Player | Team | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahid Rana | Bangladesh | 10 | 27 | 6/21 |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Nepal | 13 | 23 | 4/41 |
| Jayden Lennox | New Zealand | 10 | 22 | 5/19 |
| Taskin Ahmed | Bangladesh | 11 | 20 | 4/49 |
| Nathan Ellis* | Australia | 2026 tally changing with current series | 20 reported after latest match action | — |
*Statistics involving active matches can change as additional ODIs are completed.
Sandeep Lamichhane Continues to Deliver for Nepal
Nepal spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is next among the leading wicket-takers.
Lamichhane has picked up 23 wickets from 13 innings in 2026. His best performance is 4 for 41, while his economy rate of 3.79 highlights how difficult he has been for opposition batters to score against.
His ability to take wickets while controlling the scoring rate has continued to make him an important part of Nepal's bowling attack.
Unlike fast bowlers who often depend on movement and pace with the new ball, Lamichhane can influence matches through variations and spin in the middle overs.
Jayden Lennox Has 22 Wickets for New Zealand
New Zealand's Jayden Lennox is another bowler enjoying an excellent year.
He has taken 22 wickets from 10 ODI innings, with best figures of 5 for 19.
His bowling average of 17.86 and economy rate of 4.22 further underline the impact he has made during the year. Lennox has registered one five-wicket haul and one four-wicket performance.
With more international cricket still to be played in 2026, the order at the top of the wicket-taking chart could change before the year ends.
Taskin Ahmed Gives Bangladesh Another Name Near the Top
Bangladesh have not just one but two bowlers among the leading ODI wicket-takers.
Experienced fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has collected 20 wickets from 11 innings.
His best figures during the period are 4 for 49, while his bowling average stands at 23.70.
Having both Rana and Taskin among the leading wicket-takers demonstrates the contribution Bangladesh's pace attack has made in ODI cricket this year.
Nathan Ellis Moves Up During Australia's ODI Campaign
Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis has also been among the leading ODI wicket-takers in 2026.
Earlier compiled statistics listed Ellis with 19 wickets from eight innings, including best figures of 5 for 31. His tally has subsequently been moving as Australia continue their ODI schedule, with the supplied latest match update putting him on 20 wickets after taking two wickets against South Africa.
Because Australia are currently playing an ODI series against South Africa, his position and wicket tally can change quickly. The teams began their three-match series on September 24, with further matches scheduled for September 27 and September 30.
India Have a Different-Looking Pace Attack Against West Indies
India's upcoming series provides an opportunity for several bowlers to make an impact.
The BCCI has named Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi among India's pace options for the West Indies ODIs. Auqib Nabi has received his maiden ODI call-up.
The complete three-match ODI schedule is:
- 1st ODI: September 27 – Thiruvananthapuram
- 2nd ODI: September 30 – Guwahati
- 3rd ODI: October 3 – New Chandigarh
All three matches are scheduled to begin at 2 PM IST.
Shubman Gill will captain the ODI side, with established players including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav also part of the squad.
With several ODI series still to be played before the end of 2026, the year's bowling leaderboard is far from settled. For now, however, Nahid Rana's 27 wickets put him at the head of the leading ODI wicket-takers, followed by Sandeep Lamichhane and Jayden Lennox among the standout performers.
