India’s Highest Wicket-Takers in T20Is ft. Arshdeep Singh

India’s journey in T20 cricket has been marked by extraordinary performances, and the bowlers have played a pivotal role in the team’s success. The shorter format demands a blend of skill, precision, and innovation, and over the years several Indian bowlers have risen to the occasion, making their mark in the T20I format.

With left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh recently surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, in this article, we’ll delve into the list of players who have etched their names in Indian cricket history by taking the most wickets in this fast-paced format.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 Wickets

Matches: 80 | Economy: 8.19

Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack since his debut in 2016. Known for his shrewd variations, the leg-spinner has consistently troubled batters on all kinds of surfaces. Chahal’s ability to deceive with flight, dip, and spin made him an indispensable part of India’s T20 setup.

Some of his standout performances include a five-wicket haul against England in 2017, where he recorded figures of 6/25, the best-ever by an Indian in T20Is. With 96 wickets to his name, Chahal remains India’s most prolific bowler in the format, and his experience continues to guide the younger bowlers in the squad.

2. Arshdeep Singh – 95 Wickets

Matches: 56 | Economy: 8.41

The young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is on the verge of becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is. With 95 wickets in just 56 matches, Arshdeep’s meteoric rise since his debut in 2022 has been a story of consistency and impact.

Known for his deadly yorkers and ability to bowl under pressure, Arshdeep has been a revelation in both the powerplay and death overs. His recent match-winning performance in the 4th T20I against South Africa, where he picked up three crucial wickets, justifies his value to the team. With one more wicket needed to surpass Chahal, Arshdeep is expected to become India’s top T20I wicket-taker soon.

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3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 90 Wickets

Matches: 87 | Economy: 6.96

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s career in T20Is has been defined by his exceptional control and ability to swing the ball in the powerplay. With 90 wickets, Bhuvneshwar held the record as India’s second-highest wicket-taker until recently. His economy rate of 6.96 remains one of the best among Indian bowlers, highlighting his consistency.

Despite injuries affecting his career in recent years, his contributions to Indian T20 cricket are unmatched. The ace pacer remains a huge name in T20 cricket considering his ability to swing the ball and deceive the batsmen in the powerplay.

4. Jasprit Bumrah – 89 Wickets

Matches: 74 | Economy: 6.62

Widely regarded as one of the best bowlers in modern day cricket, Jasprit Bumrah has been a force to reckon with in T20Is. With 89 wickets at an incredible economy of 6.62, Bumrah’s unique action and ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers have made him a nightmare for batters.

Bumrah’s role as a strike bowler in crucial moments, whether in the power play or death overs, has been vital to India’s success. The pacer’s recent stint for Team India in the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2024 remains to be one of the greatest in the history of cricket. Bumrah remains as India’s safest wicket taking option across all formats, especially in the T20Is.

5. Hardik Pandya – 89 Wickets

Matches: 109 | Economy: 8.17

Next in the list stands India’s ace all-rounder and match-winner Hardik Pandya. Pandya has been a notable addition to the Indian T20 squad since years, considering his ability to dominate the game with both the bat and the ball. The all-rounder has time and again helped the team secure crucial wins with his sharp and tactical skills.

Hardik Pandya currently ties with Jasprit Bumrah as the Fourth Highest Wicket Taker in T20Is with 89 wickets in the T20Is at an economy of 8.17.