Top 5 best bowling figures by Indian bowlers in T20I cricket

Only two Indian bowlers have picked a six-fer in T20I cricket.

India have been celebrated as a batting powerhouse, boasting a rich lineage of iconic batsmen who have etched their names in the sport’s history. However, what truly adds a remarkable twist is the emergence of exceptional bowlers from a traditionally batting-dominated country. India not only have a reliant batting line-up but also set of exceptional bowlers.

In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, typically considered a batsman’s playground, Indian bowlers have emerged as the architects of resilience. It is nothing short of incredible that in a format seemingly tailored for the batters, India have produced bowlers who have excelled, steering the team out of tricky situations and delivering crucial breakthroughs. Lets look at which Indian bowler has the best bowling figures in T20I cricket.

Here are the best bowling figures by India bowlers in T20I cricket:

5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/24 vs South Africa :

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a stalwart in India’s bowling line-up, etched his name with a stellar performance against South Africa in Johannesburg on February 18, 2018. In that T20I encounter, Kumar delivered a masterclass, finishing with remarkable bowling figures of 5/24 in his four overs. His precision and skill were evident as he dismantled South African batting line-up, claiming five crucial wickets at an impressive economy of 6.00.

This standout performance is a testament to Kumar’s ability to thrive even in the fast-paced and batsman-friendly T20 format. With 87 T20I appearances, he has consistently been a linchpin of Indian bowling attack, picking 90 wickets at an average of 23.10.

4. Kuldeep Yadav – 5/17 vs South Africa :

Kuldeep Yadav, marking a triumphant return to Indian squad, showcased his wizardry on the pitch during the T20 International against South Africa in Johannesburg on December 14, 2023. In an exceptional display of spin bowling, Yadav scalped five wickets, conceding only 17 runs in his spell of 2.5 overs, at an astonishing economy of 6.00.

Yadav’s T20I record substantiates his impact as a wicket-taking force. With 34 appearances, he has picked 58 wickets at an average of 13.81. Notably, his best figures of 5/17 underscore his ability to dismantle opposition batting line-ups with finesse.

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/4 vs Afghanistan :

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the discarded Indian bowler, was a potent wicket-taking force for India. In a compelling performance against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022 at Dubai (DSC), Kumar exhibited his capabilities, finishing with astonishing figures of 5/4 in his quota of four overs.

What sets Kumar apart is his versatility, capable of picking wickets with both new and old ball. His ability to swing the new ball and extract movement off the surface makes him a valuable asset for India in all formats. Kumar’s mastery of yorkers and an array of variations, making him a formidable force in the death overs.

2. Yuzvendra Chahal – 6/25 vs England :

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spin maestro, left an indelible mark in his debut year for India. In a standout T20 International performance against England in Bengaluru on February 1, 2017, Chahal ended with exceptional figures of 6/25 in his allotted four overs, showcasing his mettle as a wicket-taking spinner in the shortest format.

Chahal’s brilliance extends to IPL, where he stands tall as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with a staggering 187 wickets. His ability to consistently bamboozle batsmen with his leg-spin variations and astute cricketing acumen has been a key factor in his success.

1. Deepak Chahar – 6/7 vs Bangladesh :

Deepak Chahar, the fast-bowling prodigy, has been in and out of international cricket due to consistent injuries. However, in a game against Bangladesh in Nagpur on November 10, 2019, Chahar etched his name in the record books. His remarkable figures of 6/7 in just 3.2 overs, including a hat-trick, not only demolished Bangladeshi batting-order but also established him as the sole Indian to achieve a T20 International hat-trick.

Chahar’s injuries often have disrupted his rhythm. Despite the challenges, his ability to swing the ball both ways and extract movement at crucial junctures has made him a valuable asset. In T20Is, Chahar boasts a total of 31 wickets in 25 appearances, with an impressive best bowling figures of 6/7.

(All stats updated till 10th January, 2024)

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