Top 5 Indian bowlers with most wickets in T20I cricket

No Indian bowler has taken 100 wickets so far in T20I cricket.

In T20I cricket, where the spotlight often shines on the explosive strokes of batters, the role of bowlers can sometimes be overshadowed. It’s a format that celebrates towering sixes, colossal run chases, and a display of batting skills. However, among the dominance of the willow, a group of Indian bowlers have managed to carve a niche for themselves that change the course of the game.

Bowlers face the daunting challenge of relentless assaults from power-hitting batters, these Indian bowlers have not only embraced the difficulty but have excelled in it. Bowling in T20s is an art, demanding precision and the ability to stay one step ahead of the batters. Yet, these bowlers have risen on many occasions, outfoxing their opponents with a range of variations that keep even the most aggressive batters on their toes.

So now, lets look at the list of Indian bowlers who have picked most number of wickets in T20I cricket.

Top five Indian bowlers with most wickets in T20Is:

5. Ravichandran Ashwin – 72 wickets :

Ravichandran Ashwin, a spin maestro renowned for his exploits in longer formats, has also made his presence in T20 internationals with a diverse bowling power. Despite less appearances in the T20I setup in recent times, Ashwin’s variations, consisting of carrom balls, leg breaks, and classic off-spin, have consistently outfoxed opposing batters. His standout figures of 4/8 against Sri Lanka showcase his potency in dismantling batting line-ups.

With 72 wickets in 65 matches, Ashwin has an impressive average of 23.22 and an economy rate of 6.90, emphasising his knack for controlling run flows. Ashwin’s strategic brilliance and wicket-taking ability contribute significantly to India’s success in T20Is, making him a valuable asset for the team.

4. Hardik Pandya – 73 wickets :

Hardik Pandya, a standout among India’s premier all-rounders, has been a pivotal force, leaving a mark with both bat and ball in T20 Internationals. His dynamic skill sets add to team India’s success. Pandya’s aggressive yet composed batting style complements his impactful bowling, making him a game-changer in the format.

Noteworthy is Pandya’s memorable final over against Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup, showing composure in crunch situations. His ability to absorb pressure and deliver under tense circumstances underscores his match-winning potential. As a bowler, Pandya has scalped 73 wickets in 92 T20I matches, showcasing versatility with his best figures of 4/16. With an average of 26.71 and an economy rate of 8.16, he strikes a balance between patience and aggression.

3. Jasprit Bumrah – 74 wickets :

Jasprit Bumrah, a linchpin in India’s T20 bowling attack, stands tall as one of the premier fast bowlers in the format. Renowned for delivering crucial breakthroughs with his lethal mix of yorkers, well-disguised slower balls, and deceptive bouncers, Bumrah has evolved into India’s bowling face in T20 Internationals.

Bumrah’s ability to consistently pick wickets, often in pivotal moments of the game, showcases his invaluable impact. With an impressive record of 74 wickets in 62 T20I matches, including a best of 3/11, Bumrah’s capabilities lies in his precision and versatility. His remarkable economy rate of 6.55 and an average of 19.66 underscore his ability to both contain runs and strike with regularity.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 90 wickets :

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the discarded Indian fast bowler, has carved a niche for himself with his impeccable seam and death-bowling skills in T20 Internationals. Known for his ability to swing the ball and deliver crucial breakthroughs, Kumar played a pivotal role in rescuing India from challenging situations, particularly with his effectiveness in the powerplay and death overs.

Kumar’s skills with the new ball, marked by a consistent line and length, made him a potent force in the T20 format. With 90 wickets in 87 T20I appearances, including a remarkable 5/4, reflects his ability to influence games at critical junctures. Kumar has found himself out of the national team since the 2022 T20 World Cup.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 wickets :

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spin sensation, has made his name as India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, showcasing his skills in the middle overs. With 96 scalps in 80 T20I appearances, Chahal’s crafty leg-spin and variations have consistently troubled opposition batters. Drawing on his IPL experience, he possesses a unique ability to provide crucial breakthroughs when it matters most.

Chahal’s standout performance came against England in 2017 when he mesmerized the world with figures of 6/25, a spell that showcased his mastery over leg-spin. With an average of 25.09 and an economy rate of 8.19, Chahal brings a combination of wicket-taking ability and control to the Indian bowling line-up. Despite being India’s highest wicket taker in T20I cricket, Chahal is yet to participate in a T20 World Cup match.

(All stats updated till 5th January, 2023)

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