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. Hardik Pandya – 89 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.

His ability to absorb pressure and deliver under tense circumstances underscores his match-winning potential. As a bowler, Pandya has scalped 89 wickets in 109 T20I matches, showcasing versatility with his best figures of 4/16. He has a bowling average of 26.84 and an economy rate of 8.23.

4. Jasprit Bumrah – 89 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 89 wickets in 70 T20I matches, including best bowling figures of 3/7, Bumrah’s capabilities lie in his precision and versatility. His remarkable economy rate of 6.27 and an average of 17.74 underscore his ability to both contain runs and strike with regularity.

3. 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 T20Is. 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.

2. Arshdeep Singh – 95 wickets :

Ever since making his T20I debut, Arshdeep Singh has become an integral part of the setup. He took the most wickets for India in the two T20 World Cups he played – 2022 (10) and 2024 (17).

In his career of 59 matches, Arshdeep has so far taken 95 wickets at an average of 18.02. He has picked up two four-wicket hauls so far in his career and his best bowling figures are 4/9, which he registered against the USA in ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 wickets :

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spin sensation, has made his name as India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, 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 the ability to provide crucial breakthroughs often.

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 has yet to participate in a T20 World Cup match and has been out of the setup for a while now.

(All stats updated till 15th November, 2023)

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