Arshdeep Singh scripted history, broke Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record and created a new Indian mark in T20Is
Arshdeep Singh (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Arshdeep Singh continued his impressive run in T20Is, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India’s leading wicket-taker in the format in the calendar year during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.The left-arm pacer took 2/33 to reach 38 wickets in 2026, surpassing Bhuvneshwar’s previous Indian record of 37 wickets from 2022. The milestone underlined Arshdeep’s consistency and growing importance to India’s bowling attack in the shortest format.Arshdeep needed just 26 innings to reach the landmark, while Bhuvneshwar needed 31 innings to take his 37 wickets in 2022. The veteran pacer, who recently returned to the Indian set-up after a long absence, held the record for almost four years.
Arshdeep joins the elite company
Arshdeep’s latest feat also ranks him among the most prolific bowlers from full-fledged countries in men’s T20Is in a calendar year. Ireland’s Josh Little leads the charts with 39 wickets in 2022, while Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga has 38 in 2024. Arshdeep is now level with Hasaranga and just one wicket short of Little’s mark.Most wickets in a calendar year in T20Is (full nations):
- 39 – Josh Little (Ireland), 2022
- 38 — Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), 2024
- 38 — Arshdeep Singh (India), 2026
- 37 — Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India), 2022
The 27-year-old has now set the benchmark for India, adding to his previous tally of 36 wickets in 2024 and 33 in 2022. Varun Chakaravarthy also took 36 wickets in 2025, while Axar Patel took 32 wickets in 2026.Most wickets in a calendar year for India in T20Is:
- 38—Arshdeep Singh, 2026
- 37—Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 2022
- 36—Arshdeep Singh, 2024
- 36 — Varun Chakravarthy, 2025
- 33—Arshdeep Singh, 2022
- 32 — Axar Patel, 2026
Timely strikes, major breakthrough
Arshdeep made an immediate impact against New Zealand and early dismissed Tim Seifert to help India restrict the hosts in the power bowl. Bhuvneshwar and Prince Yadav also struck during the opening phase as New Zealand found themselves under pressure at 41/3 after 5.2 overs.However, Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs revived the innings with a 116-run fourth-wicket partnership in the counter-attack. Phillips smashed 70 off 43 balls while Jacobs contributed 58 off 46 deliveries to help New Zealand return to 180/5 in 20 overs.Chasing a competitive target, India found themselves in trouble at 112/6 after losing wickets at regular intervals. After the dismissal of Naman Dhir at the hands of Mitchell Santner, the visitors needed almost 70 runs in the last five overs with only four wickets remaining.Tilak Varma (51 off 26 balls) once again came through under pressure and played a crucial role in keeping India’s hopes alive. While the batting contest provided its own late drama, Arshdeep’s achievement stood out as a significant individual milestone in India’s T20I campaign.
How do you rate Arshdeep Singh’s overall performance this year?
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
More than 5,000 users have already voted today
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
Share an opinion