Arshdeep Singh has etched his name into cricketing history by surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal’s record to become India's leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals. The left-arm fast bowler achieved this feat during the first T20I of a five-match series against England in Kolkata on January 22, 2025. Arshdeep claimed two crucial wickets in his first spell, taking his overall tally to 97 wickets, thereby surpassing Chahal’s record of 96 wickets. Arshdeep accomplished this milestone in just 61 matches, an impressive achievement for a bowler who made his T20I debut only a few years ago.
In the match, Arshdeep's first breakthrough came in the very first over when he removed England's Phil Salt with a sharp bouncer. His second scalp followed soon after in the third over, as he dismissed the dangerous Ben Duckett, who had begun to look settled at the crease. These early wickets were pivotal in putting India on top and limiting England’s progress during the powerplay.
Arshdeep's rapid rise in T20I cricket has seen him climb the ranks quickly, becoming one of the most trusted fast bowlers in India's attack. His performance in this match has further solidified his place in India's future plans, especially with major tournaments like the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy on the horizon. With 97 wickets to his name, Arshdeep now leads India's T20I wicket-taking chart. Yuzvendra Chahal, who held the record previously, achieved his 96 wickets in 80 matches. Arshdeep’s accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering he reached the milestone in just 61 T20Is, making him one of the fastest bowlers to reach this mark in the format.
Behind Arshdeep, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are the next two leading wicket-takers for India in T20Is, with 90 wickets from 87 matches and 89 wickets from 71 matches, respectively. However, the fact that Arshdeep achieved this record in such a short span of time highlights his immense potential and consistency in T20 cricket.
Arshdeep's rapid ascent has not only impressed fans but also selectors, earning him a spot in India's squad for the prestigious Champions Trophy. His performance in the 2024 T20I series in South Africa was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. During that series, Arshdeep surpassed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India’s leading wicket-taker in a T20I series, taking 8 wickets in just four matches, a key contribution to India’s series win. This success has elevated him as one of the mainstays in India's T20I lineup.
Looking ahead, Arshdeep has the opportunity to become one of the fastest bowlers to reach 100 wickets in T20 internationals. The current record for the fastest to reach 100 wickets is held by Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who reached the milestone in just 53 matches. If Arshdeep maintains his current form and continues to take wickets at this rate, he will have a real chance of breaking this record, further cementing his status as one of the world’s leading fast bowlers in T20 cricket.
Arshdeep’s journey is a prime example of how a bowler can rise to the top through hard work, consistency, and a hunger to succeed. His ability to strike early and his deceptive pace have made him a formidable asset for India in the T20 format. His rapid growth has not only made him a key figure in India’s T20I team but also one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in international cricket. Fans and experts alike will be keenly watching his progress in the coming years as he continues to break records and take the game to new heights.
