Top five Indian bowlers with most wickets in T20I cricket

The role of bowlers can occasionally be overlooked in T20 cricket, as the focus is frequently on the explosive strokes of the hitters. It’s a format that celebrates towering sixes, colossal run chases, and a display of batting skills. However, a group of Indian bowlers have managed to carve out a niche for themselves that alters the game's trajectory amidst the willow's dominance.

Power-hitting batters' constant attacks present a formidable obstacle for bowlers, but these Indian bowlers have not only risen to the occasion but have flourished in it. In T20 cricket, bowling is an art that requires accuracy and the capacity to stay one step ahead of the batters. Nevertheless, these bowlers have frequently emerged, outwitting their rivals with a variety of variations that keep even the most aggressive hitters off balance.

In this article, let's examine the list of Indian bowlers who have taken the most wickets in T20I cricket.

5. Hardik Pandya – 88 wickets 

One of India's best all-around players, Hardik Pandya, has been a key player in T20Is, making an impact with both bat and the ball. His versatile skill sets contribute to the success of Team India. Pandya is a game-changer in the format because of his impactful bowling and aggressive yet calm batting style.

His potential to win matches is highlighted by his capacity to perform well under pressure. In 108 T20l matches, Pandya has claimed 88 wickets as a bowler, demonstrating his versatility with his best numbers 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. With his deadly combination of yorkers, well-disguised slower balls, and cunning bouncers, Bumrah has become India's bowling face in T20I and is renowned for making significant breakthroughs.

Bumrah’s ability to consistently pick wickets, often in pivotal moments of the game, showcases his invaluable impact. Bumrah's strengths are his accuracy and adaptability, as evidenced by his stellar record of 89 wickets in 70 T20I games, which includes the best bowling figures of 3/7. 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

With his flawless seam and death-bowling abilities in Twenty20 Internationals, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the discarded Indian fast bowler, has made a name for himself. Kumar, who is well-known for his ability to swing the ball and make significant breakthroughs, was instrumental in saving India from difficult circumstances, especially during 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. His 90 wickets in 87 T20Is, including an incredible 5/4, demonstrate his ability to impact games at pivotal moments. Since the T20 World Cup in 2022, Kumar has been absent from the national squad.

2. Arshdeep Singh – 92 wickets

Arshdeep Singh has been a crucial member of the team since his T20I debut. He took the most wickets for India in the two T20 World Cups he played – 2022 (10) and 2024 (17).

Thus far in his 59-match career, Arshdeep has claimed 92 wickets at an average of 18.47. His best bowling numbers are 4/9, which he recorded against the USA in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He has already claimed two four-wicket hauls in his career.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 wickets

The leg-spin sensation Yuzvendra Chahal has established himself as India's top wicket-taker in T20I cricket, showcasing his skills in the middle overs. Chahal has taken 96 wickets in 80 T20Is, and his deft leg spin and variations have continuously caused problems for opposing hitters. 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 top wicket-taker in T20I cricket, Chahal has been out of the lineup for some time and has not yet played in a T20 World Cup match.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official