Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh etched his name in the record books by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. His historic achievement was achieved during the first T20I of five-match series against England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. The left-arm seamer surpassed the veteran spinner’s total Yuzvendra Chahalwho held the record with 96 wickets, to take the top spot with 97 wickets.
Arshdeep Singh bowls over Yuzvendra Chahal in T20I
Arshdeep’s watershed moment began when he equaled Chahal’s dismissal record Phil Salt for a duck on just the third ball of the innings.
GONE! 💥#ArshdeepSingh secures a breakthrough and Phil Salt is caught #SamjuSamson on the duck! ☝
📺 Watch Disney+ Hotstar for FREE: https://t.co/CBKmsIywOl #INDvENGOnJioStar 👉 1st T20I LIVE NOW on Disney+ Hotstar & Star Sports! | #KhelAasmani pic.twitter.com/W3PBNkQDv2
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 22, 2025
The 24-year-old pacer didn’t stop there, winning his 97th scalp with a takedown Ben Duckett in his second over. This feat not only secured him a place in the history of Indian cricket but also cemented his position as the cornerstone of India’s T20I bowling line-up. This achievement follows his earlier record in the previous series against South Africa, where he was dethroned by Arshdeep Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India’s most successful pacer in T20Is. His current tally of 97 wickets in just 61 matches highlights his consistency and ability to win.
Arshdeep is too accurate to handle! 2 DOORS 🔥🔥🏏
Duckett Gone Eng is 17-2#INDvENG #Arshdeep pic.twitter.com/SyVavAhIHn
— Rana Husnain Aleem (@husnain19X) January 22, 2025
A stellar career path
Since making his debut in 2022, Arshdeep has emerged as India’s strike bowler, displaying exceptional control and temperament, particularly in high-pressure situations and death overs. His 95 wickets in 60 matches leading up to this match reflect his meteoric rise in international cricket. In surpassing Jasprit BumrahWith a record of 89 wickets in 69 innings, Arshdeep’s achievement highlights his skill and efficiency. Bumrah’s economy of 6.27 has long been lauded, but Arshdeep’s ability to deliver in clutch moments and adapt to different conditions has set him apart as India’s most reliable T20 bowler.
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England’s power play: A mixed bag
The powerplay in the English innings was a combination of early strikes and resilience. India, who opted to bat first at the Eden Gardens, struck early through Arshdeep. The left-arm pacer dismissed Salt for a duck in the first over, setting the tone for the hosts. Duckett followed soon after, falling to Arshdeep’s sharp delivery, leaving England at 17/2 in the third over. Despite the setbacks, the English captain Jos Buttler showed his class with an aggressive start, hitting six boundaries in his unbeaten 34 off 22 balls. Supported by Harry Brooknot out for six, Buttler steadied the ship. Until the end of the powerplay, England reached 46/2maintaining a decent speed of 7.66. Arshdeep’s brilliance and Hardik PandyaExpensive overs made for an eventful first six overs, leaving the game delicately balanced.
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