indian pacemaker Arshdeep Singh has etched his name in the record books by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. His historic achievement came during the first T20I of the five-match series against England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. The left-arm seamer surpassed the senior spinners’ tally. Yuzvendra Chahalwho held the record with 96 wickets, to claim first place with 97 wickets.
Arshdeep Singh beats Yuzvendra Chahal in T20Is
Arshdeep’s historic moment began when he equaled Chahal’s record by dismissing Phil Salt for a duck in just the third ball of the innings.
MISSING! 💥#ArshdeepSingh provides the breakthrough, and Phil Salt is caught by #SanjuSamson on a duck! ☝
📺 Watch it for FREE on Disney+ Hotstar: https://t.co/CBKmsIywOl #INDVENGOnJioStar 👉 First 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, achieving his 97th scalp by taking off Ben Duckett in his second over. This feat not only secured his place in Indian cricket history but also solidified his position as a cornerstone of India’s T20I bowling line-up. This achievement follows his previous record in the previous series against South Africa where Arshdeep dethroned Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become the most successful Indian pacer in T20Is. His current tally of 97 wickets in just 61 matches highlights his consistency and match-winning ability.
Arshdeep is too precise to handle! 2 WICKETS 🔥🔥🏏
Duckett Gone Eng is 17-2#INVENGE #DeepArsh 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 go-to strike bowler, displaying exceptional control and temperament, particularly in high-pressure and death situations. His 95 wickets in 60 matches leading up to this game reflect his meteoric rise in international cricket. in overcoming jasprit bumrahWith a record 89 wickets in 69 innings, Arshdeep’s achievement underlines his skill and efficiency. Bumrah’s economy rate of 6.27 has long been praised, but Arshdeep’s ability to deliver in crunch time and adapt to different conditions has distinguished him as India’s most reliable T20 bowler.
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England’s power play: a mixed bag
The powerplay in England’s innings was a combination of early hitting and resilience. India, who opted to play first at Eden Gardens, scored 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 strong delivery, leaving England at 17/2 in the third over. Despite the setbacks, the England captain yes butler showed his class with an aggressive start, hitting six boundaries in his unbeaten 34 off 22 balls. Supported by Harry BrookNot being left out at six, Buttler steadied the ship. At the end of the power play, England had reached 46/2maintaining a decent run rate of 7.66. The brilliance of Arshdeep and Hardik PandyaThe costly overs made for an eventful first six overs, leaving the game delicately balanced.