T20 cricket has become immensely popular amongst fans in recent years. With its fast-paced nature and big hitting, it provides thrilling entertainment. India has embraced T20 cricket and has assembled a formidable team that is competitive across all three formats of the game.
Bowling in T20 cricket is considered one of the toughest jobs on the field. With the shortened format, bowlers have less time to make an impact and the batting-friendly pitches pose a stern challenge.
![Bowlers With Most T20I Wickets For India [2023 update]](https://i0.wp.com/iplt20live.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bowlers-With-Most-T20I-Wickets-For-India-2023-update-1024x597.png)
Over the years, India has fielded over 90 bowlers in T20 cricket, highlighting the depth of talent. India memorably won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, with the bowlers playing a pivotal role in the triumph.
Let’s take a look at the leading wicket-takers for India in T20 international cricket:
Yuzvendra Chahal:
The crafty leg-spinner tops the list with 96 wickets in 80 T20Is for India since his debut in 2016. With his ability to extract turn and outfox batsmen, Chahal has been a match-winner. His best figures are an incredible 6/25 and he boasts a decent average of 25.09. In January 2023, Chahal went past Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India’s leading T20I wicket-taker.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
The swing bowler occupies second place with 90 wickets in 87 matches. Since debuting in 2012, Kumar has been able to move the ball both ways to trouble batsmen upfront with the new ball and in the death overs with his variations. His remarkable economy rate of 6.96 illustrates his frugality.
Hardik Pandya:
The dynamic all-rounder has claimed 73 wickets from 92 matches at an average of 26.71. With his brisk seam bowling, Pandya has struck at a rate of 1 wicket every 19 balls. He provides crucial balance to the team with his bowling ability.
Ravi Ashwin:
The wily off-spinner has claimed 72 scalps in 65 matches with his variations in pace and flight. Ashwin holds the record for the most wickets (32) for India in T20 World Cups. His best figures of 4/8 and economy of 6.97 demonstrate his prowess.
Jasprit Bumrah:
With his unorthodox action and ability to bowl yorkers at will, Bumrah has picked up 70 wickets in 60 matches. He has an exceptional economy rate of just 6.62 – the best among Indian bowlers with 10 or more games. Bumrah strikes every 17 balls in T20Is.
Kuldeep Yadav
The left-arm wrist spinner has claimed 52 wickets in just 31 innings across 32 matches. He has the best bowling average of 14.57 and a remarkable strike rate of 13.21 among Indian bowlers. Yadav’s career-best figures are 5/24. With his ability to spin the ball both ways, he has often foxed opposition batsmen. When fit, Yadav provides India with a world-class spin bowling option in shorter formats.
Ravindra Jadeja:
The versatile all-rounder has snared 51 wickets in 64 matches at an economy rate of 6.78, in addition to scoring 457 runs. Jadeja’s miserly left-arm spin and energetic fielding make him an indispensable part of India’s T20 side.
List of Players Most T20I Wickets For India
| PLAYER | MAT | INN | WKTS | AVG | SR | BEST | 4-W HAUL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Chahal | 80 | 79 | 96 | 25.09 | 18.37 | 6/25 | 2 |
| B Kumar | 87 | 86 | 90 | 23.10 | 19.9 | 5/4 | 3 |
| H Pandya | 92 | 81 | 73 | 26.71 | 19.63 | 4/16 | 3 |
| R Ashwin | 65 | 65 | 72 | 23.22 | 20.1 | 4/8 | 2 |
| J Bumrah | 60 | 59 | 70 | 20.22 | 18.32 | 3/11 | – |
| K Yadav | 32 | 31 | 52 | 14.57 | 13.21 | 5/24 | 1 |
| R Jadeja | 64 | 62 | 51 | 28.49 | 24.2 | 3/15 | – |
In summary, India is blessed with a wealth of bowling talent in T20 cricket. With their variations and skills, these leading wicket-takers have been instrumental in India’s success over the years. Their frugal economy rates have also been impressive. Yuzvendra Chahal leads the pack currently, but this list could see shuffling as these bowlers continue to shine.
