Arshdeep Singh became India's leading T20I wicket-taker in a calendar year during Saturday's match against New Zealand at Hagley Oval. The pacer claimed 2/33, taking his 2026 tally to 38 wickets. He broke Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 2022 record of 37 wickets, showing his growing importance to the Indian bowling attack this year.
Arshdeep Singh (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Arshdeep Singh continued his impressive run in T20Is, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India's leading wicket-taker in the format in a calendar year during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday. The left-arm pacer claimed 2/33 to take his tally to 38 wickets in 2026, moving past Bhuvneshwar's previous Indian record of 37 wickets, set in 2022. The milestone underlined Arshdeep's consistency and growing importance to India's bowling attack in the shortest format. Arshdeep needed just 26 innings to reach the landmark, while Bhuvneshwar had taken 31 innings to claim his 37 wickets in 2022. The veteran pacer, who recently returned to the Indian setup after a lengthy absence, had held the record for nearly four years.
Arshdeep joins elite company
Arshdeep's latest achievement also puts him among the most prolific bowlers from full-member nations in men's T20Is in a calendar year. Ireland's Josh Little leads the list with 39 wickets in 2022, while Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 38 in 2024. Arshdeep is now level with Hasaranga and just one wicket short of Little's mark.Most wickets in a calendar year in T20Is (full-member nations):
39 — Josh Little (Ireland), 2022
38 — Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), 2024
38 — Arshdeep Singh (India), 2026
37 — Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India), 2022
The 27-year-old has now set the benchmark for India, adding to his previous tally of 36 wickets in 2024 and 33 in 2022. Varun Chakaravarthy also took 36 wickets in 2025, while Axar Patel has claimed 32 wickets in 2026.Most wickets in a calendar year for India in T20Is:
38 — Arshdeep Singh, 2026
37 — Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 2022
36 — Arshdeep Singh, 2024
36 — Varun Chakaravarthy, 2025
33 — Arshdeep Singh, 2022
32 — Axar Patel, 2026
Early strikes, crucial breakthrough
Arshdeep made an immediate impact against New Zealand, dismissing Tim Seifert early to help India restrict the hosts in the powerplay. Bhuvneshwar and Prince Yadav also struck during the opening phase as New Zealand found themselves under pressure at 41/3 after 5.2 overs. However, Glenn Phillips and Bevon Jacobs revived the innings with a counter-attacking fourth-wicket partnership worth 116 runs. Phillips smashed 70 off 43 balls, while Jacobs contributed 58 off 46 deliveries, helping New Zealand recover to 180/5 in 20 overs.
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Chasing a competitive target, India found themselves in trouble at 112/6 after losing wickets at regular intervals. Naman Dhir's dismissal at the hands of Mitchell Santner left the visitors needing close to 70 runs in the final five overs, with only four wickets remaining. Tilak Varma (51 not out off 26 balls) once again stepped up under pressure, producing a decisive contribution to keep India's hopes alive. While the batting contest provided its own late drama, Arshdeep's achievement stood out as a significant individual milestone in India's T20I campaign.