Cricket / Arshdeep Breaks Bhuvneshwar’s Record for Most T20I Wickets in a Calendar Career

Christchurch, Oct 24: India’s left‑arm pace sensation Arshdeep Singh reached a landmark achievement during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Saturday, becoming India’s leading wicket‑taker in T20Is in a calendar year.

Arshdeep returned figures of 2/33 in the match, lifting his tally to 38 wickets in 2026, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record of 37 scalps set in 2022.

“Arshdeep continued his strong year and reiterated his worth in the format with this milestone,” analysts observed. His breakthroughs included the dismissal of Tim Seifert early and the prized wicket of Glenn Phillips later in the innings.

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The left‑arm seamer needed just 26 innings to reach the mark, while Bhuvneshwar had taken 31 innings for his 37 wickets.

Arshdeep now ranks third among bowlers from full‑member nations for most wickets in a single year, behind Ireland’s Josh Little (39 in 2022) and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (38 in 2024).

Most wickets in a calendar year (full‑member teams):

Josh Little – 39 (2022)

Wanindu Hasaranga – 38 (2024)

Arshdeep Singh – 38 (2026)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 37 (2022)

Arshdeep’s early strike helped India reduce New Zealand to 43/3 at the end of the powerplay, with Bhuvneshwar and Prince Yadav also chipping in.

However, Glenn Phillips mounted a strong counterattack, scoring 70 off 43 balls, and stitched a 116‑run stand with Bevon Jacobs (58 off 46) for the fourth wicket. Their partnership lifted the hosts to 180/5 in 20 overs, ensuring a competitive total despite India’s early dominance.

Arshdeep’s record underscores his consistency and impact in 2026, cementing his place as India’s frontline bowler in the shortest format.

(IANS)