Arshdeep Singh Becomes The Leading Wicket Taker For India In T-20 Internationals

Kolkata (India) January 22: Pacer Arshdeep Singh overtook former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals. He achieved the feat when he picked up his second wicket of the ongoing T20I against England at Eden Gardens. 

Arshdeep Singh enjoyed a solid start to the game. The left-arm pacer opened the bowling for the hosts from one end and made an early impact, dismissing Phil Salt (0 off 3) to pick up his 96th wicket in the format, drawing level with Chahal.

The 25-year-old then dismissed Ben Duckett in the second over of his spell. The English opener first reverse-scooped him over the short third man for a boundary. But the Punjab Kings pacer soon had his man, with Duckett aiming to go after him but not connecting cleanly and being caught at covers.

Ben Duckett was dismissed for just four runs off as many deliveries, with the scoreboard reading 17/2. He was replaced by Harry Brook in the middle.

Arshdeep Singh overtook Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, taking just 61 matches to achieve the feat. Chahal, who made his debut against Zimbabwe back in 2016, represented India in 80 T20Is and picked up 96 wickets with a best of 6/25 against England in 2017.

Having already surpassed Chahal’s record, Arshdeep now stands chance to complete 100 wickets in the shortest format of the game. The left arm pacer is to achieve the feat within the five-match series currently underway, he will also become the fastest bowler in T20I history to reach 100 wickets. The previous best is Haris Rauf in 71 matches while Arshdeep has played only 60 so far.

With four more mathches left in the T20I series against England, there exists very little doubt that the Indian shall achieve the milestone and etch his name into the annals of cricketing history.