In a remarkable turn of events that has cricket fans buzzing across the globe, Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has etched his name in the record books as the first Indian male bowler to claim 100 wickets in men’s T20 Internationals. The milestone, achieved during India’s final Group A clash against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 21, 2025, marks a crowning moment in a career that has already seen rapid ascension and pivotal contributions to India’s recent successes.
Arshdeep’s journey to this elite club has been nothing short of meteoric. Making his debut against New Zealand in 2022, the young seamer wasted no time in making his presence felt. Just over three years into his international career and after 64 T20I matches, Arshdeep reached the coveted three-figure wicket mark, surpassing the previous Indian record held by Yuzvendra Chahal earlier this year. It was a moment of collective celebration as his teammates surrounded him on the field, fully aware of the significance of the achievement. According to the BCCI, "Arshdeep had come into the tournament just one wicket shy of the milestone, and the entire team was waiting to celebrate with him."
But the story doesn’t end there. Despite his historic feat, Arshdeep found himself dropped from the starting XI for India’s high-stakes Asia Cup Super Four encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, held just days after his milestone game. The decision by team management to replace him with the returning ace Jasprit Bumrah sparked widespread debate and surprise among fans and pundits alike. Bumrah, widely regarded as the world’s premier fast bowler across formats, slotted back into the lineup alongside Varun Chakravarthy, who replaced Harshit Rana. This meant that India reverted to the same bowling combination that had featured in their first two matches of the tournament.
So why was Arshdeep, fresh off a record-breaking performance, left out? The answer, it seems, lies in team balance and tactical considerations. In the Oman match, Arshdeep’s figures read 4-0-37-1 – a slightly expensive outing by his standards. With India opting for a spin-heavy attack and only one specialist fast bowler, the management chose to back Bumrah’s experience and proven track record in crucial matches, especially against Pakistan. As reported in multiple sources, Arshdeep “was a little pricey, though, as he let up 37 runs in four overs,” and the selectors felt Bumrah’s sharpness was needed to bolster the attack against their fiercest rivals.
Despite this setback, Arshdeep’s overall numbers in T20Is paint a picture of consistency and match-winning ability. With an average hovering just above 19 and an economy rate around 8.5, he has been a go-to option for India both with the new ball and in the pressure-cooker death overs. His best figures of 4/9 are a testament to his capacity to deliver under duress. Notably, Arshdeep played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, further cementing his reputation as a man for the big occasion.
Arshdeep’s achievement becomes even more impressive when viewed in the global context. He is now the fastest Indian seamer to reach 100 T20I wickets, achieving the milestone in just 64 matches. Among full member nations, only Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (63 matches) and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (53 matches) have reached the 100-wicket mark faster. That places Arshdeep in truly elite company, highlighting his rapid rise and effectiveness in the game’s shortest format.
Of course, Arshdeep isn’t the only Indian cricketer with a century of wickets in T20Is, but he is the first male bowler to do so. In women’s cricket, all-rounder Deepti Sharma blazed the trail, becoming the first Indian to reach 100 wickets in T20Is. With 147 wickets from 129 matches, Sharma is the second-highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is worldwide. Radha Yadav, another star of the women’s game, has also crossed the 100-wicket threshold, boasting 103 scalps from 89 matches. Their exploits have set a high standard for Indian bowlers, and Arshdeep’s entry into this exclusive club is a proud moment for the men’s team.
As for who might follow in Arshdeep’s footsteps, former T20 captain Hardik Pandya is the closest among current male bowlers, sitting on 96 wickets and needing just four more to join the 100-wicket club. The race is on, and with India’s packed T20I calendar, it may not be long before another name is added to the list.
Arshdeep’s omission from the playing XI against Pakistan has inevitably raised questions about selection policies and the challenges of maintaining balance in a team brimming with talent. Yet, it also speaks to the depth and competition within Indian cricket. Jasprit Bumrah’s return brings with it a wealth of experience and a proven knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. Bumrah has taken seven wickets in five games against Pakistan, including two in their most recent face-off. His presence, coupled with a strong spin contingent, gives India a formidable bowling lineup for the Super Four clash.
Still, it’s hard not to sympathize with Arshdeep, who has consistently delivered for India and, by all accounts, remains in top form. His ability to swing the new ball and nail yorkers at the death has made him a fan favorite and a key asset for the team. The decision to rest him for such a marquee game underlines just how competitive spots in the Indian XI have become.
Looking ahead, Arshdeep’s milestone will no doubt inspire the next generation of Indian bowlers. His rapid rise, work ethic, and ability to perform on the grandest stages serve as a blueprint for aspiring fast bowlers across the country. As the Asia Cup progresses and India’s focus shifts toward upcoming tournaments, there’s little doubt that Arshdeep will have plenty more opportunities to shine on the international stage.
For now, the cricketing world salutes Arshdeep Singh’s historic achievement. The left-armer’s journey from debutant to record-breaker has provided Indian fans with plenty to cheer about, and while he may be on the sidelines for the moment, his impact on Indian T20 cricket is already indelible. With the Asia Cup action heating up and the race for wickets intensifying, all eyes will be on Arshdeep and his fellow bowlers as they continue to chase records and bring glory to Indian cricket.
As the dust settles on this week’s drama, one thing is clear: Arshdeep Singh’s 100th wicket is more than just a statistic – it’s a symbol of determination, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Indian cricket today.
