Team India’s pace sensation, Arshdeep Singh, is on the brink of etching his name in cricket’s record books. In the upcoming third T20I against England in Rajkot, Arshdeep has an opportunity to achieve a remarkable feat—becoming the fastest pacer to claim 100 wickets in Men’s T20Is.
Aiming for Haris Rauf’s Record
Arshdeep, who has been a consistent performer for India over the past two years, has taken 98 wickets in just 62 matches. With only two more wickets needed to reach the 100-wicket milestone, he is poised to surpass Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, who currently holds the record for the fastest pacer to 100 T20I wickets. Rauf achieved the feat in his 71st match during the T20 World Cup 2024 against Canada.
Spinners Lead the Pack
While Arshdeep eyes the record for pacers, spinners have dominated the race for the fastest to 100 T20I wickets. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan leads the charts, reaching the milestone in just 53 matches in October 2021 against Pakistan. Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane follows closely, achieving the mark in 54 matches in June 2024 against Bangladesh. Other notable names include Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (63 matches) and Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan (71 matches).
Fastest to 100 Wickets in T20Is
- Rashid Khan – 53 matches (against Pakistan, October 2021)
- Sandeep Lamichhane – 54 matches (against Bangladesh, June 2024)
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 63 matches (against Afghanistan, February 2024)
- Haris Rauf – 71 matches (against Canada, June 2024)
- Ehsan Khan – 71 matches (against Malaysia, August 2024)
Arshdeep’s Stellar Form in 2024
Arshdeep has been instrumental in India’s success in T20Is. He was recently crowned ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Year 2024, an accolade that reflects his consistency and impact. In 18 matches last year, the left-arm seamer picked up 36 wickets at a phenomenal average of 13.50.
His standout performances included the T20 World Cup, where he ended as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps. Known for his ability to swing the ball in the powerplay and deliver accurate yorkers at the death, Arshdeep has become a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack.
A Humble Response to Success
Expressing his gratitude after winning the ICC honor, Arshdeep said, “It feels great to win the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award. I am truly grateful to God and everyone who supported me. Special thanks to the sports staff and my teammates for always pushing me to perform at my best.”
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Arshdeep has been named in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy, where he is expected to feature prominently alongside Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI. With the third T20I against England providing him the platform to achieve history, all eyes will be on the young pacer as he continues to rise in stature.
