Arshdeep Singh becomes becomes India's top T20I wicket-taker, shatters Bhuvi's record

India secured a thrilling victory over South Africa in the third T20I, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series with an 11-run win in Centurion. Arshdeep Singh stole the show, surpassing both Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India’s leading T20I wicket-taker among fast bowlers. With his three-wicket haul, Arshdeep now has 92 wickets, just four shy of Yuzvendra Chahal’s record for most T20I wickets by an Indian bowler.

In a high-scoring affair, young batter Tilak Varma also shined for India, scoring his maiden international century to help the team post a formidable total of 219. Varma’s explosive innings set a strong foundation for India, but it was Arshdeep’s disciplined bowling that held the Proteas back, particularly in the final over, where he kept his cool to clinch the win. The left-arm pacer dismissed Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen, and Marco Jansen, showcasing his versatility as a strike bowler.

The Proteas fought back with Jansen smashing a record-breaking 50, the fastest T20I half-century against India. However, their efforts fell short as Arshdeep’s precision with the ball brought the game back in India’s favor. The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg will now host the series decider, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

Arshdeep’s stellar performance comes at a crucial time with the IPL 2025 auction around the corner. As he inches closer to breaking Chahal’s record, his performance is expected to catch the eye of IPL teams, with Punjab Kings potentially considering the Right to Match (RTM) card to bring him back into their squad.

In a post-match interview, Arshdeep credited his success to the support and guidance of fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah, sharing, “Jasprit Bhai has been a fantastic partner on the field, helping me create pressure and take crucial wickets. Adapting to the conditions and game situations has been key for me.” His lethal combination of early strikes and death-over accuracy has been instrumental in India’s T20I campaign this year.

With only four wickets standing between him and Chahal’s record, Arshdeep Singh is on the cusp of making history. The cricketing world now awaits the final T20I, where he could become India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals.