Arshdeep Singh breaks Indian record for T20I wickets in a calendar year

India pacer Arshdeep Singh became the highest wicket-taker for India in T20 Internationals within a single calendar year on Saturday, 24 October, surpassing the previous mark held by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The left-arm bowler achieved the record during India’s second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, where he recorded figures of 2 for 33 from his four overs. Record-Breaking Performance in Christchurch Arshdeep dismissed Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips to take his 2026 tally to 38 wickets, moving past Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 2022 record of 37 wickets. The performance helped India restrict New Zealand to 180 for 5. India later secured a four-wicket victory with one ball remaining, thanks to an unbeaten 51 from Tilak Varma and 26 not out from Nitish Kumar Reddy, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The 2026 season has been statistically dominant for Arshdeep, who already holds two other spots in India’s top five annual performances: 36 wickets in 2024 and 33 in 2022. Other top performers include Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed 36 wickets in 2025, and Axar Patel, who has secured 32 wickets so far in 2026. Global Milestones in Sight The record was triggered by Arshdeep's dismissal of Glenn Phillips in the second innings at Hagley Oval. The 25-year-old is now one wicket away from tying the record for most men’s T20I wickets in a calendar year among ICC Full Member nations. That record is currently held by Ireland’s Joshua Little, who took 39 wickets in 2022. The overall…