India National Cricket Team fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has achieved a massive milestone with his outstanding bowling performances in T20I cricket in 2026. Arshdeep Singh has now become India's highest wicket-taker in a calendar year in men's T20I cricket, breaking Bhuvneshwar Kumar's long-standing record on Saturday (October 24).

Arshdeep achieved this special feat during the second T20I between the India National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday. Earlier, Ishan Kishan ruled out of 3rd T20I vs New Zealand with an injury.

Arshdeep Singh breaks Bhuvneshwar Kumar's T20I record

Arshdeep Singh has surpassed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become India's highest wicket-taker in a calendar year in men's T20I cricket. The left-arm pacer dismissed dangerous batter Glenn Phillips to reach 38 wickets, overtaking Bhuvneshwar's record of 37 wickets in 2022.

Arshdeep has now moved to the top of the list of Indian bowlers with the most T20I wickets in a single calendar year. Before this match, Bhuvneshwar held the record with 37 wickets in 2022. Arshdeep had also taken 36 wickets in 2024, while Varun Chakravarthy claimed 36 wickets in 2025.

The list also includes Axar Patel, who has taken 32 wickets in 2026, and Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up 28 wickets in 2016. Arshdeep has now 146 wickets in 100 T20I matches to his name at an impressive economy rate of 8.65 and an average of 20.47.

Most T20I wickets for India in a calendar year

• 38 wickets – Arshdeep Singh (2026)
• 37 wickets – Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2022)
• 36 wickets – Arshdeep Singh (2024)
• 36 wickets – Varun Chakaravarthy (2025)
• 33 wickets – Arshdeep Singh (2022)
• 32 wickets – Axar Patel (2026)

Arshdeep Singh 2 wickets away from world record

Arshdeep Singh has made history by joining an elite list of bowlers with the most wickets in T20 Internationals in a calendar year for Full Member teams. The Indian pacer has taken 38 wickets in 2026 and equalled Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga’s tally. Amid this, Watch: Bhuvneshwar Kumar ends 1,434-day wait for international wicket, cleans up Daryl Mitchell.

Arshdeep is now just one wicket away from equalling the record held by Ireland’s Josh Little, who claimed 39 wickets in 2022. He has the best chance to make a world record in the ongoing T20I series, as there are three more games left in the New Zealand series.

Most wickets in a calendar year in T20Is

• 39 wickets: Josh Little (2022)
• 38 wickets: Wanindu Hasaranga (2024)
• 38 wickets: Arshdeep Singh (2026)
• 37 wickets: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2022)

Glenn Phillips' wicket takes Arshdeep Singh past Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Arshdeep Singh reached the milestone by dismissing Glenn Phillips, who had played an impressive knock of 70 runs off just 43 balls in the second T20I against India in Christchurch. Arshdeep bowled a fuller delivery outside the off stump, forcing Phillips to attempt a big shot.

The New Zealander tried to carve the ball towards the off side, but he could not find the gap. The ball flew towards deep point, where Naman Dhir moved to his right and completed a brilliant catch. Phillips' dismissal gave India an important breakthrough and helped Arshdeep achieve a big milestone.

With 38 T20I wickets already to his name in 2026, the Indian pacer has set a new benchmark and will look to add more wickets to his tally in the ongoing five-match T20I series in New Zealand.