New Zealand vs India: Tilak Varma Sets T20I Fielding Record With 26 Catches in 2026

New Delhi, Oct 24: India's T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma created a new record in men's T20 Internationals on Saturday (October 24), becoming the most successful fielder in a calendar year after taking two catches in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Tilak took his tally to 26 catches in T20Is in 2026, surpassing Indonesia's Danilson Hawoe, who held the previous record with 25 catches in 2025.

The Hyderabad batter achieved the milestone early in New Zealand's innings, helping India make a strong start after captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Tilak Varma Takes Two Early Catches Against New Zealand

Tilak's first catch came in the second over when he held on to a straightforward chance at cover off Arshdeep Singh's bowling to dismiss New Zealand opener Tim Seifert for seven.

The Indian vice-captain was involved again in the third over, completing another catch to send Daryl Mitchell back for six. Mitchell attempted a flick but was deceived by a knuckle ball from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The delivery caught the leading edge and ballooned towards the cover-point region, where Tilak completed the catch comfortably.

The two dismissals helped India put the hosts under early pressure, with New Zealand losing three wickets for 41 runs in 5.2 overs. Finn Allen was also dismissed for 16 off 14 balls, clean-bowled by Prince Yadav.

Most Catches as a Fielder in T20Is in a Calendar Year

Tilak's record-breaking effort places him ahead of several players on the list of most catches taken by a fielder in a calendar year in men's T20Is.

India Look to Extend Series Lead

India entered the second T20I with a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and were looking to strengthen their advantage with another victory in Christchurch.

Shreyas Iyer's decision to bowl first paid early dividends as India's bowlers struck regularly in the powerplay. Tilak's two catches added to the visitors' strong start, while Prince Yadav and the experienced Indian bowlers kept New Zealand's top order under pressure.