Who Has Taken Most Wickets For India In T20 World Cup? Two Active All-Rounders In Top Two

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The T20 World Cup 2024 is set to commence from June 1 in the USA and the West Indies, and eyes will not just be on the batters who would look to set the stage on fire with fours and sixes, but also on the world-class bowlers.

In contrast to the T20 leagues where batters pile up massive runs, T20I internationals are different. T20 World Cups bring with them a lot of pressure on the players. It's a widely acknowledged fact that the bowling units are the ones who win you ICC titles.

It has been proved in the past, and it would be no different in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup 2024. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Jofra Archer, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Adam Zampa would grace the biggest stage in T20I cricket, and look to play a pivotal role in their team's campaign.

Leading Wicket-Takers for India in the T20 World Cup

Over the years, Indian bowlers have left a mark in this prestigious tournament with their performance. Here's a look at the top 10 leading wicket-takers for India in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2022.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin: Leading the pack is the wily off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin has been a cornerstone of India's T20 bowling lineup with his clever variations and control. He has taken 32 wickets in 24 matches, making him India's highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cups. His ability to bowl in powerplays and middle overs with equal efficacy has made him an invaluable asset.

2. Ravindra Jadeja: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, with his accurate left-arm spin, ranks second with 21 wickets in 22 matches. Jadeja's economy rate of 7.14 underlines his effectiveness in restricting runs while also chipping in with crucial wickets. His dual role as a bowler and a fielder adds tremendous value to the team.

3. Irfan Pathan & Harbhajan Singh: Former left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan and veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh are tied in the third spot, each having claimed 16 wickets. Pathan, known for his ability to swing the ball, played a significant role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup win. Harbhajan, with his vast experience and skill, has been instrumental in many crucial matches for the Men in Blue, including the inaugural T20 WC, which India won.

4. Ashish Nehra: Ashish Nehra, known for his pace and ability to deliver in crunch situations, has taken 14 wickets in T20 World Cups. His knack for breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure in the death overs has been critical to India's success in the tournament.

5. Jasprit Bumrah: One of the best modern-day fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, has made a significant impact with 11 wickets in 10 matches. His lethal yorkers and pace variations make him a formidable opponent, especially in the death overs where he excels in restricting the scoring rate and taking wickets.

6. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Known for his swing and accuracy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a key bowler for India in T20 World Cups. He has taken 10 wickets in 11 matches, often providing crucial breakthroughs with the new ball and maintaining a tight economy.

7. Yuzvendra Chahal: Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been a go-to bowler for India in the middle overs, taking 10 wickets in 10 matches. His ability to deceive batsmen with flight and guile makes him a potent weapon in T20 cricket.

8. Zaheer Khan: Zaheer Khan, with his experience and skill, has taken 10 wickets in 9 matches. Known for his ability to bowl both at the start and in the death overs, Zaheer played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup campaign in 2007.

9. S Sreesanth: The fiery pacer from Kerala Sreesanth, who was part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad, has taken 9 wickets in 10 matches. His aggressive bowling style and ability to generate bounce made him a key player in India's bowling attack.

10. Amit Mishra: Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, with his deceptive leg-spin, has taken 9 wickets in 8 matches. His performances have been characterized by his ability to break partnerships and maintain pressure on the opposition.

Top 10 Leading Wicket-Takers for India in T20 World Cup between 2007 and 2022

Highest wicket-takers in T20 World Cup 2024

Shakib Al Hasan, one of the two players to play all editions of the T20 World Cup, has the highest wicket to his name in the T20 World Cup. The Bangladesh left-arm spinner has picked 47 wickets, and will have the chance to become the first bowler to pick T20 World Cup wickets in the upcoming edition.

He is followed by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi in the elite list. Afridi picked 39 wickets, while former Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga finished his career with 38 T20 World Cup wickets. Saaed Ajmal from Pakistan is fourth on the list, and is followed by compatriot Umar Gul and Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis.

Bowlers with Most Wickets in T20 World Cup

Note: '*' denotes players still active and participating in the T20 World Cup 2024.

'**' denotes player active but not participating in this edition.