Does India have the two best T20I bowlers in the world? The first one, of course, is Jasprit Bumrah. There isn’t really a shadow of doubt about him being the best bowler. He wasn’t named the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the 2024 T20 World Cup by dumb luck. But Bumrah wasn’t even India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Arshdeep Singh, India’s best T20I bowler?
It was India’s other pacer, the same guy mentioned in the headline, Arshdeep Singh. He wasn’t India’s most successful bowler in the 2024 edition but also in the 2022 edition. Having made his debut in 2022, Arshdeep was India’s second most successful bowler in the same year. Bhuvneshwar Kumar had four more wickets than him but also 11 extra matches. In the subsequent years (2023 and 2024), he is Men in Blue’s best bowler. With Bumrah often rested and sometimes injured, he’s stepped up.
Just 2 years into his T20I career, Arshdeep has the chance to become India’s highest wicket-taker in the format. He’s just 4 scalps shy of Yuzvendra Chahal‘s record of 96 wickets. By early next year, the left-arm pacer would have the record to his name and would be ready to create many more records.
Most wickets for India in T20Is
- Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 wickets in 80 matches
Arshdeep Singh – 92 wickets in 59 matches
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 90 wickets in 87 matches
Jasprit Bumrah – 89 wickets in 70 matches
Hardik Pandya – 88 wickets in 108 matches
Punjab Kings’ grave error
Despite such an exemplary resume, when the time came for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retentions, Arshdeep was nowhere to be found on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) list. It was a true headscratcher. PBKS decided that the southpaw pacer wasn’t worthy of a sum as high as Rs 18 crore. Instead, they chose just two uncapped players and decided they’ll head to the IPL 2025 mega auction with Rs 110.50 crore.
Arshdeep Singh: One of a kind
This mistake might cost PBKS dearly. There really aren’t many bowlers, especially Indians, who can bowl in the powerplay and the death as successfully as Arshdeep. You have a confirmed pick in Bumrah, and then you aren’t left with many options. On their good days, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Bhuvneshwar can do both, but those don’t come often.
In fact, not many overseas bowlers possess the ability either. Matheesha Pathirana doesn’t even bowl in the powerplay, while Trent Boult doesn’t fare well in the backend. A left-arm pacer who swings the ball up front and is tough to hit in the death. This makes him one-of-a-kind. Some might say Arshdeep can’t fetch Rs 18 crore at the IPL mega auction, but a change in rules could help him.
Bidding war at IPL 2025 mega auction for Arshdeep Singh?
You see, a franchise like Delhi Capitals or PBKS will definitely go for him. Kolkata Knight Riders went hard for Mitchell Starc in the last auction; why can’t they do the same for a better left-arm pacer this time? The new Right to Match (RMT) card rule allows the franchise to place another bid before the original team can get their player back.
This means that if the bid goes to Rs 15 crore or over for Arshdeep and PBKS uses an RTM card, they’ll have to pay nearly the same amount (Rs 18 crore). Is it worth taking the risk of losing one of the best T20 bowlers for a mere 2-3 crore? Of course, Arshdeep couldn’t care less. PBKS’ blunder would only make him rich. He’ll be the leader of the pack in any team he goes and could even someday be named captain.
PBKS Retention List for IPL 2025
Retention No. 1 (Rs 5.50 crore): Shashank Singh (uncapped)
Retention No. 2 (Rs 4 crore): Prabhsimran Singh (uncapped)
Remaining Purse: Rs 110.50 crore
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