Arshdeep Singh Surpasses Haris Rauf To Script A Remarkable Milestone In T20I Cricket As A Pacer

Indian left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh scripted history during India’s Asia Cup 2025 encounter against Oman, becoming the fastest pacer in the world to reach 100 wickets in T20 Internationals. His remarkable feat came in just 64 matches, surpassing Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and elevating the 26-year-old to a place of honor among the cricketing elite.

This record-breaking moment came not just as a personal milestone but as a symbolic leap for Indian pace bowling in the shortest format. Arshdeep has now etched his name alongside legends, and in many ways, has become a trailblazer for India’s fast bowling department in T20Is.

The Historic Moment

The record-setting moment came during the final over of Oman’s innings in the Group A match. With Oman still mathematically in the chase and pressure mounting, Arshdeep delivered a short ball that cramped Vinayak Shukla for room. Attempting a desperate pull, Shukla mistimed the shot and holed out to Rinku Singh at deep mid-wicket. The wicket not only sealed India’s 21-run win but also marked Arshdeep’s entry into the 100-wicket club.

This milestone was long anticipated. Arshdeep had been on 99 wickets since early January, having been benched for India’s home T20I series against England. His return to the playing XI in the Asia Cup was met with expectation—and he delivered.

Fastest Pacers to 100 T20I Wickets

In breaking Haris Rauf’s record (71 matches), Arshdeep now holds the record for fastest pacer to 100 T20I wickets. The only bowlers to reach the milestone faster than him are spinners:

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 53 matches
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 63 matches
Arshdeep Singh (India) – 64 matches

This achievement places Arshdeep ahead of a host of world-class names including:

Haris Rauf (Pakistan) – 71 matches
Mark Adair (Ireland) – 72 matches
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 84 matches

Among pacers, Arshdeep is now peerless in efficiency in terms of matches taken to 100 wickets.

First Indian to Reach 100 T20I Wickets

More than anything, the milestone is significant in the Indian context. No Indian bowler—seamer or spinner—had reached the three-figure wicket tally in men’s T20Is before this match.

Before Arshdeep:

Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 wickets (highest before him)
Hardik Pandya – 96 wickets
Jasprit Bumrah – 82 wickets

Arshdeep has not only become the first Indian to scale this peak but also done it with remarkable efficiency:

Matches: 64
Deliveries: 1,329
Average: 18.37
Economy rate: ~7.50 (estimated from his career arc)

For a format as volatile as T20s, where bowlers are often at the receiving end of massive hitting, such numbers are a testament to his control, discipline, and match awareness.

The Journey: From Debut to Dominance

Arshdeep Singh made his T20I debut in July 2022 against England. Known initially for his IPL performances with Punjab Kings, where he excelled at the death with yorkers and variations, he quickly transitioned to international cricket.

Key milestones in his journey:

Asia Cup 2022: Held nerve in close matches, bowling tough overs despite facing trolling after a dropped catch vs Pakistan.
T20 World Cup 2022: Emerged as India’s best bowler with 10 wickets, including dismissing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the powerplay.
T20 series vs South Africa (2023): Key spells with the new ball.
Asia Cup 2025: Historic 100th wicket.

In less than three years, Arshdeep has moved from a promising talent to a vital cog in India’s T20I plans.

The Role of Variation and Mental Toughness

What makes Arshdeep unique among his peers isn’t just his wicket-taking ability—it’s his arsenal of variations and mental resilience.

Yorkers at will: His ability to nail the yorker under pressure is reminiscent of Bumrah.
Deceptive slower balls: Especially effective on low-bounce tracks.
Bouncer surprise: As seen in the 100th wicket against Oman.
Calm demeanor: Rarely rattled, always focused.

In a format where one bad over can ruin figures, Arshdeep’s ability to bounce back has earned him a reputation as a captain’s trusted weapon.

Eight-Month Wait for the 100th Wicket

Interestingly, Arshdeep’s journey to 100 wasn’t smooth sailing. After picking up his 99th wicket in January 2025, he was rested for multiple matches in India’s bilateral series against England and New Zealand.

Speculations swirled—was he out of form? Was it injury management? Was the team experimenting ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026? Regardless, the Asia Cup 2025 provided the perfect opportunity to reintegrate him into the XI.

He returned not just with rhythm, but with purpose—showcasing once again why he’s India’s premier death-overs bowler.

Reactions from the Cricketing World

Following his milestone, tributes poured in from across the cricketing spectrum:

Jasprit Bumrah tweeted: “Proud moment for Indian pace! Keep shining, Arsh. 👏 #100Wickets”
Wasim Akram on commentary: “He’s doing what we expected from left-armers: swing, seam, smart bowling. Reminds me of Zaheer.”
Ravi Shastri: “No fuss cricketer. Just gets the job done. India has found a gem.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to World Cup 2026

With India eyeing the T20 World Cup 2026, Arshdeep’s form and fitness will be crucial. He’s likely to be India’s frontline pacer alongside Bumrah, especially in conditions where swing and variation are key.

Questions that loom:

Can he sustain this form across formats?
Will he be given leadership roles in India’s bowling group?
Can he develop into a bowler who leads attacks overseas?

If his journey so far is any indicator, the answers may well be yes.

A Symbol of India’s Fast Bowling Renaissance

Arshdeep’s milestone comes at a time when India’s bowling is going through a generational shift. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar out, Shami used sparingly in T20s, and Bumrah’s workload managed, Arshdeep is the face of India’s new-age pace attack.

The achievement is more than just a number—it is a symbol of belief, talent and work ethic. It underscores that in modern-day cricket, especially T20s, Indian fast bowlers are no longer underdogs—they are world-beaters.

At 26, with 100 T20I wickets under his belt, Arshdeep Singh isn’t just creating records—he’s defining standards. For Indian cricket fans, it is a moment of pride. For upcoming fast bowlers, it’s a benchmark. For India’s T20 ambitions, it’s a promise of what’s to come.

Here’s to the next 100, Arshdeep. India’s fast future looks in safe hands.

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