Back in the playing XI for the 2nd T20I against New Zealand, Yuzvendra Chahal achieved a huge milestone and became the highest wicket-taker for the country. Chahal gave the first breakthrough to India and bowled out Finn Allen, who missed a switch hit. The ball castled Allen’s stumps and the right-handed batsman made the long way back to the pavilion.
Chahal pipped Bhuvneshwar Kumar to acquire the numero uno position. The senior spinner now has 91* wickets in 75 matches. Bhuvneshwar, who isn’t part of the T20I squad, has 90 scalps. Last year as well, Chahal had moved to the top spot but exchanged that position with others.
Following Chahal and Bhuvnehswar are R Ashwin (72) and Jasprit Bumrah (70). Ashwin isn’t a part of the T20I squad now while Bumrah isn’t expected to play any T20I this year. He has been dealing with a back issue and is only expected to play important matches. Captain Hardik Pandya is also among India’s top 5 highest wicket-takers in T20Is and has 64 scalps in his account.
Tim Southee tops the overall list with 134 scalps in 107 matches. The right-arm pacer has been rested for the India tour and isn’t part of New Zealand’s ongoing series. He is followed by Shakib al Hasan, who has 128 sclaps in 109 matches.
Rashid Khan has been a wicket-taking machine and has 122 scalps in only 74 matches. Ish Sodhi (112) and Lasith Malinga (107) sit at the 4th and 5th spots, respectively.
Talking of Chahal, he is playing his comeback game against New Zealand. The spinner sat on the bench in the past few ODIs and the first T20I against NZ. The team management decided to play an extra spinner in Lucknow and Chahal walked in for Umran Malik. New Zealand are batting first in the 2nd T20I of the series.
