**Hardik Pandya Becomes India’s Second-Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is: Key Stats**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 21, 2025*
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has etched his name further into Indian cricket history by surpassing veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals.
Pandya achieved this milestone with his first wicket during the high-profile Super Four Asia Cup clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With this achievement, Pandya now trails only Arshdeep Singh in the list of India’s top T20I wicket-takers.
### Pandya Surpasses Chahal
Playing his 118th T20I match, Hardik Pandya has quickly amassed 97 wickets at an average of over 26, according to ESPNcricinfo. He boasts three four-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures being 4/16. His economy rate stands at a commendable 8.2 runs per over.
Yuzvendra Chahal, who has 96 wickets to his name, now ranks third among India’s T20I wicket-takers. It is worth noting that Chahal has not featured in an international match for over two years.
### Only Behind Arshdeep Singh
In India’s preceding match against Oman, Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian bowler to reach 100 wickets in T20Is. Hardik Pandya is fast approaching this landmark, solidifying his importance to the Indian T20 setup.
Other pace bowlers nearing this threshold include Jasprit Bumrah, with over 91 wickets, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has taken 90 wickets in the format.
### Impressive Batting Contributions
Apart from his bowling prowess, Pandya has scored 1,813 runs in T20Is at an average of 27.46, including five half-centuries. His strike rate of 141.64 underscores his ability to accelerate the innings when needed.
With these all-round performances, Pandya is on course to become just the third international player to achieve the T20I double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. He would join the elite company of Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan (2,551 runs and 149 wickets) and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi (2,357 runs and 102 wickets).
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Hardik Pandya’s continued excellence with both bat and ball highlights his value to Indian cricket as a genuine all-rounder and a match-winner in the shortest format. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see him reach the 100-wicket milestone soon.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/hardik-pandya-accomplishes-this-t20i-record-during-asia-cup-clash/story
