**Hardik Pandya Becomes India’s Second-Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is: Key Stats**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 21, 2025, 08:26 PM*
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has etched his name into Indian cricket history by surpassing veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. This milestone was achieved during the high-profile Super Four Asia Cup clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Pandya claimed his first wicket of the match.
### Pandya Surpasses Chahal
Playing his 118th T20I match, Pandya has rapidly ascended the wicket-taking charts with a tally of 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, and maintains a commendable economy rate close to 8.2 runs per over.
Yuzvendra Chahal, who previously held the second spot with 96 wickets, has now moved to third place. Notably, Chahal has not featured in an international match for more than two years.
### Only Behind Arshdeep Singh
Earlier, in India’s recent clash against Oman, pacer Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in T20Is. Pandya is now closing in on this landmark. Apart from Arshdeep, fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah (91+ wickets) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (90 wickets) are the only other Indian players with over 90 T20I scalps.
### Impressive Batting Credentials
Pandya’s contribution with the bat is equally noteworthy. He has amassed 1,813 runs at an average of 27.46, including five half-centuries. His aggressive style is reflected in a striking strike rate of 141.64.
With his all-round abilities, Pandya is on the verge of joining an elite club of T20I players who have achieved the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. If he reaches this milestone, he will be the third international cricketer to do so, alongside 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 rise as a dependable all-rounder continues to be a huge asset for India’s T20I side as he consistently performs with both bat and ball at crucial moments.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/hardik-pandya-accomplishes-this-t20i-record-during-asia-cup-clash/story
