Former India batter Dinesh Karthik lavished praise on pacer Arshdeep Singh for his exceptional performances in T20Is, where the 25-year-old is on the verge of becoming India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the format. With 95 wickets in just 60 matches, Arshdeep stands only one wicket behind Yuzvendra Chahal’s record, having already surpassed stalwarts like Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Speaking to *Cricbuzz*, Karthik highlighted Arshdeep’s remarkable rise and noted that his skills and temperament make him one of the most reliable pacers in the Indian setup.
Arshdeep’s performances were especially noteworthy during the recent South Africa series, where he claimed 8 wickets across the 4 T20Is. His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure have been pivotal in India’s success in the shortest format. Karthik emphasised that Arshdeep, despite his relatively short international career, has already showcased the experience and poise of a seasoned campaigner, with signs of further improvement.
“The way he (Arshdeep) set up a couple of the (South Africa) batters tells you the skill levels the man’s got. One of the stats that it did put up during the game was how quickly he is on the verge of becoming the highest wicket-taker. Even a Bumrah is there on that list who has played 10 matches more, and he’s still below Arshdeep. Tells you how good Arshdeep has been in the short while that he’s played for India,” Karthik said.
“One of the most experienced bowlers already, and very quickly too. But that stat is staggering to think that he’s played much lesser than all the guys there, and is almost on power with the best, and in due course, he will cross that. That tells you the kind of bowler he is in this format, extremely efficient and exceptional at what he does,” Karthik added.
Since his T20I debut in 2022, Arshdeep’s growth in the format has been meteoric. He played a crucial role in India’s triumphant 2024 ICC T20 World Cup campaign, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, alongside Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi. His performances were instrumental in ending India’s long wait for a T20 World Cup trophy, solidifying his status as one of the premier bowlers in the game.
Arshdeep’s recent exploits are also likely to make him one of the most sought-after players in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Having been released by Punjab Kings, where he claimed 76 wickets in 65 matches at an impressive average of 27, the left-arm pacer is expected to attract significant bids. His ability to swing the ball early and deliver pinpoint yorkers at the death makes him a valuable asset for any franchise.
Arshdeep Singh’s journey from a promising youngster to a key player for India has been nothing short of remarkable. As he inches closer to becoming India’s leading T20I wicket-taker, his consistency and hunger for success continue to inspire confidence in his ability to shine on the global stage.
