The winners of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, Team India has been fairly successful in the T20 format. A major reason for this has been the good bowling attack that India has always been able to field. In this article, we take a look at five bowlers who have bowled the most balls for Team India in T20I cricket so far.
A game of 24 deliveries for the bowlers, sometimes, they may not be able to complete their quota if the match does not happen in the desired direction for them. A few bowlers, though, have managed to consistently do well for India. Hence, they are at the top of the pack when it comes to having bowled maximum balls for India.
Note: The stats are as of the end of 2021
5) Ravindra Jadeja – 1075 (55 Games)
Ravindra Jadeja stands at No.5 in this list of bowlers who have bowled the most balls for Team India in T20I cricket so far. Although his career started in 2009, Jaddu was one and off the team for a while. Then, there was a peak but he was sidelined again. However, after making his comeback a few years ago, Jadeja is an undroppable name in the XI. The Saurashtra all-rounder also makes things happen with the bat and on the field. Hence, he is a priceless asset for Team India.
4) R Ashwin – 1146 (51 Games)
After Harbhajan Singh’s form dropped and R Ashwin’s performances improved in IPL, the latter got a chance to make his India debut. He did well, leading the spin attack for a while. However, after the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal entered the scene, Ashwin lost his place in the team. For the 2021 T20 World Cup, though, BCCI brought back the veteran. In the series against New Zealand, too, Ashwin had a good outing. He is now firmly in the plans for the T20I team as well.
3) Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 1169 (55 Games)
After players like Irfan Pathan and RP Singh dropped out of the scene, it is Bhuvi who took up the mantle of leading the bowling attack for a while. Injuries have troubled him but Bhuvi did well for the team. That said, his form has not been great in recent months. In the pace departments, many new names are waiting for their chances. Hence, Bhuvi should be careful with his performances.
2) Yuzvendra Chahal – 1173 (50 Games)
Yuzvendra Chahal was the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is until recently. Although he will get a chance to overtake Bumrah in that aspect, Chahal’s performances are being closely monitored now. There are other options in the country and hence, in almost every game, the Haryana leggie has to do well. Nevertheless, so far, he has been a fine servant of Team India in the limited-overs formats.
1) Jasprit Bumrah – 1187 (55 Games)
Of course, it is Jasprit Bumrah who stands at No.1 in this list of bowlers who have bowled the most balls for Team India in T20I cricket so far. Ever since he made his debut, Bumrah has been an important part of the Indian XI in all formats. Especially in T20Is, Bumrah is a lethal bowler, who can operate across all phases of an innings. The Gujarat pacer is also the highest T20I wicket-taker for India right now with 66 scalps.
