India and England have produced some of the most entertaining T20I contests over the years. Both teams love to play attacking cricket. It is obvious that these matches are loaded with big sixes and high-scoring chases.
While batters usually grab the spotlight, bowlers have quietly decided many of these contests as well. Whether it is a fast bowler striking with the new ball or a spinner breaking a dangerous partnership in the middle overs, the best bowlers have always found a way to make the difference.
With another five-match T20I series set to begin in England, several bowlers will have a chance to improve their records. Before the action gets underway, here is a look at the five bowlers who have taken the most wickets in India-England T20Is.
5. Varun Chakravarthy (India) – 15 wickets
Very few bowlers have made an impact against England as quickly as Varun Chakravarthy. The mystery spinner has played just six T20Is against England, but he has already picked up 15 wickets. That return alone tells you how difficult he has been to face.
England’s aggressive batters have often struggled to pick up his variations, allowing him to strike regularly throughout an innings. His outstanding figures of 5/24 remain one of the finest bowling performances by an Indian against England in T20Is. Varun also boasts a remarkable average of 13.46.
4. Yuzvendra Chahal (India) – 16 wickets
Whenever India needed a breakthrough against England, Yuzvendra Chahal often stepped up. The leg-spinner enjoyed several memorable outings in this rivalry and finished with 16 wickets in only 11 matches.
His unforgettable spell of 6/25 remains one of the greatest bowling performances in India’s T20I history. Chahal never relied on containing batters. Instead, he attacked with flight and turn, inviting mistakes and forcing England’s middle order into risky shots. He has maintained an average of 21.12 against England.
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3. Adil Rashid (England) – 16 wickets
Adil Rashid has quietly been one of England’s most reliable performers against India. While England’s fast bowlers often receive more attention, Rashid has repeatedly controlled the middle overs with his clever leg-spin.
The veteran spinner has taken 16 wickets in 19 matches so far. He played a paramount role in doing an excellent job of slowing India’s scoring rate. He has maintained an economy of 7.67. It is worth applauding, considering the fact that he has bowled to some of the most destructive T20 batters in the world.
His best figures may be only 2/41, but Rashid’s value goes far beyond wickets. He builds pressure, forces batters to take chances and often creates opportunities for the bowlers around him. England continue to trust him because he rarely lets the game drift away.
2. Hardik Pandya (India) – 21 wickets
Hardik Pandya has done much more than finish games with the bat against England. Over the years, he has also become one of India’s most dependable wicket-taking options in this rivalry.
The pace-bowling all-rounder has claimed 21 wickets in 21 T20Is against England. His ability to bowl hard lengths, mix slower deliveries and generate extra bounce has troubled England’s batters on several occasions.
His best spell of 4/33 showed exactly what he can do when conditions suit him. Hardik has also maintained a healthy average of 24.23 and an economy rate of 8.34. Let’s not forget that he bowled during the most challenging phases of an innings.
1. Chris Jordan (England) – 24 wickets
No bowler has enjoyed more success in this rivalry than Chris Jordan. The England fast bowler sits comfortably at the top of the list with 24 wickets in just 16 T20Is against India.
Jordan has built his reputation by bowling when the pressure is at its highest. He has defended runs in the final overs and stopped India’s explosive start. Moreover, he has delivered time and again with accurate yorkers, slower balls, and clever variations.
He registered his best bowling figures of 4/27 at an economy of 9.28. With another five-match series about to begin, Jordan will once again have the chance to add to his tally. However, with bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy and Adil Rashid also in action, this list could soon see a shake-up.
