Published By: Sayan Guha

IND vs. ENG T20I: Presenting Arshdeep Singh's Insane Home Stats in T20Is!

From Gwalior magic to Rajkot brilliance, here's why Arshdeep is England’s biggest threat in the upcoming T20I series

As the Border-Gavaskar Test series concludes on January 7, 2025, India will quickly transition to white-ball cricket. England, led by the ever-present Jos Buttler, awaits them for an exciting T20I and ODI series. With five T20Is scheduled at electrified sites like Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai, India's bowling arsenal will be tested.

Enter Arshdeep Singh, India's second highest wicket-taker in T20Is, just behind Yuzvendra Chahal. If his recent home record is any indication, he is not only prepared for this role in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah but also motivated to dominate.

The numbers tell a story

Over the last two years, Arshdeep has quietly emerged as India's most reliable T20I bowler at home. His statistics in India reflect a bowler who understands the game and thrives in his own country.

Home record (2022–2024):

Matches played: 15

Overs bowled: 52.3

Wickets taken: 24

Best figures: 3/14

Bowling average: 20.66

Economy rate: 9.44

These figures represent more than just his talent; they also illustrate his progression. A bowler who began as a bright prospect is now a match-winner, trusted to bowl during the powerplay and at the end.

Where the magic happened

What makes Arshdeep unique? It's his ability to put on game-changing performances when it counts the most.

The Gwalior spell (October 2024)

Against Bangladesh, Arshdeep demonstrated why he is a master of the new ball. He dispatched Litton Das with a peach of a delivery, angled just enough to draw an edge. Moments later, he sent Parvez Hossain Emon packing with a deceptively length ball. Mustafizur Rahman became his third victim, clean-bowled with an inch-perfect yorker. His 3/14 won him the Player of the Match award as India cruised to win.

A night to remember in Indore (January 2024)

Arshdeep showed off his variety against Afghanistan, alternating between slower deliveries and perfect precision. He frightened Najibullah Zadran with a leg-cutter, dismissed Karim Janat with a brilliantly pitched full delivery, and forced Noor Ahmad to make an untimely heave. His figures of 3/32 displayed his control and ability to think on his feet.

Rajkot rhapsody (January 2023)

When Sri Lanka challenged India, Arshdeep responded forcefully. His expulsion of Pathum Nissanka, who was late with a pull shot, established the tone. He followed up with a critical wicket of Shanaka, Sri Lanka's final hope. The frosting on the cake was a full delivery that broke Dilshan Madushanka's stumps. His 3/20 guided India to an impressive victory.

What sets him apart

Arshdeep's success is determined not just by his innate skill but also by how he applies it. His left-arm angle provides him a natural edge, but his ability to swing the ball both ways truly sets him apart. He bowls accurately in the powerplay, sometimes breaking up partnerships before they even begin. In the death overs, his yorkers are both accurate and destructive.

He reads batters like a book, varying lengths and tempo to keep them guessing. Another distinguishing feature is his ability to remain calm under pressure.

The bigger picture: His T20I journey

Beyond his home performances, Arshdeep’s overall T20I stats are equally impressive:

Matches played: 60

Wickets taken: 95

Best figures: 4/9

Bowling average: 18.10

Economy rate: 8.32

From his debut in 2022 to now, his numbers reflect growth and a hunger to improve.

The British challenge awaits

As England's batters prepare to face India's bowling assault, Arshdeep will surely be their biggest concern. With only 5 wickets required to become the first Indian bowler to collect 100 T20I wickets, his awareness of Indian circumstances and his ability to perform under duress make him a formidable danger.

Will Buttler's team find a way to negate his swing and accuracy? Or will Arshdeep maintain his rule on home turf?