Akshar Patel eyes MS Dhoni’s record

Veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel is on the verge of achieving two major milestones in T20I cricket when India take on England in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester. He has been one of India’s most reliable white-ball players over the last decade and now finds himself just one match and one wicket away from being included in two elite lists.

The left-arm spinner is on course to equal MS Dhoni’s tally of 98 T20 matches for India, while he needs just one more wicket to become the fourth Indian bowler to reach the historic figure of 100 wickets in the shortest format. As India look to make a comeback after a disappointing tour of Ireland and a rain-affected opening T20 match against England, Akshar has a golden opportunity to create history.

Akshar Patel ready to equal MS Dhoni’s record

India are expected to retain a largely unchanged playing XI for the second T20I against England, which sees Axar set to make his 98th T20I appearance.

If he takes the field in Manchester, he will equal legendary former captain MS Dhoni as India’s fifth most capped player in T20I cricket.

Most matches for India in T20Is:

Axar made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Harare in July 2015 and has since become an important member of India’s white-ball setup. Although he initially appeared primarily as a specialist spinner, he has evolved into a genuine all-rounder who is capable of contributing with both bat and ball.

So the upcoming clash against England presents an opportunity for Axar Patel to come to terms with one of India’s greatest cricketers. Given his importance in the current side, he is likely to move up the list in the coming months.

Most T20I wickets for India, ft Akshar Patel

The Manchester T20I could be even more special for Axar Patel as he is just one wicket away from entering the 100-wicket club for India in T20I cricket.

Most wickets for India in T20Is:

So far only three Indian bowlers have been successful in taking 100 or more wickets in T20I cricket. Arshdeep Singh leads the list with 131 wickets, followed by Jasprit Bumrah with 121 and Hardik Pandya with 114.

Axar Patel is currently placed fourth with 99 wickets in 97 matches and needs just one more wicket to become the fourth Indian bowler overall and the first Indian spinner to complete a century of wickets in T20Is.

This feat will further cement Axar Patel’s legacy as one of India’s best T20 bowlers. He has performed consistently well in the powerplay, middle overs and even in the death overs, making him one of the most versatile spinners in world cricket.

Most T20I wickets in history

While Axar Patel is closing in on the 100-wicket mark, the global T20I wicket-taking charts are currently dominated by some of the best spinners in the history of the format.

Most wickets in T20I cricket:

Afghanistan superstar Rashid Khan leads the list with 193 wickets and remains the benchmark for T20 spin bowling. New Zealand leg spinner Ish Sodhi is next with 165 wickets, while England veteran Adil Rashid and former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee are tied with 164 wickets.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Mustafizur Rahman and Adam Zampa also feature prominently among the all-time greats of this format. Interestingly, England’s Adil Rashid will be in action during the Manchester T20I and is just two wickets away from moving ahead of Southee into third place in the all-time list.

However, Axar Patel’s immediate focus will be on reaching the milestone of 100 wickets and equaling MS Dhoni’s appearance record. If he manages both in Manchester, it will be another memorable chapter in an already impressive international career. Meanwhile, it was recently revealed why BCCI chose Shreyas Iyer as T20 captain instead of Sanju Samson.