In a notable announcement on Monday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the Men's T20I Team of the Year, with Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav appointed as the captain. A stellar performer in 2023, Yadav emerged as the leading run-scorer among full-time cricketing nations, amassing 733 runs from 18 matches, including two impressive centuries.

Also Read: Highest T20I scores by Suryakumar Yadav

The announcement cements India's strong presence in T20I cricket, showcasing the exceptional performances of its players on the global stage.

Suryakumar Yadav's most recent century, a blazing knock off 56 balls, came against South Africa. Additionally, the T20 sensation achieved a significant milestone by crossing the 2000-run mark in the shortest international form during the concluded year, cementing his status as one of the premier batsmen in T20 cricket.

The other Indians in the prestigious lineup are Ravi Bishnoi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Arshdeep Singh. Apart from them, the ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year includes a diverse set of talents, with Phil Salt, Nicholas Pooran, Mark Chapman, Sikandar Raza, Alpesh Ramjani, Mark Adair, and Richard Ngarava rounding out the impressive squad.

Jaiswal scored a century against Nepal in the Asian Games. Played an unbeaten inning of 84 runs on 51 balls in Florida. He also had explosive innings with his bat in the Australia and South Africa series. Meanwhile, Leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi had taken 18 wickets in T20. He also reached number one in the rankings while Ashardip had taken 26 wickets in 21 matches.

Also Read: ICC T20I Rankings: 22-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal rises to no. 6 position in the latest T20I batters ranking

On the bowling front, Alpesh Ramjani emerged as the standout performer, claiming the title of the highest wicket-taker of the year. Ramjani's remarkable feat includes an astounding 55 wickets scalped in T20Is throughout the past year. This achievement makes him the first-ever player to register over 50 wickets in a single calendar year in T20 internationals, underscoring his dominance with the ball. Along with this, he also scored 449 runs in 30 matches.

While Sikandar Raza from Zimbabwe is currently one of the greatest all-rounders in T20. Richard Ngarwa of Zimbabwe is also in this team. In 2023, he took 26 wickets at an economy of just 5.63 runs.

ICC Men's T20I team of the year 2023:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Phil Salt, Suryakumar Yadav, Nicholas Pooran, Mark Chapman, Sikandar Raza, Alpesh Ramjani, Mark Adair, Richard Ngarava, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a sensational double-wicket maiden over in Qualifier 2 of the UPT20 League 2025, reminding fans of his golden days with the new ball. With this, he surpassed Piyush Chawla in the list of most T20 wickets among Indian bowlers. Despite not being in India’s recent plans, Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to prove his effectiveness in domestic and franchise leagues, with his control, accuracy, and ability to strike early making him a valuable asset for any team.

Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets

We will give the list of Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets. 

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 317 T20 Wickets

A test legend in his own rights, Ravichandran Ashwin had started his career with the T20s. It was Chennai Super Kings who had found the spark in him which helped him gain the exposure to evantually get selected for India and flourish as an all-format bowler. The off-spinner from Tamil Nadu has played 333 T20 games so far in his career and took 317 wickets at an astonishing economoy rate of 7.11. 

In IPL, he has played for teams like CSK, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants and Delhi Capitals along with playing for the Indian team and Tamil Nadu in his career. In his 221 IPL games, he has taken 187 wickets at 7.20 runs per over. For India, in T20Is, Ashwin has the off-spinner took 72 wickets in only 65 games. 

3. Piyush Chawla | 319 T20 Wickets

The leg spinner has been playing T20s since 2007 and has played a total 297 T20 matches so far in his career. In his career, he has taken 319 T20 wickets with an economy rate of 7.53. However, he only played 7 T20 internationals for India and took only 4 wickets for the country.

In the Indian Premier League, he has featured in 192 games for Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians. Chawla has been one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament with 192 wickets with an economy rate of 7.96 runs per over.

Moreover, he has played for overseas teams like Sussex in Vitality Blast Tournament in England. 

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 327 T20 wickets

The 35-year-old medium pacer has been one of the highest wicket-takers for India in T20I cricket. In T20 internationals for India, Bhuvnewshwar Kumar has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20I matches at an outstanding economy rate of 6.96, including two five-wicket hauls. 

In Indian Premier League, while playing for Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Buvi has taken 198 wickets in 190 matches at an excellent economy rate of 7.69 runs per over. In total, Bhuvneshwar so far has taken 327 wickets in T20 cricket in 309 matches at 7.36 runs per over.

He stands as the second highest wicket-taker among Indians in T20 cricket and is the only Indian fast bowler to take more than 300 wickets in shortest format of the game.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 380 T20 Wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal is perhaps the most Indian successful bowlers in the shortest format of the game. The leg-spinner from Haryana started his career with IPL teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore and made a name for yourself to get into the Indian team.

Chahal spent eight seasons with Royal Challengers Bangalore and with 139 wickets, is still their highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League history. However, RCB decided not to retain him in the 2022 mega auction, and Chahal headed to Rajasthan Royals. 

In IPL 2025 Mega acution, he became the most expensive spinner in the tournament's history as Punjab Kings bought him for INR 18 cr. Till now, in IPL, Chahal has taken 221 wickets, and is the most successful bowler in the tournament's history. For India, he has played 80 T20I games and once was the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is with 96 wickets.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced that the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup 2025 will feature the biggest ever prize money for the winning team. 

This time the champion team will get 4.48 million US dollars (about Rs 39.55 crores), which is almost four times more than the prize money of the previous edition (1.32 million dollars or Rs 11.65 crores).

Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Indian squad announced, Shefali Verma not in the team

Prize money increases more than the 2023 Men’s World Cup

Women's World Cup 2025, to be held from September 30 to November 2 under the hosting of India and Sri Lanka, will be played between a total of eight teams.

The total prize money of this tournament will be US $ 13.88 million (about Rs 122.5 crore), which is almost three times more than the last World Cup held in New Zealand in 2022 (3.5 million dollars i.e. Rs 31 crore).

Moreover, this prize money is more than the Men's World Cup 2023 ($10 million i.e. Rs 88.26 crore).

'strategy to focus on the growth of the women’s game.'

The winning team of the men's ODI World Cup in 2023, Australia, received Rs 33.31 crore. Whereas, the runner-up India received Rs 16.65 crore. The winning amount of the Women's ODI World Cup is much more than this.

According to the ICC, the purpose of this increase is to increase the popularity of women's cricket and to give it equal respect as men's cricket.

“Strategy to focus on the growth of the women’s game.” ICC said in its statement on Sunday.

Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Chinnaswamy Stadium loses hosting rights due to “unforeseen circumstances” after RCB stampede case

Women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men: Jay Shah

In another boost for women's cricket, there will be a huge increase in prize money for the @ICC Women’s @CricketWorldCup 2025. Overall prize money totals USD $13.88M, a 297% increase from the last edition and more than the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (USD $10M). #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/rXtIhFEax5

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) September 1, 2025

ICC president Jay Shah said that the increased prize money shows that the global body will treat women players as equals to men’s cricketers. 

“This announcement marks a defining milestone in the journey of women’s cricket. This four-fold increase in prize money is a landmark moment for women’s cricket and reflects our clear commitment to its long-term growth," Shah said. 

“Our message is simple, women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally."

“The uplift underscores our ambition to deliver a world-class ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and to inspire the next generation of players and fans. Women’s cricket is on a remarkable upward trajectory, and with this step we are confident the momentum will accelerate. We call upon all stakeholders, fans, media, partners, and Member Boards, to join us in championing the women’s game and ensuring it receives the recognition and respect it deserves.” Jay Shah further added.

There has been a big change in the timing of Asia Cup 2025 matches and the match has been delayed by half an hour. The timing of all matches including the final match has now been changed to 8 pm. The Emirates Cricket Board announced on Saturday.

Earlier the start time of the matches was fixed at 7.30 pm Indian time but now it has been scheduled for 30 minutes later.

Also Read: Five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference

“The start time for 18 out of the 19 DP World Asia Cup 2025 matches has been updated. These matches will now begin at 6:30pm local time (Gulf Standard Time). The Monday, 15 September match between UAE and Oman will start at 4:00pm local time at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – the only day game of the tournament,” the statement read.

Time changes due to rising temperatures

According to reports, the change could be due to the rising temperatures in the UAE, where the tournament is slated to be held from September 9 to 28. Cricket boards reportedly asked broadcasters to push the matches back a bit to avoid exposing their players to harsh summer conditions.

The broadcasters agreed to the change, making evening matches the norm. Only one game, the UAE vs Oman clash on September 15 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, will be played in the afternoon.

India to begin campaign on September 10

The Men in Blue will begin their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 10, against the UAE. In their second match, India will take on Pakistan on September 14. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will take on Oman in their final group stage fixture on September 19.

Also Read: Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

Asia Cup 2025: Updated Schedule

• September 9, 2025: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 10, 2025: India vs United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 11, 2025: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 12, 2025: Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 13, 2025: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 14, 2025: India vs Pakistan, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 15, 2025: UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 5:30 PM IST
• September 15, 2025: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 16, 2025: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 17, 2025: Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 18, 2025: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 19, 2025: India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 20, 2025: B1 vs B2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 21, 2025: A1 vs A2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 23, 2025: – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 24, 2025: A1 vs B2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 25, 2025: A2 vs B2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 26, 2025: A1 vs B1, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 28, 2025: TBC vs TBC - Final, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 29, 2025: Reserve Day

Cricket today is almost entirely a batsman's game. Flat pitches, small boundaries and bigger bats have tilted the game heavily in favor of the batsmen. The bowlers have got nowhere to hide and, the advent of T20s, where the batsmen go after them from the first ball itself have made it even more difficult.

The T20 format has brought about a revolution where the bowlers are more than grateful to keep the run rate down, rather than to take wickets. India made a wonderful foray into the shortest format of the game, winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Over the years India is blessed to have got some big hitters in their line up who are capable of clearing any boundary in the world.

In this article we will take a look at those batters with most sixes for India in T20Is.

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

5. Hardik Pandya | 95

Hardik Pandya debuted in T20I cricket in 2016 and swiftly established himself as a key member of India's preferred playing eleven, serving as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His T20I career reached its peak in 2024, marked by outstanding all-round performances during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, helping India clinch the title. In terms of batting, Pandya has struck 95 sixes across 90 T20I innings.

Pandya has been included in the Men in Blue's 15-member squad for this year's Asia Cup. If Pandya manages to hit five more maximums in the Asia Cup, then he will go on to surpass KL Rahul's tally of 99 sixes in the shortest format. This will see the all-rounder become the Indian player with the fourth-most sixes in T20Is.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

4. KL Rahul | 99

KL Rahul, who was once a consistent member of the T20I squad now finds himself out of favour in the T20I setup. Between 2016 and 2022, he played in 72 T20I matches and mostly batted in the top three.

He hit 99 sixes in 68 T20I innings. Following the T20 World Cup 2022, he was excluded from the shortest format due to his outdated approach to T20 cricket, as he did not improve his intent and strike rate.

3. Virat Kohli | 124

The Run Machine Virat Kohli has hit 124 sixes in 117 T20I innings for India. He is one of the most consistent players in the Indian team, with an average of 48.69. He made his T20I debut for India in 2010 and since then he has been a cornerstone of India's batting. Kohli also recorded 4,188 runs in T20I format, which included 38 fifties. 

“King Kohli” was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. After winning the trophy, Kohli announced his retirement from the format. 

2. Suryakumar Yadav | 146*

Yet another batsman who has made six-hitting look extremely easy is India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Despite making his T20I debut in March 2021 with a match against England, the elegant middle-order batter has already launched 146 maximums in just 79 innings for Team India.

Having the ability to hit sixes at all parts of the ground with relative ease makes Yadav, a.k.a SKY, draw a comparison with South Africa’s great AB De Villiers who was called Mr. 360 in cricket. His centuries have also come against big teams like England, South Africa, and New Zealand apart from Sri Lanka. He has hit the most number of T20I sixes against West Indies (35).  

1. Rohit Sharma | 205

Former Indian T20I captain Rohit Sharma hit the most sixes for India in T20Is, having hit 205 sixes in 159 games he played. He made his debut for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup against South Africa. However, he failed to cement his place in the team. The turnaround came in the 2013 Champions Trophy when MS Dhoni promoted him up the order to open the batting with Shikhar Dhawan.

Also Read: Most matches by an Indian in international cricket

The mighty Australians have been Rohit's favourite opponent in this format against whom he has hit 29 sixes in 23 matches with Bangladesh being the second, conceding 22 sixes off his willow. Fondly called the “Hitman”, Rohit Sharma hung up his boots from T20Is after delivering the 2024 T20 World Cup title for India.   

A maiden over, where six legitimate balls are delivered with no runs conceded, is common in the longer format of the game. But being able to contain some of the world’s most brutal batters to scoreless overs in the shortest format of the game is a truly remarkable feat.

However, a select few elite Test cricket nations players have career T20I economies of less than eight runs each and have a tally of maiden overs to their names.

Let's have a look at the most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations.

Also Read: Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)

Most maiden overs in T20Is (Test playing nations)

5. Josh Hazlewood | 7

Josh Hazlewood is one of the most celebrated ace speedsters in international cricket. Hazlewood stands out for his stronger impact in limited-overs cricket, he maintains a better economy rate, delivers superior best figures.

Making his debut in 2013, Hazlewood has bowled seven maiden overs in the shortest format of the game. In 55 T20I, Hazlewood has claimed 73 wickets with an average of 21.83 and an economy rate of 7.60. No fast bowler from a Test nation has claimed more T20I wickets at a better economy rate since then.

4. Tim Southee | 7

Tim Southee had a fruitful 16-year-long T20I career. The right-arm swing bowler was often New Zealand’s third or fourth bowler in the shorter format, and he delivered in spades. Southee bowled seven maiden overs in the shortest format of the game.

Southee also bagged 164 wickets in 123 innings at an average of 22.38. He delivered his best performance 5/18 against Pakistan in December 2010.

3. Mustafizur Rahman | 8

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has quite a few variations which have led to his success as a bowler in T20I cricket. If there is anyone who can overtake Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, it’s Mustafizur. He has bowled eight maiden overs in T20I cricket as of now, the most for Bangladesh.

Mustafizur bowls a mix of cutters and slower ones in the middle overs besides getting his yorkers right at the death. He did so at the 2016 T20 World Cup, on his way to a maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. He finished the match with an outstanding 5/22.

However, his best performance was an unbelievable 6/10 against the USA in May 2024. He has taken 138 wickets in 109 innings at an average of 21.07 and an economy of 7.36.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 10

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one of India's greatest new-ball bowlers, has delivered 10 maiden overs in the shortest format. The right-arm seamer was once a mainstay bowler for India across formats. Bhuvi made his T20I debut against Pakistan in December 2012. He bowled the 10th maiden in a T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe on November 6, 2022.

Bhuvneshwar, who is known for his astute impeccable line and length, has picked up 90 wickets from 87 T20Is so far. His average and economy rate read 23.10 and 6.96.

Also Read: Team India’s Record in Knockout Games – ODI vs T20 vs Test

1. Jasprit Bumrah | 12

Jasprit Bumrah has bowled the most maiden overs in T20Is amongst the Test playing nations bowlers. Despite being known as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket, Bumrah has been equally as effective in his shorter format matches.

Since 2016, Bumrah has become a fearsome aspect of his country’s pace attack due to his unorthodox short run-up and ability to swing the ball both ways. This makes it hard for many batsmen to consistently score off him.

Bumrah has sent down an impressive 12 maiden overs. In 70 T20Is, Bumrah has also struck 89 wickets while averaging 17.74 and boasting a stellar economy of 6.27.