Spin bowling has become one of the most important weapons in T20 International cricket. In the early years of T20Is, fast bowlers dominated the format, but modern cricket has completely changed that balance. Today, spinners control the middle overs, slow down scoring rates, and take crucial wickets at key moments. Because of this shift, records related to spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year have gained huge importance.
A calendar year record shows how consistent a bowler is across different series, conditions, and opponents. Taking many wickets in one year is not easy in T20 cricket, where batters attack from the first ball. Only highly skilled spinners with strong mental strength, fitness, and tactical awareness can succeed at this level. The list of spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year highlights those elite performers.
This article focuses only on spinners from Full Member teams who produced exceptional performances in a single calendar year.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Spinners with Most T20I Wickets in a Calendar Year
5. Varun Chakravarthy – 36 Wickets (2025)
Varun Chakravarthy had a remarkable year in 2025 and firmly placed himself among the spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year. Known as a mystery spinner, Varun uses a wide range of variations, including carrom balls, sliders, and subtle changes in speed. These skills make him extremely difficult for batters to read.
During the 2025 calendar year, Varun consistently delivered strong performances for India. He was especially effective in the middle overs, where he often broke dangerous partnerships. His calm approach under pressure helped India control matches even on flat batting pitches.
What made Varun’s performance stand out was his balance between attacking and defensive bowling. He did not leak runs while still picking up wickets regularly. His inclusion in this list of spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year shows how valuable mystery spinners have become in modern T20 cricket.
| Category | Details |
| Team | India |
| Bowling Style | Mystery Spin |
| Matches Played | 24 |
| Wickets Taken | 36 |
| Best Bowling | 4/17 |
| Economy Rate | Under 7.0 |
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4. Mohammed Nawaz – 36 Wickets (2025)
Mohammed Nawaz enjoyed the best year of his T20 International career in 2025. The Pakistan left-arm spinner finished the year with 36 wickets, earning his place among the spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year.
Nawaz is known for his discipline and accuracy. Instead of relying on big turn, he focuses on bowling tight lines and lengths. This forces batters to take risks, which often results in wickets. His left-arm orthodox style also creates challenging angles, especially for right-handed batters.
Throughout 2025, Nawaz played a key role in Pakistan’s T20I success. He often bowled crucial overs when pressure was high. His ability to control the run flow while still picking up wickets proved that smart spin bowling is extremely effective in T20 cricket. His performance strengthened Pakistan’s spin attack and added depth to the list of spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year.
| Category | Details |
| Team | Pakistan |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm Orthodox |
| Matches Played | 26 |
| Wickets Taken | 36 |
| Best Bowling | 4/13 |
| Economy Rate | Around 6.8 |
3. Tabraiz Shamsi – 36 Wickets (2021)
Tabraiz Shamsi was South Africa’s leading spinner in 2021 and delivered one of the finest individual years by a spinner in T20 Internationals. By taking 36 wickets, he secured his place among the spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year.
Shamsi’s success came from his attacking mindset. As a wrist spinner, he is never afraid to toss the ball up and challenge batters to hit big shots. His sharp googly and quick arm speed often fooled even experienced players.
In 2021, Shamsi performed consistently against strong international teams. He regularly took wickets in the middle overs, helping South Africa gain control of matches. His year proved that wrist spinners remain one of the most dangerous weapons in T20 cricket. His name continues to be mentioned whenever discussions about spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year take place.
| Category | Details |
| Team | South Africa |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm Wrist Spin |
| Matches Played | 25 |
| Wickets Taken | 36 |
| Best Bowling | 5/19 |
| Economy Rate | Around 7.1 |
2. Wanindu Hasaranga – 36 Wickets (2024)
Wanindu Hasaranga once again proved his world-class ability in 2024 by taking 36 T20I wickets in a single calendar year. This performance placed him firmly among the spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year for the second time in his career.
Hasaranga’s bowling is built on sharp leg-spin, fast googlies, and excellent control. He often bowls in difficult situations, including powerplays and death overs, yet still manages to pick up wickets regularly. His presence alone puts pressure on opposing batters.
In 2024, Hasaranga delivered strong performances across different countries and pitch conditions. His consistency and match-winning spells made him Sri Lanka’s most reliable T20 bowler. This season further strengthened his reputation as one of the greatest modern-day spinners and a regular feature in discussions about spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year.
| Category | Details |
| Team | Sri Lanka |
| Bowling Style | Leg Spin |
| Matches Played | 23 |
| Wickets Taken | 36 |
| Best Bowling | 4/15 |
| Economy Rate | Under 7.0 |
1. Wanindu Hasaranga – 38 Wickets (2021)
Wanindu Hasaranga sits at the top of the list for spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year. In 2021, he took a record-breaking 38 wickets, which remains the highest by any spinner from a Full Member team.
The year 2021 was exceptional for Hasaranga. He picked up wickets almost every time he bowled and played a massive role in Sri Lanka’s T20I performances. His fearless approach, combined with smart variations, made him nearly impossible to dominate.
Hasaranga’s record-setting year showed how a single spinner can change the outcome of matches in T20 cricket. His 38 wickets set a benchmark that very few spinners have been able to approach. Even today, his name leads the conversation whenever cricket fans talk about the spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year.
| Category | Details |
| Team | Sri Lanka |
| Bowling Style | Leg Spin |
| Matches Played | 24 |
| Wickets Taken | 38 |
| Best Bowling | 4/9 |
| Economy Rate | Around 6.5 |
FAQs
Q1. Who holds the record among spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year?
Wanindu Hasaranga holds the record among spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year. He took 38 wickets in 2021, which is the highest by any spinner from a Full Member team.
Q2. How many wickets did Wanindu Hasaranga take in his best T20I calendar year?
Wanindu Hasaranga took 38 T20I wickets in the 2021 calendar year. This performance made him the top name among spinners with the most wickets in a single year.
Q3. Are fast bowlers more successful than spinners in T20I calendar year records?
While fast bowlers often lead overall wicket charts, spinners have become increasingly successful in T20Is. The list of spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year proves that spinners can dominate matches with control, variations, and smart bowling.
Q4. Which countries have the most spinners in the list of highest T20I wickets in a year?
Sri Lanka leads this list, mainly because of Wanindu Hasaranga, who appears twice. India, Pakistan, and South Africa also have spinners featured among the spinners with most T20I wickets in a calendar year.