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Bumrah’s Historic Crossroads: Is He Really the First Indian to 100 Wickets in All Formats?

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Bumrah on the cusp of history: Set to achieve milestone no one has ever touched

The cricket world is holding its breath. With every ball Jasprit Bumrah bowls in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, he inches closer to a milestone that headlines have been screaming about for weeks. The narrative is clear: one more wicket, and he becomes the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in all three international formats.

But as we dive deep into the stats, a fascinating and slightly controversial truth emerges. Is Bumrah’s historic claim as straightforward as it seems?

Table of Contents

The Bumrah Milestone Everyone Is Talking About

There’s no denying the magnitude of Bumrah’s achievement. Heading into the T20I series against South Africa in December 2025, the Indian pace ace sits on a staggering 99 wickets in the T20I format . His current international wicket tally stands at a remarkable 474—comprising 226 in Tests, 149 in ODIs, and those 99 in T20Is .

So, the math is simple: Jasprit Bumrah 100 wickets all formats is just one scalp away from becoming a reality. The feat is a testament to his unparalleled skill, consistency, and ability to dominate in every cricketing arena.

The Controversial Truth: Is Bumrah Really the First?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Multiple media reports have claimed this would make him the first Indian to achieve this triple-century of wickets [[1], [2]]. However, a closer look at the official records reveals a different story.

Just a few months prior, in September 2025, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh also reached the 100-wicket mark in T20Is [[12], [13]]. This naturally made him the first Indian to officially cross that T20I threshold. Given that Arshdeep has also played ODIs for India, the question arises: does he also have 100 wickets in the 50-over format?

The answer is no. As of now, Arshdeep Singh’s ODI wicket count is significantly below the 100-mark. Therefore, while Arshdeep was the first Indian to 100 T20I wickets, he is not in the rarefied air of having 100 in all three formats. So, the corrected and more precise record for Bumrah is this: he is poised to become the first Indian bowler with 100 wickets in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The distinction is subtle but crucial for cricket historians and stat-keepers.

The Exclusive Global Club Bumrah Is About to Join

Regardless of the national narrative, the global context of this achievement is what truly cements its legendary status. The club of bowlers with 100+ wickets in all three formats is astonishingly small. In the entire history of international cricket, only four bowlers have managed this incredible feat [[29], [30], [31]]:

  1. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
  2. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
  3. Tim Southee (New Zealand)
  4. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Bumrah’s entry into this elite group would place him among the most complete and versatile bowlers the game has ever seen. It’s a club defined not just by longevity, but by the ability to master the distinct demands of each format—a skill Bumrah has demonstrated with ruthless efficiency.

Why the Bumrah vs. South Africa Matchup Matters

The irony isn’t lost on fans. Bumrah’s historic moment is set to unfold against South Africa, a team he has a formidable record against in T20Is. In just 7 matches, he has already claimed 15 wickets at an impressive average, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure against top-tier opposition .

This familiar foe could be the perfect stage for his coronation. His past performances, including his crucial role in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against the Proteas , suggest he thrives in these high-stakes encounters. Expect him to be laser-focused in his hunt for that landmark 100th T20I scalp.

Beyond the Century: The Race to 500 International Wickets

The 100-wicket milestone per format is just one part of Bumrah’s looming legacy. His total international wicket count is already at 474 . This means he is a mere 26 wickets away from the monumental 500-wicket mark in international cricket.

For a fast bowler with a career that has seen its share of injury management, reaching 500 wickets would be a phenomenal testament to his durability and class. It’s a number that places a bowler in the absolute pantheon of the game’s greats. He’s not just chasing a record against South Africa; he’s on a direct path to an even grander legacy. Keep an eye on [INTERNAL_LINK:indian-bowlers-500-wickets-club] for more on this exclusive group.

Conclusion: A Historic Feat in Its Own Right

Whether he’s the absolute first Indian or not, the core story remains unchanged: Jasprit Bumrah’s achievement is historic. He will join a global elite of just five bowlers (himself included) to have conquered all three formats with a century of wickets. It’s a reflection of his genius, his work ethic, and his status as India’s undisputed pace king. The stage is set, the ball is in his hand, and history is waiting for its final delivery.

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