In a format heavily tilted in favour of batters, it often feels extraordinary when a bowler manages to steal the spotlight. Yet, over the years, several bowlers have risen to the occasion, tormenting batters by making the most of conditions, skill, and tactical brilliance. The ICC T20 World Cup has witnessed a handful of such magical spells—performances that turned matches on their head and left a lasting impact on the tournament.

This article revisits the three greatest bowling displays by the Indian arsenal in T20 World Cup history, where bowlers defied expectations and dominated the biggest stage.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (2/18 vs South Africa, 2024 ICC T20 World Cup)

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers the sport has ever produced, and a gutsy statement of being the best bowler of the current era. Although his mere two wickets off just 18 runs in India's pivotal and victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign might surprise a few in the listicle, these small numbers had a lasting impact on the team's second-ever T20 World Cup title.

As it implies, he was awarded the Player of the Series for his impeccable contributions with the ball. To sum it up with a legendary quote by a legend himself, "I am only believe on Jassi Bhai".

2. Irfan Pathan (3/16 vs Pakistan, 2007 T20 World Cup)

India’s successful defence of 158 runs against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup final was built on a decisive middle-overs spell from Irfan Pathan. The left-arm seamer delivered a match-turning performance, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 16 from his four overs.

Pathan removed key batters at crucial moments, dismissing Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi—who departed for a first-ball duck—and Yasir Arafat, effectively breaking Pakistan’s momentum. His impactful spell proved pivotal in sealing India’s victory and earned him the Player of the Match award for the final.

3. Arshdeep Singh (4/9 vs USA, 2024 T20 World Cup)

Arshdeep Singh scripted a new milestone by  becoming the sixth Indian bowler to claim a four-wicket haul of 4/9 in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history against the United States, which also happens to be the best bowling figure ever scalped by an Indian bowler. In the process, he joined an elite list featuring Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh, Zaheer Khan, and Pragyan Ojha.

Arshdeep had been outstanding at the 2024 T20 World Cup, picking up 17 wickets in nine matches at an impressive average of 13.58 with an economy rate of 7.21. Overall, the left-arm pacer owns 69 T20I wickets at 19.84, further strengthening his reputation as a dependable strike bowler for India.