Tilak Varma Sets World Record for Most T20I Catches in a Calendar Year
Tilak Varma made history in just three overs of India’s second Twenty20 International against New Zealand on Saturday, October 24, 2026. His triumph stemmed from his efforts on the field rather than with the bat. With 26 catches in 2026, the cricketer from Hyderabad now owns the world record for the most catches by a fielder in a calendar year in T20 Internationals.
Tilak Varma reached the milestone at Hagley Oval, taking two catches in the opening three overs. He made another excellent catch to send Daryl Mitchell back off Bhuvneshwar Kumar after holding on to dismiss Tim Seifert off Arshdeep Singh’s bowling.
With his two efforts, he increased his season total to 26, breaking Indonesian Danilson Hawoe’s record of 25 receptions set in 2025. Nonetheless, Tilak Varma’s record-breaking performance in Twenty20 Internationals demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the game all year.
How does Tilak Varma’s record differ from that of previous holders?
| Catches | Player | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Tilak Varma | India | 2026 |
| 25 | Danilson Hawoe | Indonesia | 2025 |
| 24 | Muhammad Waseem | UAE | 2024 |
| 21 | Sharvin Muniandy | Malaysia | 2025 |
| 20 | Brian Masaba | Uganda | 2023 |
| 20 | Tanzid Hasan | Bangladesh | 2025 |
What else changed for India during the second Twenty20 International at the Hagley Oval?
Fans in the Southern Hemisphere got their first look at the 15-year-old prodigy in action when he rejoined India’s cricket team for the second Twenty20 International on Saturday.
Ishan Kishan, who is out with a groin injury, is replaced in the India squad by Vaibhav, who will bat first drop unless India pairs him with Abhishek Sharma in an all-left-handed opening partnership. Prince Yadav replaces Mayank Yadav in India’s bowling attack, which is the only other change to the lineup.
India won the toss on Saturday and chose to bowl, just as they had done in the first game of the series. With 455 runs scored in both innings in the first match, India triumphed by four wickets with two balls remaining, completing their most successful run chase in T20I history.
