In the high-octane world of T20I cricket, bowlers are constantly challenged to keep the run flow in check. Yet, there have been instances where even top bowlers have endured tough outings, conceding heavily in just four overs.
This article looks at the Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India, highlighting the games where things didn’t quite go according to plan with the ball.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India:
1. Prasidh Krishna – 68/0 vs Australia – 2023

Prasidh Krishna recently recorded one of the costliest T20I spells for India. Facing a dominant Australian batting line-up, he struggled to find control, conceding 68 runs in his four-over spell at a steep economy rate of 17.00.
This performance places him among the Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India.
2. Yuzvendra Chahal – 64/0 vs South Africa – 2018

In a 2018 T20I match against South Africa, Yuzvendra Chahal—usually known for his wicket-taking prowess—had a rare off day. The leg-spinner went wicketless and conceded 64 runs in his four overs, struggling to contain the Proteas’ batters.
This tough outing earned him a spot in the Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India.
3. Arshdeep Singh – 62/2 vs South Africa – 2022

In 2022, Arshdeep Singh faced a strong South African batting line-up and found it tough to keep the runs in check. Although he managed to take two wickets, he conceded heavily, finishing with an economy rate of 15.50.
This performance places him among the Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India
4. Joginder Sharma – 57/0 vs England – 2007

In the 2007 T20 World Cup, Joginder Sharma—later hailed for his heroics in the final—had a forgettable outing against England. He went wicketless and conceded 57 runs in his four overs, highlighting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
This spell ranks among the Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India.
5. Deepak Chahar – 1/56 vs West Indies – 2019

In 2019, Deepak Chahar had a tough outing against the West Indies in a T20I match. Despite picking up one wicket, he conceded runs at an economy rate of 14.00, struggling to contain the power-packed West Indian batting lineup.
This performance earns him a place in the Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India.
Conclusion
T20 cricket is a game of fine margins, where even the best bowlers can face tough days under pressure. The Top 5 Most Expensive T20I Bowling Spells for India remind us that in this fast-paced format, one over can change the course of a match. While these spells were challenging, they also reflect the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the constant learning curve bowlers face. Despite these setbacks, many of these players bounced back stronger—proving that one bad game doesn’t define a career.
Read More: Top 5 South African bowlers with the most wickets in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history
FAQ`s
Q1: Who has bowled the most expensive T20I spell for India?
A: Prasidh Krishna holds the record for the most expensive T20I bowling spell by an Indian, conceding 68 runs in 4 overs against Australia with an economy rate of 17.00.
Q2: Has Yuzvendra Chahal ever had an expensive T20I spell?
A: Yes, in 2018 against South Africa, Yuzvendra Chahal conceded 64 runs in 4 overs without taking a wicket—one of his rare off days in T20Is.
Q3: Did Arshdeep Singh make it into this list despite taking wickets?
A: Yes, Arshdeep Singh took 2 wickets in a 2022 match against South Africa but still gave away runs at an economy rate of 15.50, placing him among India’s most expensive T20I spells.