Birthday performances are always unforgettable, but snagging a wicket in a T20I on your special day is a feat that only a select few Indian cricketers have accomplished. Shivam Dube proudly became the fourth Indian to join this elite group when he made his mark with the very first ball of his spell against Ireland during the opening T20I in Belfast on June 26, 2026. With a well-placed back-of-a-length delivery, Dube had Ben Calitz mistiming a pull shot, resulting in a top edge. Prasidh Krishna was quick to secure the catch at short fine leg, leaving Ireland in a deeper hole.
Before Dube, the only players to have taken a T20I wicket on their birthdays were Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. Each of these dismissals occurred in different match contexts and significantly influenced the outcome of their respective games. Their birthday wickets now stand as a unique and cherished chapter in India's T20I history.
Inside the four birthday wickets by Indian cricketers in T20Is
Shivam Dube - June 26, 2026
Dube pulled off an impressive performance during the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast. By the time he came into the game in the eighth over, India had already put Ireland on the back foot at 51/3. His very first delivery bounced unexpectedly, catching Ben Calitz off guard as he tried to pull the ball. It ended up flying off the top edge right into the hands of Prasidh Krishna at short fine leg, sending Calitz back to the pavilion without scoring. Dube wrapped up his spell with figures of 3-0-18-1. That wicket pushed Ireland down to 51/4 and helped India maintain a strong hold during the middle overs.
Kuldeep Yadav - December 14, 2023
Kuldeep marked his birthday in style, taking five wickets against South Africa in Johannesburg. With India defending a total of 201, they had already put the home team on the back foot when Kuldeep sent Donovan Ferreira packing for just 12 runs. The left-arm wrist-spinner showcased his skill, using flight and turn to bamboozle the batter before the ball crashed into the stumps. Kuldeep ended the day with impressive figures of 2.5-0-17-5, helping to bowl South Africa out for a mere 95 runs. India celebrated a convincing 106-run victory.
Ravindra Jadeja - December 6, 2019
Ravindra Jadeja celebrated his birthday in style during the first T20I against the West Indies in Hyderabad. The West Indies were off to a flying start when Jadeja made a crucial breakthrough, trapping opener Evin Lewis lbw for 40 runs off just 17 balls with a sharp, straight delivery. Jadeja's final stats read 4 overs, 30 runs, and 1 wicket. Lewis was on fire, boasting a strike rate of 235.29, which made Jadeja's wicket all the more important. Despite the West Indies posting a hefty total of 207, India managed to chase it down successfully, winning by six wickets.
Yuvraj Singh - December 12, 2009
Yuvraj made history by taking the first birthday T20I wicket for India during a match against Sri Lanka in Mohali. India was defending a solid total of 211 when Kumar Sangakkara, looking strong at 59, faced Yuvraj. With his left-arm spin, Yuvraj changed the game’s tempo, enticing Sangakkara into a mistimed lofted shot that was easily caught. He wrapped up his spell with impressive figures of 3 overs, 23 runs, and 1 wicket. This crucial dismissal broke a vital partnership, and Sri Lanka ultimately ended their innings at 150, handing India a comfortable 61-run victory.
