The group stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26 has come to an end, with eight teams securing their spots in the quarter-finals. While the knockout
stage promises thrilling contests, the league phase itself showcased several standout individual performances.
Although the tournament largely favoured batters, with high-scoring encounters becoming the norm, a few bowlers managed to rise above the conditions and consistently trouble the batters. Their ability to maintain discipline, adapt to pressure situations, and pick up wickets proved invaluable for their respective teams. Today, CricTracker has a look at the top three wicket-takers after the group stage of the tournament.
Here are top 3 highest wicket-takers of VHT 2025-26 group stage
3. Vasuki Koushik (17 wickets)
Karnataka-born pacer Vasuki Koushik, who moved to Goa ahead of the domestic season, finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in the group stage. The right-arm fast bowler claimed 17 wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 15.05. Koushik was a consistent performer throughout the group stage, using his accuracy and movement to trouble batters in both the powerplay and middle overs.
His best bowling figures came against Chhattisgarh, where he picked up 4/40. He bowled at a tight economy rate of 3.91 in a batter-dominated tournament, further underlined his effectiveness. Despite Koushik’s excellent individual performances, his side narrowly missed out on qualification for the quarter-finals.
2. Satyanarayana Raju (21 wickets)
Andhra pacer Satyanarayana Raju finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the VHT 2025-26 group stage, with 21 wickets to his name. One of the standout performers of the season, Raju recorded his best figures of 5/44 against Haryana. He bowled at an average of around 16 and maintained an economy rate under six, which is commendable considering the flat pitches and short boundaries on offer in most matches.
Raju was often entrusted with bowling during the powerplay and death overs, phases known to be challenging for bowlers, but he showcased remarkable control over his line and length. His ability to strike at crucial moments played a key role in Andhra’s bowling attack.
Zeeshan Ansari (21 wickets)
Uttar Pradesh spinner Zeeshan Ansari emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the VHT 2025-26 group stage, also finishing with 21 wickets and an exceptional economy rate. The leg-spinner has shown promise in previous domestic seasons and also impressed during his appearances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, this season was his most impactful run yet.
Ansari bowled at an outstanding average of 14.33 and conceded fewer than five runs per over. His best performance came against Chandigarh, where he registered figures of 4/29. With Uttar Pradesh qualifying for the quarter-finals to face Saurashtra, Ansari will be a key weapon in the knockout stages as well.
