India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has made a remarkable return to the top 10 Test batting rankings, marking his resurgence after a significant period away from the spotlight. The latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings reveal several notable shifts across both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats following an exhilarating week of international cricket. Top players from various countries have seen their rankings fluctuate, with some making impressive gains.
Pant’s return to form was underscored by his performance during India’s recent Test match against Bangladesh, held in Chennai. His vital contribution in the second innings, where he played a key role in India’s victory, pushed him to sixth place in the ICC Test batting rankings. With a total of 731 rating points, Pant has solidified his position among the elite Test batsmen in the world.
In addition to Pant’s climb, his fellow Indian teammate, Yashasvi Jaiswal, also secured a spot in the top 10. Jaiswal, who delivered a commendable half-century in the same match against Bangladesh, currently sits at fifth place with 751 points. This places him just one spot ahead of Pant, emphasizing the strength of India’s young batting lineup. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, despite being one of the most prominent names in world cricket, experienced a decline in his ranking. After struggling to perform in the two innings against Bangladesh, where he failed to score more than 10 runs in either innings, Sharma dropped five places. He now holds the 10th position in the Test batting rankings with 716 rating points.
Shifting to the bowling side, Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya garnered widespread attention with his outstanding performance during Sri Lanka’s match against New Zealand in Galle. Jayasuriya took a total of nine wickets, an impressive feat that propelled him to climb five spots in the Test bowling rankings. He now holds the eighth spot with 743 rating points, making him one of the leading bowlers in the format. While Jayasuriya’s star continues to rise, his compatriot Asitha Fernando experienced a dip in his rankings. Fernando, who did not perform as expected, has fallen to 13th place.
On the batting side, Sri Lankan Kamindu Mendis made his presence felt, climbing to 16th place in the Test batting rankings, showcasing his growing influence in the Sri Lankan lineup. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva, another key player for Sri Lanka, improved his standing in the all-rounder rankings. His versatile performances across both batting and bowling have helped him move up five spots, securing 18th position in the all-rounder category. This rise indicates the increasing prominence of Sri Lankan players in international cricket, particularly in the Test format.
In the world of ODI cricket, Afghanistan’s young stars have achieved significant milestones, with their performances leaving a lasting impact on the latest rankings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, one of Afghanistan’s brightest talents, made a stunning leap in the ODI batting rankings. After delivering an outstanding performance, which included his seventh century before the age of 23, Gurbaz jumped 10 spots, landing in eighth place. This achievement marks a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket, as Gurbaz becomes the first player from the country to break into the top 10 of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings.
Gurbaz’s rise in the rankings comes at a time when Afghanistan cricket continues to make strides on the international stage. His consistent performances have not only earned him recognition but have also paved the way for other Afghan players to make their mark. As the first Afghan cricketer to enter the top 10, Gurbaz’s success symbolizes the growing strength of Afghanistan’s cricketing future. His extraordinary run of form saw him surpass Australia’s Travis Head, who moved down to ninth place. Head, despite scoring an unbeaten 154 runs against England in the first of five ODIs, was edged out by Gurbaz in the rankings.
Afghanistan’s success is not limited to their batting lineup. The country’s bowling department also saw a major boost, with leg-spinner Rashid Khan making a significant leap in the ODI bowling rankings. Rashid, widely regarded as one of the best bowlers in the limited-overs format, jumped eight spots to claim the third position. His remarkable performance in Afghanistan’s historic series win over South Africa, where he claimed seven wickets, was instrumental in the team’s victory. The series win was a monumental achievement for Afghanistan, as it marked their first ODI series triumph over a team ranked in the top five of the ICC rankings.
Rashid Khan’s rise in the bowling rankings further highlights his dominance in international cricket, particularly in the ODI format. Over the years, he has established himself as a key player for Afghanistan, consistently delivering match-winning performances. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the world. In Afghanistan’s recent victory over South Africa, Rashid’s contributions were vital, and his upward movement in the rankings reflects the impact he continues to have on the global stage.
Afghanistan’s cricketing success, spearheaded by players like Gurbaz and Rashid, demonstrates the country’s rapid development as a cricketing nation. Despite the challenges they face, Afghanistan’s cricketers continue to push boundaries and achieve new heights. Their presence in the top 10 of both batting and bowling rankings signals a bright future for Afghan cricket on the international scene.
As the rankings continue to shift, the performances of players like Pant, Jaiswal, Gurbaz, and Rashid serve as reminders of the ever-evolving nature of the sport. With upcoming series and tournaments, these players will have further opportunities to solidify their positions or make additional gains. For now, the latest ICC rankings reflect a dynamic period in international cricket, where young stars are making their mark, and established players are facing new challenges.
The latest ICC rankings across both Test and ODI formats have highlighted the performances of several standout players. Rishabh Pant’s return to the top 10, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s continued rise, and Rohit Sharma’s dip in form reflect the evolving nature of India’s cricketing lineup. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan have made history with their impressive gains, showcasing the strength and potential of Afghanistan’s cricketing future.
