Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has surpassed his teammate Virat Kohli in the latest ICC Test batting rankings. Pant’s impressive performances in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru have pushed him to sixth place in the rankings, overtaking Kohli, who is now tied at the eighth spot.
Pant scored 20 and 99 in the match, which has helped him climb three places in the Test rankings, a significant boost for the Indian batter. This surge in rankings marks a notable achievement for Pant, as he continues to establish himself as one of India’s leading players in the longest format of the game.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s dip in form in Test cricket has seen him slide down the rankings, now sharing the eighth position with other top players. Kohli, once a mainstay at the top of the Test rankings, will be looking to regain his position as one of the leading batsmen in world cricket. His current standing reflects the challenges he’s faced in recent matches, particularly against strong bowling attacks.
England’s Joe Root, however, remains comfortably ahead at the top of the rankings, maintaining a significant lead over his competitors. Root has been in sublime form, consistently delivering match-winning performances for England. His dominance in the rankings underscores his recent achievements in Test cricket.
Joining Pant and Kohli in the top 10 is another Indian batter, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who currently holds the third position. Jaiswal’s rise has been swift, and he is now considered one of the most promising young talents in international cricket. His inclusion in the top three alongside Root highlights the depth of talent in Indian cricket and the strength of the nation’s batting lineup in Test matches.
New Zealand’s all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has also made significant strides in the rankings, jumping 36 places to reach 18th position. Ravindra’s remarkable performances in the same Test against India, where he scored 134 and an unbeaten 39, played a pivotal role in securing New Zealand’s first Test victory in India since 1988. His rapid rise in the rankings is a testament to his growing stature as a key player for New Zealand in both the batting and bowling departments.
New Zealand opener Devon Conway has also moved up the rankings, climbing 12 spots to secure the 36th position. Conway has been consistent with the bat, and his recent form has contributed to New Zealand’s success in Test cricket. His elevation in the rankings reflects his importance to the team’s top order.
On the bowling front, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has also enjoyed a boost in his rankings. After taking eight wickets in the match, Henry has moved up two places to reach a career-high ninth position, with a new personal-best rating of 751. His impressive showing in the series against India further solidifies his reputation as one of the top fast bowlers in the world.
Henry’s teammate, fast bowler William O’Rourke, has also seen a rise in his rankings. He climbed two places to 39th position after claiming seven wickets in the same match. O’Rourke’s performance was instrumental in New Zealand’s historic victory in India, and his growing presence in the rankings signals a bright future for the bowler.
As the cricketing world gears up for the decider of the England-Pakistan Test series in Rawalpindi, England opener Ben Duckett is on the verge of breaking into the top 10 of the Test batting rankings. Duckett’s crucial knock of 114 has propelled him up three places, bringing him to 11th position, where he is tied with other top batters.
Pakistan’s all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has also made significant progress, climbing eight places to reach 14th in the rankings. His latest career-high rating comes on the back of scores of 31 and 63 in the second Test against England. Pakistan’s victory in that game ended a long drought of Test wins at home, and Salman played a key role in the triumph.
Salman’s recent performances have been particularly noteworthy, as he has crossed the 50-run mark in three of his last four Test innings. This consistency has made him Pakistan’s highest-ranked Test batter, as he now sits ahead of prominent teammates such as Babar Azam, who is tied for 19th place, Mohammad Rizwan, who holds 21st position, and Saud Shakeel, who is ranked 27th.
In the bowling rankings, Pakistan spinner Noman Ali has re-entered the list, securing 17th place after his impressive 11-wicket haul across two innings against England in the Multan Test. Noman’s performance was crucial to Pakistan’s success, and his return to the rankings underscores his value to the team’s bowling attack.
Another standout performer from the same match was Pakistan’s Sajid Khan, who has gained 22 places in the rankings, now sitting at 50th position. Sajid was named Player of the Match for his exceptional contributions with the ball, and his rise in the rankings reflects his growing influence in Pakistan’s bowling unit.
The updated rankings showcase the dynamic nature of Test cricket, with several players from different teams making significant moves based on their recent performances. For India, Pant’s rise to sixth place signals the emergence of a new leader in their batting lineup, while Kohli will be eager to reclaim his former dominance. At the same time, England and New Zealand are seeing their players continue to rise through the ranks, indicating the increasing competitiveness of Test cricket globally.
As the Test cricket calendar progresses, these rankings will likely see further changes, especially with major series like the Ashes and other Test matches on the horizon. Players such as Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Salman Ali Agha will be key figures to watch as they aim to solidify or improve their positions in the rankings.
With India, England, New Zealand, and Pakistan all boasting strong individual performers, the stage is set for more exciting Test cricket action in the months to come. The constant shifts in the ICC rankings reflect the ever-evolving nature of the sport, where players’ fortunes can change dramatically based on their form and performances in crucial matches.
In the meantime, Rishabh Pant’s leap past Virat Kohli in the rankings symbolizes a passing of the torch in Indian cricket, with Pant emerging as a key figure for the future while Kohli seeks to regain his place among the elite batters in the world. Similarly, Ravindra’s rise into the top 20 signals the arrival of a new force in New Zealand cricket, as the team continues to build on its success in the Test format.