Jasprit Bumrah has ascended to the top position among Test bowlers worldwide following an impressive performance in a recent match against Bangladesh. His remarkable achievement included a total of six wickets in the game held in Kanpur. This elevation in rank sees him replacing his Indian teammate R Ashwin, who had earlier garnered the Player of the Series title in the same series.
In addition to Bumrah's rise, there has been noteworthy movement within the Test batting rankings as well. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was awarded Player of the Match for his excellence in the Kanpur Test, has made a significant leap to the third position. This is particularly remarkable given that he has played only 11 Test matches thus far.
Moreover, another standout performer is Prabath Jayasuriya from Sri Lanka, a left-arm spinner who received the Player of the Series accolade during his team’s 2-0 triumph over New Zealand in Galle. His outstanding performances have propelled him to a joint-seventh position in the bowler rankings, an impressive feat considering he has participated in only 16 Tests.
The recent updates to the Test rankings have also highlighted noteworthy changes for several players. Former captain Virat Kohli from India has made a comeback into the top ten among batters, climbing six places to now occupy the sixth position after scoring 47 and an unbeaten 29 in the Kanpur Test. Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, with just eight Tests under his belt, has moved up to the eleventh position following his outstanding innings of 182 not out in the second Test against New Zealand. Additionally, Bangladeshi cricketer Mehidy Hasan Miraz has advanced to the fifth position among all-rounders, joining his compatriot Shakib Al Hasan, who remains firmly in the third position on the list.
Bumrah's new rank marks his second time at the zenith of the Test bowling rankings. His earlier ascent occurred in February of this year, when he first achieved the No. 1 spot, becoming the first fast bowler from India to reach this prestigious ranking. The distinction of being the highest-ranked Indian pace bowler before Bumrah was held by Kapil Dev, who reached the No. 2 position in the ICC's retrospective rankings in the 1979-80 season. Remarkably, Bumrah displaced Ashwin to secure the top position during both instances.
Currently, Ashwin holds 869 rating points, which places him a mere single point behind Bumrah, underlining the competitive nature of the rankings for Test bowlers. The tussle for the top spots in both the batting and bowling categories reflects the dynamic landscape of international cricket, where players are consistently vying for recognition and excellence.
As Bumrah and other players continue to showcase their talents, the ongoing evolution of the ICC rankings will serve as a focal point for cricket fans, illustrating the performance trajectories of their favorite players. The frequent updates to the rankings provide an intriguing perspective on the sporting landscape, as well as insights into the emerging talents and established stars who shape the game of cricket on a global scale. Fans can look forward to upcoming matches that will undoubtedly influence the rankings further, adding excitement to the cricketing narrative in the months to come.
For those attentive to the details of player performance and rankings, the ICC rankings serve as a comprehensive source of information, enabling fans to track the progress of their favorite players while appreciating the competitive spirit that defines the sport. Given the high level of skill displayed by players such as Bumrah, Jaiswal, and others, the future of cricket appears promising, with numerous players set to leave their mark on the game's history.