Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya has made a significant leap in the latest ICC Rankings for T20Is, surpassing Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis to secure the No. 3 position among all-rounders. Pandya’s ascension comes amid a spectacular campaign in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Stoinis, who was recently the No. 1 ranked all-rounder, has slipped to the fourth position, while Sri Lankan skipper Wanindu Hasaranga has taken the top spot with 222 rating points.
Stoinis’ sharp drop in the rankings mirrors Australia’s lackluster journey in the T20 World Cup. The team was ousted after two defeats in the Super 8s stage. In stark contrast, Hasaranga’s consistent performances have catapulted him to the No. 1 position. Afghanistan’s veteran all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, holds the second spot. Hardik Pandya, who has tallied 116 runs at an impressive average of 53 and secured eight wickets, has emerged as one of the key figures for the Indian team in the tournament. As India moves into the knockout stages, Hardik’s contributions will be crucial.
Sikandar Raza from Zimbabwe remains in the fifth position, whereas Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan has descended three ranks to sixth following uninspiring performances in the Super 8s. West Indian all-rounder Roston Chase is the biggest gainer, climbing 17 places to settle at No. 12 due to his stellar showings with both bat and ball for the West Indies in the Super 8s.
In related developments, India’s Jasprit Bumrah has seen a monumental rise in the bowlers’ rankings. Bumrah leaped an astonishing 44 places to reach joint 24th position. His exceptional performances, marked by critical wickets and a tight economy rate, have been instrumental for India in the T20 World Cup. Complementing Bumrah’s ascendancy, Kuldeep Yadav also made a significant move, rising 20 places to secure the 11th spot among bowlers. Kuldeep featured in all three of India’s Super 8 matches, consistently delivering impactful performances.
Another notable Indian bowler, Axar Patel, is now the highest-ranked Indian bowler, moving up one place to secure the eighth position.
. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh, who has taken 15 wickets in the tournament so far, has climbed three spots to No. 17.
The rapid advancements in the ICC rankings reflect India’s robust showing in the T20 World Cup. The rise of Hardik Pandya to the No. 3 all-rounder spot underscores his dual utility as both a batsman and a bowler. His exceptional batting average in the tournament, coupled with crucial wickets, demonstrates his all-round prowess.
Similarly, the progress made by Indian bowlers like Bumrah, Kuldeep, and Arshdeep is indicative of their relentless form and match-winning abilities. Bumrah, known for his death-over expertise, has been a backbone of India’s bowling strategy, while Kuldeep’s spin has added a necessary variation to the attack. Arshdeep’s ability to consistently take wickets has been a breath of fresh air for the team.
The shuffling of ranks among all-rounders has also thrown the spotlight on other key players. Wanindu Hasaranga’s ascent to the top is a testament to his impactful performances. As a captain and an all-rounder, Hasaranga has led from the front, ensuring Sri Lanka remains among the competitive teams in the tournament. Mohammad Nabi’s consistent contributions for Afghanistan further illustrate the global spread of cricketing talent beyond the traditional powerhouses.
The downward movement of Marcus Stoinis and Shakib Al Hasan signifies the pressures and unpredictability of T20 cricket. Stoinis, despite being in top form earlier, couldn’t maintain his momentum, reflecting Australia’s overall struggles in the competition. Shakib, too, faced challenges, resulting in a drop in his rankings.
As the T20 World Cup progresses into the knockout phases, these ranking changes add another layer of excitement. For Hardik Pandya and Team India, the goal will be to translate their individual successes into collective glory. The spotlight will be on Hardik to continue his fine form, leading India with his bat and ball, while the bowlers will aim to keep their stronghold on opposing teams.
In conclusion, the latest ICC T20I rankings not only highlight individual achievements but also paint a broader picture of the shifting dynamics in world cricket. With the T20 World Cup reaching its critical stages, these rankings serve as a prelude to the exhilarating contests that lie ahead.
