In the latest update to the ICC Men’s ODI bowling rankings, Shaheen Shah Afridi has soared past India’s Jasprit Bumrah, signaling a significant milestone for the Pakistani left-arm pacer. With this remarkable jump of two places, Afridi now occupies the seventh position in the rankings, placing him one position ahead of India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah’s absence from the ODI scene can be attributed as one of the key reasons behind Shaheen Afridi’s leap up the rankings. Jasprit Bumrah, aged 30, last donned the Indian colors in the 50-over format during the ICC ODI World Cup final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Since then, Bumrah has been rested for India’s subsequent tour to South Africa, a series that included three ODI matches. This break from action has paved the way for Shaheen Afridi to ascend in the rankings.
Afridi, who has garnered a total of 650 rating points, is now tantalizingly close to his career-best rating of 688 points. This surge in rating points underscores Afridi’s growing influence and impressive performances on the field. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah, with 645 rating points, has slipped just behind the Pakistani speedster, making for a closely contested rivalry at the pinnacle of fast bowling in ODI cricket.
The latest rankings also saw notable movements from other players. Namibia’s Bernard Scholtz and Afghanistan’s seasoned all-rounder Mohammad Nabi have both climbed one place each, holding the fifth and sixth spots, respectively. This upward move reflects their consistent performances and reliability for their respective teams.
New Zealand’s pace ace Trent Boult also witnessed a slight reshuffle, moving up to the ninth spot. Bowlt, known for his swinging deliveries and opening bursts, continues to remain a potent weapon in the New Zealand arsenal, especially in the ODI format.
However, it wasn’t all good news for the Indian bowling lineup.
. Mohammed Siraj, who has been a pivotal part of India’s pace attack, took a significant hit in the rankings. Following a rather lackluster performance in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, Siraj has plummeted five places to the 10th position. His ordinary outing in the series has cost him dearly in terms of standings, and he will have to work hard to reclaim his earlier position.
Meanwhile, India’s left-arm leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav remains a bright spot for the Indian contingent in the top 10. With a total of 665 rating points, Kuldeep has maintained his fourth position, continuing to be a reliable spin option for India.
On a parallel note, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj has delivered yet another brilliant performance, enhancing his reputation further. Already topping the ODI charts, Maharaj has made a substantial leap in the Test bowling rankings as well. Following his sensational display against the West Indies in the first Test, where he clinched 4/76 and 4/88 in the first and second innings respectively, Maharaj has skyrocketed seven places to reach the 22nd spot in the Test bowling rankings. This standout performance in a drawn Test match underscores his versatility and effectiveness across formats.
These latest updates in the ICC rankings reflect not just individual brilliance but also the intense competition among the world’s best bowlers. Shaheen Afridi’s rise symbolizes the emergence of a new leader in the fast bowling echelon, whereas Bumrah’s slight drop is a testament to the ever-changing dynamics of the sport. Mohammed Siraj’s significant fall signals the challenges and pressures of maintaining top form, while consistent performers like Bernard Scholtz, Mohammad Nabi, and Trent Boult continue to demonstrate their mettle.
The rankings also highlight the importance of consistent performances and remaining injury-free, as witnessed in the case of Bumrah whose absence has been a critical factor. These rankings will act as a significant motivator for all players, as they continue to strive for excellence and carve their names in the annals of cricket history. As the cricketing calendar progresses, fans and analysts will keenly watch how these rankings evolve and what new stories and rivalries unfold.
