Team India has not engaged in a single Test match since facing England at home in a five-match series concluded in March 2024. It must come as a pleasant surprise then, to cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike, that Indian batters such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have demonstrated an upward trajectory in their ICC rankings. The latest ICC rankings reveal that these top-tier Indian batsmen have climbed one spot each, establishing a stronger foothold among the leading 10 batters globally.
Leading the pack, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has secured the fifth position with a commendable 751 rating points. Following closely on his heels, rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal and veteran cricketer Virat Kohli have taken the sixth and seventh places respectively, with 740 and 737 rating points. This elevation in their rankings can be attributed to the struggles of England’s middle-order batsman Harry Brook. Brook failed to deliver impactful performances in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at Kennington Oval in London earlier this week. His subpar scores of merely 19 and 3 runs in both innings have resulted in his ratings plummeting. Consequently, Brook has fallen seven positions, settling at the 12th rank with 709 rating points.
The recent rankings update has also brought good news for Pakistan’s Babar Azam. He has edged closer to breaking into the top 10, currently occupying the 11th spot with 712 rating points, nipping at the heels of his teammate Mohammad Rizwan and Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne. This dynamic reshuffling of ranks paints an intriguing landscape for the world of Test cricket.
Returning to the formidable trio of Indian batters, the immediate future presents promising opportunities to further ascend the rankings. With minimal point differences separating the 3rd to 7th ranked players, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli are within striking distance of climbing even higher.
. India’s upcoming Test engagements, beginning with a two-match series against Bangladesh commencing on September 19 in Chennai, offer a platform to recalibrate and assert dominance.
Team India is set to participate in ten further Test matches from mid-September, which include the aforementioned series against Bangladesh followed by three formidable encounters with New Zealand on home turf. The outcomes of these matches will be crucial in influencing the individual rankings of the Indian batters and their standing on the international stage.
In contrast to the Indian players’ ascendancy, England’s Joe Root experienced a setback in retaining his highest ratings. Following lackluster performances, culminating in a meager 25 runs across two innings during the Oval Test against Sri Lanka, Root lost 23 rating points. However, despite this dip, Root holds onto his prestigious top spot with 879 rating points, a testament to his overall consistency and prior achievements.
As India gears up for a marathon of Test matches, the synthetic rankings will face natural adjustments. The cricketing world waits with bated breath to witness splendid performances likely to emerge from these clashes. Indian cricket fans will be keenly watching how Rohit Sharma navigates his leadership and batting responsibilities, how Yashasvi Jaiswal capitalizes on his growing potential, and how Virat Kohli’s experienced craftsmanship contributes to shaping another chapter of excellence in Indian cricket.
Beyond individual acclaim, Team India’s performances in these Tests will be pivotal in the context of their positioning on the ICC World Test Championship leaderboard. A strong showing in the upcoming fixtures will be instrumental in solidifying their claim as a preeminent force in Test cricket. As the dates gravitate closer, the excitement builds, promising a riveting season of high-caliber cricket where players will test their mettle and strategize to outplay their opponents.
In summary, despite not having engaged in Test cricket for several months, the surge of Indian batters in the ICC rankings is an indicator of their inherent skill and competitive spirit. As they prepare to face new challenges starting September 19, the cricketing community looks forward to witnessing these athletes further their mark on the sport.
