Former Pakistan Test skipper Babar Azam has experienced a significant fall in his rankings, plummeting six places to land at ninth in the latest ICC Test rankings for batsmen. Babar’s lackluster performance, comprising scores of 0 and 22 in the first Test match of the two-match series against Bangladesh, has severely impacted his standing. For the first time in recent years, Babar is not in the top five rankings across all formats, raising questions about his form and consistency.
On the other hand, India’s former captain Virat Kohli has managed to climb above Babar in the rankings despite not having played a Test match since January 2024. Kohli is now positioned at eighth with 737 rating points, just three points ahead of Babar, who has slipped to the ninth place. The situation could have been even more dire for Babar if Liton Das had held a catch when Babar was on zero in the second innings of the test match. Had that happened, Babar might have fallen out of the top 10 entirely.
The upcoming second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, set to commence from August 30 in Rawalpindi, presents Babar Azam with a crucial opportunity to reclaim his spot among the elite top five in the ICC Test rankings. A strong performance there could potentially restore him to his former glory and silence his critics.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan put on an exceptional show in the recent Test match, scoring an unbeaten 171 and following it up with a solid 51. His stellar performance has catapulted him seven places up the rankings, and he now shares the 10th place with Australia’s Usman Khawaja, both boasting 728 rating points.
In the broader context of the ICC Test rankings, England’s Joe Root continues to reign supreme at the top of the list. Root’s composed innings of 42 and an unbeaten 62 in the first Test against Sri Lanka have solidified his position with 881 rating points, keeping him 22 points ahead of the second-placed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. Root’s unwavering form and consistency remain a benchmark for batsmen worldwide.
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Adding to England’s dominance in the rankings, young batter Harry Brook has also made significant strides. His impressive performance against Sri Lanka has secured him the fourth spot in the list. Brook’s ascendancy is a testament to England’s solid batting lineup and its bright prospects for the future.
This shift in rankings has sparked varied reactions from the cricketing world. Former players and experts are keenly observing Babar Azam’s form, given his sudden drop. Many believe that Babar is simply going through a rough patch and will bounce back stronger, while others feel this dip is a wake-up call for the talented batsman to reassess his approach and game strategy.
In contrast, Virat Kohli’s rise without actively participating in recent matches highlights the advantage of accumulated rating points and past performances that continue to bear fruit. This situation also underlines the necessity of consistency for modern-day cricketers who aim to maintain top rankings.
The upcoming cricket fixtures, especially the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, are now more crucial than ever. Babar Azam will be under additional pressure to perform and regain his stature. His performance will not only impact his personal ranking but will also play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s overall standing in international cricket.
For avid cricket fans and analysts, this development promises an intriguing set of matches ahead, filled with high stakes and heightened anticipation. All eyes will be on Babar Azam as he steps onto the field in Rawalpindi, carrying the weight of expectations from his nation and fans worldwide.
As the cricketing world gears up for these high-energy clashes, the unfolding drama within the ICC Test rankings continues to captivate and enthrall enthusiasts globally, reminding everyone of the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport.
