Following a dominantly played Test series by the Indian cricket team against England, Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as one of the standout performers charting a significant rise in the ICC rankings. According to the International Cricket Council’s latest update, released on a Wednesday, the Indian contingent has made notable advancements in the rankings after clinching the series with a 4-1 victory margin over the visiting English side.
Kuldeep Yadav, indispensably contributing to the wins in the four out of five Tests he participated in, soared up the ranks in two distinct categories: the all-rounders’ rankings and the bowlers’ chart. On the bowling front, Yadav made an impressive leap, climbing 15 spots to secure the 16th position within the bowlers, making him the fourth Indian to feature in the top 20 of the list, which is now topped by the seasoned Ravichandran Ashwin; surpassing Jasprit Bumrah who previously held the lead.
Moreover, Yadav’s prowess was not confined to his bowling. He ascended 17 positions in the all-rounders’ ranking, situating himself at the 36th spot, meanwhile, bypassing fellow all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who currently stands at the 38th rank.
Kuldeep’s performance in the series against England was nothing short of sensational. Despite missing the opening Test, he was a key player for India in the subsequent matches. Overall, he bagged a total of 19 wickets across the four games, thus earning the title of the joint-third-highest wicket-taker for the series. His outstanding spells included a five-wicket haul and a four-wicket effort in the final two Tests at Ranchi and Dharamsala.
His contribution was not merely limited to ball in hand; with the bat, Yadav provided significant, crucial runs and, on occasion, was promoted up the batting order to fulfill the role of nightwatchman. He managed an aggregate of 97 runs over six innings, proving his mettle in pressure moments. Among his noteworthy partnerships were a 77-run stand with Dhruv Jurel during the second innings of the 4th Test, and a pivotal 49-run partnership with Jasprit Bumrah during India’s innings in the Dharamsala Test.
In the Ranchi Test, Yadav scored a resilient 28, and while batting with Jurel, helped stabilize the Indian innings in response to England’s first innings score of 353 when India was precariously positioned at 177/7. In Dharamsala, the left-hander made 30 runs and, alongside Bumrah, extended India’s lead after a quick succession of wickets had left the team in a spot of bother. Their efforts propelled India to a total of 477, setting a challenging target for the opposition.
These contributions by Kuldeep Yadav have not only solidified his position in the Indian Test team but have also showcased his growth as a player able to perform under pressure and deliver results across multiple facets of the game—both of which are essential for cricketing success at the highest levels.
Yadav’s recent ascendancy in the ICC Test rankings reflects the potential and skill that he brings to the table. It is a testament to his hard work, consistent performances, and his increasing value to the Indian cricket team. As the rankings suggest, Yadav is quickly establishing himself as a player to watch out for in the international arena, and his trajectory suggests that this is just the beginning of a very promising career in cricket.
