Virat Kohli finished his T20I career in the best possible way with a match-winning knock in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados last week. The star Indian cricketer announced his retirement from T20Is after winning the Player of the Match award in the final and witnessed a big rise in his last ICC T20 Rankings.
The 35-year-old cricketer jumped seven places to the 40th spot in the ICC T20 batting rankings after finding himself out of the top 50 ranked batters last month. However, the fans were shocked to see Virat Kohli also rising in the ICC T20 all-rounder rankings and finishing above Ravindra Jadeja in the latest updated list.
Both Kohli and Jadeja bid farewell to T20Is after India’s World Cup triumph. Jadeja, who tops the ICC Men’s Test All-rounder rankings, failed to impress with both bat and ball in the mega tournament held in the West Indies and the United States.
Jadeja scored just 35 runs and managed to pick just one wicket in eight games during the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite this lackluster performance, he rose nine places to the 86th position in the latest T20 all-rounder rankings released by the ICC. Fans were further puzzled to see Kohli climbing six places up to the 79th spot in the all-rounder standings despite not bowling a single ball in the recent World Cup.
Unlike Test and ODI rankings, the T20I standings change frequently due to more involvement of associate nations’ players. Kohli has taken four wickets in 13 T20I innings at an average of 51.00 and an economy rate of 8.05, whereas Ravindra Jadeja has taken 54 wickets in 71 innings at an average of almost 30.
The star batsman boasts unbelievable stats as a T20I batter with over 4000 runs at an average of 48.69. In contrast, Jadeja has managed to amass just over 500 runs in 41 innings.
. In the T20 rankings, a player can hold their position and will not see a drop if they don’t bowl for a certain period. This has helped Kohli maintain his spot in the top 100 ICC T20 all-rounder rankings.
Jadeja’s recent struggles with both bat and ball significantly impacted his ICC T20 rankings. The seasoned all-rounder also finished outside the top 100 ICC T20 bowler rankings after picking just one wicket during the T20 World Cup 2024.
Virat Kohli’s rise in the all-rounder rankings, despite his non-bowling role in the tournament, has raised several questions among cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike. While Jadeja’s drop can be attributed to his underwhelming performance in the World Cup, Kohli’s ascent is viewed with curiosity considering his limited contributions with the ball.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 not only marked the end of Kohli and Jadeja’s illustrious T20I careers but also showcased the evolving dynamics of ranking systems in modern cricket. As the cricketing world continues to adapt to these changes, the performances of players from both associate and non-associate nations will play a crucial role in shaping future rankings.
Kohli’s final bow in T20Is was nothing short of a fairytale ending for the Indian cricket fraternity. His match-winning innings in the World Cup final demonstrated his insatiable hunger for success and his unmatched prowess on the grandest stages of all. As he transitions from the shortest format of the game, his legacy will be remembered not just for his batting records but also for the unforeseen rise in the all-rounder rankings that left fans in awe.
On the other hand, Jadeja’s dip in form and rankings will serve as a reminder of the uncertainties and challenges that come with international cricket. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially in Tests and ODIs, remain unparalleled, but his T20I journey ended with a sense of what could have been.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s elevation above Ravindra Jadeja in the ICC T20 all-rounder rankings is a testament to the intricate and sometimes unpredictable nature of cricket rankings. As the cricketing world basks in the afterglow of the World Cup, the focus will inevitably shift to the next generation of all-rounders who will look to leave their mark on the global stage.
