The latest ICC Test rankings have brought exciting news for Indian cricket fans, with Rishabh Pant making a significant leap and Yashasvi Jaiswal achieving a career-best rating. These updates reflect the outstanding performances of both players in the recent Test match against England.
Rishabh Pant has surged in the ICC Test batting rankings, climbing to seventh place after his remarkable twin centuries in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England in Leeds. The dynamic wicket-keeper batsman showcased his exceptional form by scoring 134 runs in the first innings and following it up with 118 runs in the second innings. This feat makes him only the second wicketkeeper in Test history, after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower in 2001, to score hundreds in both innings of a match. Pant's performance has not only solidified his position as a key player for India but has also earned him a career-high ranking and 801 rating points, making him the first Indian wicket-keeper batter to cross the 800-point mark in Test history. His aggressive batting style and ability to turn the game around have made him a favorite among fans and a valuable asset to the team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has also made significant strides in the ICC Test rankings. He retains his fourth position but has reached a career-best 851 rating points. Jaiswal's consistent performances and his century in the first innings against England have contributed to his rise in the rankings. His solid technique and temperament have impressed cricket experts, and he is seen as a promising talent for the future of Indian cricket. Although he didn't win the Player of the Match award in the recent Test, his century was crucial in India's effort.
Several other Indian batsmen have also benefited from their performance in the Headingley Test. Shubman Gill, who led India in the match and scored his first Test century in the SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), has climbed back into the top 20, currently holding the 20th spot. KL Rahul has also moved up ten places to 38th, thanks to his impressive 137-run knock in the second innings.
On the other hand, England opener Ben Duckett has also attained a career-best eighth position in the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings after his outstanding performance in the same match. Duckett's scores of 62 and 149 earned him the Player of the Match award and helped him jump five places in the rankings. Ollie Pope, who also scored a century in the first innings, has moved up three places to 19th position, while Jamie Smith is at a career-best 27th position. Joe Root remains the top-ranked Test batter.
In the bowling department, India's Jasprit Bumrah continues to hold his position as the top-ranked Test bowler, reaffirming his status as a world-class fast bowler. England's Ben Stokes has gained one slot to be 49th among bowlers and has moved up three places to fifth among all-rounders.
These latest ICC Test rankings reflect the dynamic nature of cricket and the impact of individual performances on the global stage. As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series progresses, fans can expect more shifts in the rankings as players continue to showcase their talent and strive for excellence.