Adil Rashid reclaims top spot in ICC T20I bowling rankings after strong performance against India

England’s veteran spinner Adil Rashid has regained the top position in the ICC men’s T20I bowling rankings following his impressive performances in the ongoing series against India. The 36-year-old leg-spinner first reached the top spot in late 2023 but was displaced by West Indies’ Akeal Hosein before Christmas. However, his outstanding displays against India in the subcontinent have helped him reclaim the No. 1 ranking.

Rashid played a crucial role in England’s 26-run victory in the third T20I in Rajkot, delivering a match-winning spell of 1/15. Across the three matches so far, he has taken three wickets while maintaining tight control over the run rate. Despite his efforts, England still trails 2-1 in the series against India.

Meanwhile, India’s Varun Chakravarthy made a significant leap in the rankings after his five-wicket haul in Rajkot, climbing 25 places to break into the top five. His teammate, vice-captain Axar Patel, also made gains, moving five spots up to 11th and standing on the brink of breaking into the top 10.

In the T20I batting rankings, Australia’s Travis Head continues to hold the top spot, but India’s Tilak Varma is closing in fast after his impressive performances in the series. Tilak, who posted scores of 19*, 72*, and 18 against England, has moved up to second place and is now just 23 points behind Head. If he maintains his form, he could become the youngest player ever to top the T20I batting rankings.

Other notable movements in the T20I batting rankings include India’s Abhishek Sharma, who jumped 59 places to reach 40th. England’s Liam Livingstone climbed five spots to share 32nd place, while Ben Duckett moved up 28 positions to be tied at 68th.

In the ICC Test rankings, Pakistan’s Noman Ali made a major impact after his 10-wicket haul against the West Indies in the second Test, pushing him up to fifth in the bowling rankings. His counterpart Jomel Warrican rose to 24th in the all-rounder rankings. Additionally, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan climbed two places to 15th in the Test batting rankings after finishing as the series’ leading run-scorer with 147 runs.