India’s Top-Order Dominance Poses a Serious Threat to Pakistan’s Reign in ICC ODI Batting Rankings

India’s unbeaten run in the Asia Cup has not only solidified their presence in the tournament but has also set the stage for a potential shift in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, posing a threat to Pakistan’s top position.

Shubman Gill Closing in on Babar Azam

The stellar performance of India’s top-order batsmen, led by Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and skipper Rohit Sharma, has been instrumental in India’s success at the Asia Cup. Gill, in particular, has shone brightly, amassing 154 runs and notching up two half-centuries in the tournament. His remarkable performance has propelled him to a career-best second position in the latest ODI batting rankings.

With this surge, Gill has significantly closed the gap on Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, who leads the rankings with 863 rating points. Gill now trails closely with 759 rating points, reducing the margin to just 103 points.

India’s Trio in the Top 10

Gill’s ascent isn’t the only success story for India in the rankings. Virat Kohli has climbed two places to secure the eighth position, while Rohit Sharma has also moved up by two spots, landing him in ninth place. This remarkable feat marks the first time in over four and a half years that India boasts three players inside the top 10 of the ODI batting rankings.

Despite India’s resurgence, Pakistan maintains a strong presence in the rankings, with three players inside the top 10. However, Imam-ul-Haq slips one place to fifth, and Fakhar Zaman falls three spots to occupy the tenth position.

Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya Shine

In the ODI bowler rankings, India’s Kuldeep Yadav has made significant progress, ascending five places to seventh. His exceptional performance at the Asia Cup, where he claimed nine wickets, has been instrumental. Teammate Hardik Pandya has also improved, climbing four places to secure the sixth spot in the ODI all-rounder rankings.

Despite niggling injuries in their recent encounter against India, Pakistan’s bowlers have shown promise in the rankings. Haris Rauf rises eight places to 21st, and Naseem Shah surges 11 spots to equal 51st.

In the overall ODI bowler rankings, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood extends his lead after a three-wicket haul in the ongoing series against South Africa. Several Proteas players, including Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, have made strides in the rankings, while Temba Bavuma reaches a career-high 11th position in the ODI batting rankings.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram