Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli has made an impressive comeback to the top 10 of the ICC Test Rankings, surging six spots to claim the sixth position. This remarkable rise follows Kohli’s stellar performance in the recent Test series against Bangladesh. In the second Test held in Kanpur, Kohli’s scores of 47 and an unbeaten 29 were pivotal in securing India’s seven-wicket victory, further reinforcing their dominant position in the World Test Championship standings.
Kohli’s Milestone Achievement
Although Kohli narrowly missed a half-century, falling just three runs short after being dismissed by Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan for 47, he still managed to make history. The 35-year-old batsman became the fastest player to reach 27,000 international runs, surpassing the previous record set by Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli achieved this milestone in just 594 innings, compared to Tendulkar’s 623 innings, setting a new benchmark in world cricket.
India’s Pursuit of Another World Test Championship Final
India’s win against Bangladesh not only bolstered their lead in the World Test Championship standings but also strengthened their bid for a third consecutive final appearance. The victory showcased India’s comprehensive performance, with several key players shining. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in particular, was named Player of the Match after scoring 72 and 51 across two innings, playing a vital role in navigating the rain-affected Test match.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Rise in the ICC Test Rankings
Jaiswal’s exceptional performance has propelled him to third place in the ICC Test batter rankings, surpassing many seasoned players. He now sits just behind England’s Joe Root and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, highlighting his rapid rise in international cricket.
Other Notable Movements in the ICC Test Rankings
Several other international players have also made significant advances in the rankings. Sri Lankan batsman Kamindu Mendis climbed five places to reach 11th after scoring a century in his team’s Test series against New Zealand, marking a new career high. Fellow Sri Lankans Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews also made notable strides, moving up to 20th and 23rd positions, respectively. Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan climbed two places to secure fifth in the Test all-rounder rankings, further showcasing his versatile cricketing skills.
Jasprit Bumrah Reclaims the No. 1 Test Bowler Spot
On the bowling front, India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowler rankings, surpassing his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin. Bumrah’s six-wicket haul in the match against Bangladesh was instrumental in India’s triumph, earning him a rating of 870 points. Ashwin remains close behind with just one point separating the two, continuing his exceptional form with a five-wicket performance in the same match.
Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan also saw improvements in the bowling rankings, with Mehidy rising to 18th and Shakib climbing to 28th.
India’s performances in both batting and bowling have once again underscored their dominance in international cricket, setting the stage for further successes in the World Test Championship.
