ICC ODI Ranking: The performance of the Indian bowlers in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand has been extremely impressive, which has had a direct impact on the latest rankings of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Young fast bowler Gurnur Brar, who was brilliant against the Kiwi team, has jumped 60 straight places in the ODI bowlers' rankings and is now at the 48th position. Apart from this, Indian spin all-rounder Akshar Patel and left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh have also proved the strength of the Indian bowling attack by improving their rankings significantly.
Gurnur Brar, who impressed with his lethal bowling in the opening matches of the series against New Zealand, has shown the biggest improvement. He has emerged as the highest wicket taker in the series so far with 7 wickets. This impressive performance saw him previously fall out of the top 100, but has now climbed 60 straight places to 48th. The young bowler's form is highly encouraging for the Indian team ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Improved ranking of Akshar Patel and Arshdeep Singh
Indian all-rounder Akshar Patel took 2 crucial wickets for 28 in the second ODI at Wellington, which has seen him climb 23 places to 21st. On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh jumped 11 places with 4 catches in the first ODI and is currently joint 31st. New Zealand's bowlers have also progressed in the series, with Jacob Duffy reaching 43rd and Kyle Jamieson 60th.
Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah made history
On the other side of international cricket, Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah has created history in the ICC Men's Test Player Rankings. Rahmat Shah, who played a historic innings of 173 in the first Test match against Zimbabwe at Sharjah, became the first player from his country to make it to the top-10 of the Test rankings. He has moved up to seventh place with a career best finish of 6 places. It was the 33-year-old batsman's second Test century of the year and fifth of his career, surpassing the likes of Shubman Gill and Aiden Markram.