ICC Test Rankings: Rishabh Pant Soars to Career-High, Jasprit Bumrah Unshakable, Joe Root Rules
In an electrifying update to the ICC Test Rankings, the cricketing world has witnessed seismic shifts following a week of breathtaking performances across formats. From Rishabh Pant’s historic heroics to Jasprit Bumrah’s unrelenting dominance, and Joe Root’s steadfast reign at the summit, the latest rankings paint a vivid picture of cricket’s evolving hierarchy.
India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has rocketed to a career-high seventh position in the ICC Test batting rankings after an unforgettable display in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley. Pant etched his name in history by scoring twin centuries—134 and 118—becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test cricket, after Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower in 2001, to achieve this rare feat. Adding to the milestone, Pant is now the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to surpass 800 rating points in Test history, cementing his status as one of the game’s most explosive talents.
At the top of the batting charts, England’s Joe Root continues to rule as the No. 1 Test batter, showcasing unrivaled consistency. His teammate Harry Brook holds firm at second place, while another Englishman, Ben Duckett, also climbed to a career-best position after a monumental knock at Headingley. On the Indian front, captain Shubman Gill made significant strides, leaping five spots to 20th with a classy century in the first innings, signaling his growing stature in the longest format.
In the bowling department, India’s pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah remains an immovable force at No. 1 in the Test bowler rankings. His latest five-wicket haul at Headingley further underlined why he is considered the best red-ball bowler in the world today. Bumrah’s ability to dismantle batting lineups with precision and pace—evident in his recent tally of 35 wickets in just 8 Tests this year—continues to set the benchmark for fast bowling excellence.
England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes also made waves, rising three places to secure the No. 5 spot in the Test all-rounder rankings—his highest in recent months. Stokes’ dual impact with bat and ball at Headingley, including a gritty half-century and key wickets, showcased why he remains a pivotal figure in England’s setup.
Beyond the red-ball arena, the T20I rankings saw notable movements following a thrilling tri-series in Glasgow featuring the Netherlands, Nepal, and Scotland. Dutch batter Michael Levitt surged 16 places to 14th with a string of consistent scores, while Scotland’s Brandon McMullen soared 20 spots to joint 38th, reflecting the rising talent in Associate cricket nations.
As the ICC rankings continue to serve as the ultimate barometer of individual brilliance, every run, wicket, and performance shapes the narrative of cricket’s global pecking order. With Pant’s meteoric rise, Bumrah’s iron grip, and Root’s enduring supremacy, the stage is set for more captivating battles in the weeks ahead. Who will climb next? Only time—and the pitch—will tell.