The 23-year-old Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has ascended to the numero uno position in the ICC T20 International bowling chart. This extraordinary achievement follows his outstanding performance and the coveted ‘Player of the Series’ award in the recently concluded series against Australia.
Throughout the five-game series, Bishnoi emerged as India’s primary bowling weapon, securing an impressive nine wickets. This stellar performance has propelled him to the top spot in the ICC rankings with a current rating of 699 points, surpassing Afghanistan’s spin maestro Rashid Khan, who previously held the position with 692 points.
A noteworthy aspect of Bishnoi’s rise is that he stands as the sole Indian bowler in the top 10 of the ICC T20I bowling rankings, showcasing his exceptional skills and contribution to the team’s success.
On the batting front, Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic batter who led India to a commanding 4-1 T20I series victory against Australia, maintains his position at the No. 1 spot among the batters. However, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has slipped to the seventh spot in the rankings.
In the all-rounders’ category, despite missing the series against Australia due to injury, Hardik Pandya continues to hold onto the third position. This underscores Pandya’s consistent prowess in the format, highlighting his significance to the Indian team in the all-round role.
Bishnoi’s remarkable journey to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings signals a promising future for Indian cricket. The team’s depth and talent across various formats were evident in the series against Australia. In particular, the management’s decision to give Bishnoi significant overs in the powerplay proved fruitful, both in terms of wickets taken and controlling the run rate.
Looking ahead, India’s focus will be on maintaining Bishnoi’s form as they prepare for the T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA in June next year. Bishnoi’s proficiency in delivering googlies, a trait that sets him apart, could be a crucial asset in conditions where spinners traditionally thrive.
With only six T20 games scheduled before the world event, India might not have much room for experimentation, but the confidence gained from the impressive 4-1 series result against Australia will undoubtedly boost the team’s morale.
Ravi Bishnoi’s ascent to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings not only celebrates his individual brilliance but also signifies the promising trajectory of Indian cricket. As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, the emergence of key players like Bishnoi adds depth and resilience, instilling confidence in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts across the nation.
