Shaheen Afridi's dominant performance in the recent series against Australia has propelled him back to the top spot in the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings. He is joined by his compatriot and team captain Babar Azam, who remains at the top of the ODI batting rankings. Pakistan's bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah also saw significant improvements in their rankings, while other players from England, Bangladesh, and India have also made strides in the T20I rankings.
Shaheen Afridi Regains Top Spot in ICC ODI Bowler Rankings, Babar Azam Remains ODI Batting King
Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has once again claimed the top spot in the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings, following his dominant performances in the recent series against Australia. Afridi's resurgence has propelled him back to the pinnacle of ODI bowling, where he had previously occupied the top spot for several months in 2023.
Complementing Afridi's achievement, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam has maintained his position at the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings. Azam's exceptional consistency and prolific run-scoring have cemented his status as the leading batsman in the 50-over format.
Along with Afridi and Azam, Pakistan's bowling contingent also witnessed notable improvements in their rankings. Haris Rauf, who has established himself as a reliable seamer for Pakistan, rose five places to reach 18th in the ODI Bowler Rankings. Meanwhile, Naseem Shah, the young and promising fast bowler, gained 14 places to move up to 32nd in the same list.
In the ICC T20I rankings, several players from England, Bangladesh, and India have made significant strides. England's Ben Stokes, the current captain of the team, rose to the second spot in the T20I all-rounder rankings, thanks to his exceptional batting and bowling exploits. Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, who has been a consistent performer across formats, moved up to sixth position in the T20I all-rounder rankings. From India, Suryakumar Yadav, the flamboyant batter, made a remarkable jump to the second spot in the T20I batting rankings, showcasing his prowess in the shortest format of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Shaheen Afridi first reach the top of the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings? Answer: Afridi first became the number one-ranked ODI bowler in February 2023.
2. Who is the current captain of the Pakistan cricket team? Answer: Babar Azam is the current captain of the Pakistan cricket team.
3. What is Haris Rauf's current ranking in the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings? Answer: Haris Rauf is currently ranked 18th in the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings.
4. Which English player has risen to the second spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings? Answer: Ben Stokes, the current England captain, has risen to the second spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings.
5. What is Suryakumar Yadav's current ranking in the ICC T20I batting rankings? Answer: Suryakumar Yadav is currently ranked second in the ICC T20I batting rankings.
Former Indian cricketer and chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, spoke at the NDTV World Summit about his experience in different cricketing roles. He said that his current job as a chief selector is the toughest because of the pressure to make decisions that can make or break players' careers. This is especially difficult in a country like India, where there is a plethora of talented players. Agarkar also shared that his playing days gave him the greatest satisfaction.
In a recent interview, chief selector Agarkar discussed the future of star duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the 2027 ODI World Cup approaches. While they are set to return to the team for the upcoming series against Australia, Agarkar hinted at the possibility of newer, younger players joining the squad as well. However, he also emphasized the past achievements and contributions of Rohit and Kohli to the team and assured that they will not be judged harshly based on their performance in the upcoming matches. Ultimately, the team combination and management's decision will play a crucial role in determining the veteran duo's involvement in the mega event.
After remaining tight-lipped on the matter, the Chief Selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Ajit Agarkar, has finally addressed the question on everyone's mind - Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma be part of India's ODI World Cup squad in 2027? Agarkar stated that it is difficult to say what the future holds for the two star players and that they will not be judged on every series they play. He also emphasized on the importance of respecting legacy players like Kohli and Rohit.
Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharma made history by clinching a medal for India at the BWF World Junior Championships. Facing tough competition, Tanvi came back from losing the first game and won the next two, securing a spot in the semifinals. Celebrations broke out, with Tanvi's reaction and junior women's coach Park Tae-sang's elation going viral on social media. This accomplishment marks the first time an Indian woman has won a World Junior medal since Saina Nehwal's triumph in 2008.
Young Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharma secured a medal for India at the BWF World Junior Championships after defeating Japan's Saki Matsumoto in a thrilling quarterfinal match. Despite a shaky start, Tanvi showed her grit and tactical maturity to make a stunning comeback and secure her spot in the semifinals. While Tanvi celebrated her victory, India's young mixed doubles pair Unnati Hooda and Tanish Sharma fell short in the quarterfinals, losing to Thailand's Anyapat Phichitphon and ending their bid for a medal.
In a thrilling Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match between Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, MP captain Rajat Patidar hit a massive milestone by scoring his first ever First Class double hundred. In a spectacular display of skill and determination, Patidar reached the landmark figure off the 328th ball of his innings, beating his previous best First Class score of 196. This victory further solidifies Patidar's new role as MP's all-format skipper, cementing him as one of the top players to watch out for in the upcoming cricket season.
Following the departures of several top members of their backroom staff, including head coach Chandrakant Pandit, the Kolkata Knight Riders seem to be on the lookout for a new coach. Fans are speculating that legendary spinner and former India captain Anil Kumble, who has a wealth of coaching experience both internationally and in the IPL, could be the one to take over the reins. With a record-breaking career as a player and a proven track record as a mentor, Kumble could be just the person to lead the underperforming KKR to glory in the upcoming season.
Australia's all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the upcoming three-ODI series against India due to 'side soreness'. This has raised concerns about his fitness for the 2025 Ashes, as his all-round abilities are crucial for the team. The board has called up Marnus Labuschagne as a replacement and expects Green to be available for the third round of Sheffield Shield. This move shows Australia's complete priority towards the Ashes, with first-choice wicketkeeper Alex Carey also missing the first ODI for his Ashes preparation.
Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble celebrates his birthday. He holds the record for most Test wickets by an Indian and is also the leading wicket-taker for India in ODIs. Kumble was the second player in history to take all ten wickets in a Test match innings and later went on to coach the Indian team to numerous victories. He was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Australian Cricket Team has suffered a major blow as all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against the Indian Cricket Team due to an injury. In his place, Marnus Labuschagne has been added to the squad, after initially being overlooked for poor performance in the previous series. This is the third change in Australia's ODI squad, with two previous players opting out. Green will undergo rehabilitation and is expected to return for the Ashes series in 2025-26.