ICC T20I Rankings: Top-ranked bowler Varun Chakravarthy achieves career-high rating
What's the story
Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy has added another feather to his cap. The star mystery spinner consolidated his top spot in the ICC T20I Bowling Rankings with a career-high rating of 818 points. According to the ICC, Chakravarthy now has the eighth-best all-time rating among T20I bowlers. The achievement comes after his stellar performance in India's ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa at home.
Series impact
Consistent performance boosts India's series lead
Chakravarthy's stellar performance has been instrumental in India taking the lead in the five-match T20I series against South Africa. He took six wickets in the first three matches, including an incredible spell of 2/11 from four overs in Dharamsala. His efforts helped India secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over South Africa. During the match, Chakravarthy also completed 50 wickets in T20I cricket.
Rankings update
Chakravarthy's lead in T20I rankings
With his new rating of 818 points, Chakravarthy now has a massive 119-point lead over second-placed Jacob Duffy of New Zealand (699). The 34-year-old has also entered the top 10 for the best-ever rating in men's T20I cricket. This is a huge achievement and bodes well for India as they prepare to defend their ICC T20 World Cup title.
Information
Highest-ever rating (T20I bowlers)
Highest-ever rating (T20I bowlers) - Umar Gul: 865, Samuel Badree: 864, Daniel Vettori: 858, Sunil Narine: 832, Rashid Khan: 828, Tabraiz Shamsi: 827, Shahid Afridi: 822, Varun Chakravarthy: 818, Shadab Khan: 811, and Wanindu Hasaranga: 809.
Player progress
Other Indian players make strides in T20I rankings
Along with Chakravarthy, other Indian players have also made significant strides in the T20I rankings. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has moved to 16th overall on the list of T20I bowlers after his stellar performance against South Africa. India now has two players in the top five of the T20I batter rankings, with Tilak Varma moving up to fourth place after faring well against South Africa. Abhishek Sharma tops this list.