The New No 1 T20I Bowler – Ravi Bishnoi
Following his incredible performance in the just finished T20I series against Australia, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has risen to the top of the ICC T20I rankings as the bowler of choice. Bishnoi becomes the latest member of an exclusive group of Indian bowlers, which includes Jasprit Bumrah, who is ranked #1 in Men’s T20I bowling.
In Men’s T20I Cricket, India leads the world in both batting and bowling rankings as Ravi Bishnoi joins Suryakumar Yadav. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan was displaced as the number one player by Ravi Bishnoi. The Lucknow Super Giants player, who was ranked No. 5 the previous week, has risen five ranks to overtake the spin sensation from Afghanistan.
After succeeding in his first task as the T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav is still at first in the batting rankings. In the T20I series, a youthful Indian team led by Suryakumar defeated Australia 4-1.
When he was ranked No. 5 last week, Ravi Bishnoi had 664 points; however, after his heroics against Australia, he gained 34 extra points. With 699 points, Bishnoi surpasses Rashid Khan, who had been in first place since March 2023, by 7.
With 9 wickets in just 5 matches, Ravi Bishnoi was the most prolific wicket-taker in the Twenty20 International series against Australia. Considering that Bishnoi only made his T20I debut in February 2022, this is an incredible accomplishment. He has taken 34 wickets in 21 games that he has participated in.
Ravi Bishnoi has raised his hand and reminded the selectors that he is a serious contender for the 2024 T20 World Cup based on his previous performances. Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are just a few of the fierce competitors Bishnoi must contend with for the coveted spinners’ positions.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, meanwhile, held onto his seventh place ranking in the ICC Batting Order. Gaikwad finished the just concluded T20I series with 223 runs in 5 matches. In the third Twenty20 International in Guwahati, he scored a century, but a Glenn Maxwell special made it all for naught.
Rise to the Top
In the ICC T20I All-rounders rating, Hardik Pandya, who captained India in 11 Twenty20 Internationals in 2023, is still ranked third. Since sustaining an ankle injury during the World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh, he has not been able to play.
Bishnoi’s ascent to the pinnacle of T20I bowling rankings is a testament to his exceptional skills and consistent performances. Prior to the latest update by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Bishnoi was ranked fifth with 665 rating points. However, his scintillating displays against Australia catapulted him to the top spot with an impressive 699 rating points. This remarkable leap signifies his rapid progress in the world of cricket.
Impactful Performances
Bishnoi’s rise to the No.1 position can be attributed to his exceptional performances during the T20I series against Australia. Throughout the series, he displayed remarkable control, accuracy, and variation, leaving the opposition batsmen struggling to score runs. Bishnoi emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series, claiming a total of nine wickets in just five matches. His ability to consistently take wickets and restrict the opposition’s scoring rate made him a formidable force in the Indian bowling attack.
The X Factor
Bishnoi’s success can be attributed to his unique bowling style and the impact he brings to the Indian team. With his impressive pace and deceptive googlies, he has emerged as the “X factor” of India’s T20I bowling attack. His deliveries not only trouble the batsmen but also have the potential to cause significant damage to the opposition’s batting lineup. Bishnoi’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances makes him a valuable asset for the Indian team.
Indian Dominance
With Bishnoi’s ascent to the top spot, India now boasts the top-ranked batsman and bowler in T20I cricket. Suryakumar Yadav, the talented Indian batsman, has held the No.1 spot in the batting rankings for over a year. This dual dominance in both batting and bowling exemplifies India’s strength and depth in T20I cricket.
Competition and Future Prospects
While Bishnoi’s achievement is commendable, he faces stiff competition from other talented spinners within the Indian team. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, both exceptional spinners in their own right, pose a challenge to Bishnoi’s position in the squad. As India looks ahead to the 2024 T20 World Cup, Bishnoi’s performances will be closely scrutinized, and he will have to maintain consistency to secure his place in the team.
Conclusion
Ravi Bishnoi’s rise to the top of the T20I bowling rankings is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. His performances against Australia showcased his ability to dominate and control the game with his precise bowling. As India continues to assert its dominance in T20I cricket, Bishnoi’s contribution as the No.1 bowler will be crucial. With his unique skill set and the potential to become a game-changer, Bishnoi is undoubtedly a key asset for the Indian team.
