The ICC has released the latest T20 rankings following the recently concluded T20 series between India and South Africa. India’s rising star Tilak Varma has climbed an impressive 69 spots to reach third place after scoring consecutive centuries. This marks the first time Tilak has made it into the top 10 of the T20 batters’ rankings. Meanwhile, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has surpassed England’s Liam Livingstone to become the world’s No. 1 T20 all-rounder.
Hardik’s All-Round Brilliance Against South Africa
Hardik Pandya delivered strong performances with both bat and ball during India’s recent series in South Africa. Along with Livingstone, Hardik also overtook Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee. The 31-year-old played a pivotal role in the series, including an unbeaten 39-run knock in the second match and taking a wicket for just 8 runs in the fourth and deciding game. Thanks to his contributions, India secured the series 3-1. This is the second time Hardik has claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20 all-rounder rankings. Australia’s Marcus Stoinis and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga currently rank fourth and fifth, respectively.
Tilak Varma’s Spectacular Rise
Tilak Varma, named Player of the Series against South Africa, benefited immensely from his back-to-back centuries. He was the top scorer of the series with 280 runs and has jumped an astonishing 69 places in the rankings. Currently, Tilak is India’s highest-ranked T20 batter, sitting behind Australia’s Travis Head (1st) and England’s Phil Salt (2nd). Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has dropped one spot to fourth place.
Sanju Samson Makes Significant Gains
Sanju Samson, who also scored two centuries in the series against South Africa, climbed 17 spots to 22nd in the T20 batters’ rankings. South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs moved up three spots to 23rd, while Heinrich Klaasen climbed six places to 59th. Other notable risers include Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who is now joint 12th, and West Indies’ Shai Hope, who moved up 16 places to 21st.
Arshdeep Singh Rises in Bowlers’ Rankings
India’s pacer Arshdeep Singh achieved his career-best T20 ranking, climbing three spots to ninth. Among other bowlers, Australia’s Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis saw the biggest gains, with Marcus Stoinis also climbing 10 places to reach 45th after his half-century against Pakistan.