In a stunning rise to the top, 23-year-old Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi has claimed the coveted position of the number one T20I bowler in the ICC rankings. This remarkable achievement follows his exceptional performance against Australia, where Bishnoi snatched nine wickets in five games, boasting an impressive average of 18.22. Bishnoi's stellar display has earned him 699 points, dethroning Rashid Khan and securing his spot as the best in the business.
Previously occupying the seventh position, Bishnoi's fortunes took a dramatic turn after his stellar outing against Australia. With bowling figures like 3/32, 2/32, 2/29, 1/17, and 1/54, Bishnoi displayed a champion's form, catapulting him to the summit of T20I bowling rankings. This ascent traces back to his standout performance in the Under-19 World Cup in 2022, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker, contributing significantly to India's victory.
Bishnoi continued his success streak in the Asia Cup later that year, making headlines by dismissing former Pakistan captain Babar Azam. In just 21 ODIs, Bishnoi claimed an impressive 34 wickets at an average of 17.38, with a notable best of 4/16 against the West Indies.
Timing played a crucial role in Bishnoi's ascent to the top, aligning perfectly with the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Yuzvendra Chahal absent from the T20I squad and the team management scouting for young talent for the West Indies and USA World Cup campaign, Bishnoi emerges as a compelling choice.
Adding to India's cricketing prowess, spinner Axar Patel has climbed to the 18th spot in the rankings, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya maintains his third position despite not playing a T20I since August. Suryakumar Yadav stands tall as the best T20I batter, contributing to India's formidable lineup.
As Bishnoi's success story unfolds, anticipation builds among cricket enthusiasts to witness his prowess at the T20 World Cup. Could he be India's go-to spinner, etching another remarkable chapter in his cricketing journey? Only time will tell as the young spinner aims to leave an indelible mark on the world stage.
Picture Credit - Hindustan Times
Khushpreet Kaur
Content Writer