DUBAI: Hardik Pandya has made cricket history by becoming the first Indian to be ranked No. 1 in the ICC T20I all-rounder list.
The dynamic cricketer’s brilliant performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup has elevated him to the top and he is now tied for the top spot with Sri Lankan sensation Wanindu Hasaranga.
Pandya’s all-round brilliance was showcased in the T20 World Cup and eventually won the match against South Africa. Goals from Indian forwards Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller secured a crucial goal in India’s favour.
He scored 144 runs in over 150 innings along with 11 wickets, so his impressive contribution in the tournament is an invaluable contribution to the tournament.
The final, played on July 29, showed Pandya running under immense pressure. With South Africa needing 30 runs from 30 balls, Pandya’s dismissal of Klaasen was the reason India won the title. Saving 16 runs in the last over, Pandya held his nerve to seal a thrilling seven-run victory for India.
India’s victory in the World Cup also led to a major movement in the ICC rankings. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was named player of the tournament with 15 wickets, finished 12th and entered the top ten, his highest level since 2020. Kuldeep Adadav reached the top ten, taking three places together in eighth place. , while Arshdeep Singh reached a career-best 13th.
South African Henrik Northje has moved up seven places to become second behind Adil Rashid in the T20I bowling rankings. Meanwhile, in the overall rankings, Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan and Liam Livingstone rose one position each while Mohammad Nabi dropped four places to join the top five.
After a tough IPL season as the new captain of Mumbai Indians, Pandya’s rise on the international stage has been nothing short of spectacular. From being targeted by fans, India’s journey to winning the World Cup showed resilience and brilliance.
