Varun Chakaravarthy has become the third Indian to reach the top of the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings. He achieved this after strong and economical bowling in India’s first two matches of the Asia Cup in the UAE.
The 34-year-old joined Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi in reaching No.1. He moved up three spots after taking 1 wicket for 4 runs in 2 overs against the UAE, and 1 wicket for 24 runs in 4 overs against Pakistan. Chakaravarthy, who had previously reached a career-best second place in February 2025, overtook New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, who had led the rankings since March.
Several players in the ongoing continental tournament have also improved their rankings. Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Nuwan Thushara climbed six spots to sixth place, while several spinners gained positions in the latest weekly ICC update.
From Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem rose four places to 11th, and Abrar Ahmed jumped 11 spots to a career-best 16th. India’s Axar Patel moved up one place to 12th, and Kuldeep Yadav surged 16 positions to 23rd. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed also improved, rising eight places to 25th.
Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah (moved up to 40th) and Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan (up to 42nd) improved their rankings after strong performances in the Asia Cup. England’s Joffra Archer (up to 13th) and South Africa’s left-arm bowler Marco Jansen (up to 38th) also climbed the ICC T20I bowling rankings.
In the batting rankings, India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma remains at the top. His quick innings of 30 runs off 16 balls against the UAE and 31 off 13 against Pakistan helped him gain 55 rating points, reaching a total of 884.
England’s opening duo, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, also moved up one spot each to second and third place after their excellent performances in the second T20I against South Africa in Manchester.
Salt scored an unbeaten 141 off 60 balls, the highest and fastest T20I century by an England player, bringing him closer to his career-best No. 1 spot. Buttler also impressed with 83 off 30 balls, earning a career-high 794 rating points and entering the top three for the first time.
Other batters who moved up the rankings include Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (up to 6th), South Africa’s Dewald Brevis (up to 11th), Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz (up to 19th), UAE’s Mohammad Waseem (up to 20th), South Africa’s Aiden Markram (up 10 places to 30th), India’s Shubman Gill (up 4 places to 39th), and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (up 18 places to 55th).
FAQ
Who is Varun Chakaravarthy?
Varun Chakaravarthy is an Indian spin bowler known for his mystery spin in T20 cricket.
What achievement has Chakaravarthy reached?
He has become the No. 1 ranked bowler in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings.
How did he achieve this ranking?
His consistent performances and wicket-taking abilities in recent T20I matches helped him reach the top spot.
Who held the No.1 T20I bowling spot before him?
The previous top-ranked bowler was another leading spinner or pacer in T20Is, depending on the latest ICC rankings.
Is this his first time at No.1?
Yes, this marks Chakaravarthy’s first appearance at the No. 1 position in T20I bowling rankings.
