Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s T20I all-rounder rankings following his outstanding performances during India’s recent T20I series against South Africa.
This achievement marks the second time Pandya has held this prestigious ranking, having first reached the top after his impressive showing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Stellar Performances Against South Africa
Pandya’s ranking was boosted after a successful 3-1 series victory over South Africa, where he played a pivotal role with both bat and ball.
In the second match of the series, he scored an unbeaten 39 runs, helping stabilize India’s innings.
His bowling was equally impressive, particularly in the decisive fourth match, where he delivered a brilliant spell of 1/8 in three overs, showcasing his ability to control the game during critical moments.
These performances not only contributed significantly to India’s success but also underscored Pandya’s importance as a key player in the T20 format.
His all-round capabilities make him a valuable asset to the Indian team, capable of changing the course of a match with both bat and ball.
ICC T20I Rankings Update
With this latest achievement, Pandya has surpassed England’s Liam Livingstone and Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee, who previously held the top spots.
The updated rankings reflect Pandya’s strong form and consistent contributions, which have earned him a rating of 244 points, placing him firmly at the summit of T20I all-rounders.
In addition to Pandya’s success, young Indian batter Tilak Varma has made headlines by climbing an astonishing 69 places to secure the No. 3 position among T20I batters.
Varma’s remarkable performance in the series, where he scored 280 runs including two centuries, earned him the Player of the Series award and established him as India’s highest-rated batter in T20Is.
ICC T20I Rankings 2024: Other Notable Movements
The rankings update also saw significant movements among other players. Sanju Samson climbed 17 spots to reach 22nd place after also showcasing his batting prowess during the series.
Meanwhile, Indian seamer Arshdeep Singh made strides in the bowling rankings, moving up three places to secure a career-high ranking of ninth, thanks to his effective performances against South Africa.
