Dubai: India spinner Varun Chakravarthy has reached new heights in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowler Rankings, extending his lead at the top with a career-best rating of 818 points.
The right-arm mystery spinner achieved the milestone following another consistent performance in India’s ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa, where he has delivered three consecutive two-wicket spells.
Career-Best Rating After Match-Winning Spell
Chakravarthy has collected six wickets in the first three matches of the series. His latest spell of 2/11 from four overs in Dharamsala played a decisive role in India’s seven-wicket victory, underlining his growing influence in the shortest format.
With 818 rating points, Chakravarthy now enjoys a 119-point lead over second-placed Jacob Duffy of New Zealand (699). The 34-year-old has also moved into the top 10 all-time highest-rated T20I bowlers, placing him among the elite names in the format’s history.
Highest Ratings – Men’s T20I Bowlers (All-Time)
- Umar Gul (Pakistan) – 865
- Samuel Badree (West Indies) – 864
- Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 858
- Sunil Narine (West Indies) – 832
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 828
- Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa) – 827
- Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 822
- Varun Chakravarthy (India) – 818
- Shadab Khan (Pakistan) – 811
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 809
Boost for India Ahead of T20 World Cup Title Defence
Chakravarthy’s rise comes at a crucial time, with India less than two months away from defending their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, won in Barbados last year. The spinner is expected to play a major role as India aim for back-to-back world titles.
India also received further encouragement in the bowling rankings, with Arshdeep Singh climbing four spots to 16th after earning Player of the Match honours in the third T20I. South Africa saw positive movement as well, with Marco Jansen jumping 14 places to 25th, Lungi Ngidi rising to 44th, and Ottneil Baartman entering the top 100 at 68th.
Indian Batters Shine in Rankings Update
India now boast two batters inside the top five of the T20I batting rankings. Tilak Varma climbed two spots to fourth following a string of solid innings, while Abhishek Sharma retained his position at the top of the list.
South Africa’s Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock also made notable gains, moving to 29th and 43rd respectively.
All-Rounders and Test Rankings Also See Movement
Pakistan’s Saim Ayub continues to lead the T20I all-rounder rankings, despite not featuring in recent matches. India’s Shivam Dube was the biggest mover, rising two places to 16th.
Meanwhile, the updated Test rankings following the second Test between New Zealand and West Indies saw Devon Conway move up seven spots to 34th among batters, while Jacob Duffy climbed 15 places to 48th in the bowlers’ list.
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc reached a career-best second place in the Test bowling rankings, while West Indies all-rounders Roston Chase and Justin Greaves also made modest gains.
