Hardik Pandya etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the No.1 spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings.
The dynamic cricketer's stellar performances in the recently concluded T20 World Cup propelled him to the summit, where he now shares the top spot with Sri Lankan sensation Wanindu Hasaranga.
Pandya's all-round brilliance was on full display during the T20 World Cup, culminating in a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa. The Indian all-rounder claimed crucial wickets, including those of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, turning the tide in favor of India.
His impactful cameos with the bat, amassing 144 runs at a strike rate of over 150, coupled with his 11 wickets, underscored his invaluable contributions throughout the tournament.
The final, played on July 29, saw Pandya delivering under immense pressure. With South Africa needing 30 runs from 30 balls, Pandya's dismissal of Klaasen triggered a collapse that saw India clinch the title. Defending 16 runs in the final over, Pandya held his nerve to secure a thrilling seven-run victory for India.
Rising stars and shifting ranks
India's triumph in the World Cup also spurred significant movements in the ICC rankings. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament for his 15 wickets, surged 12 places to just outside the top ten, marking his highest ranking since 2020. Kuldeep Yadav broke into the top ten, moving up three spots to joint-eighth, while Arshdeep Singh climbed to a career-best No.13.
South Africa's Anrich Nortje made a notable leap in the T20I bowling rankings, ascending seven places to secure the second spot, just behind Adil Rashid. Meanwhile, in the all-rounder rankings, Marcus Stoinis, Sikandar Raza, Shakib Al Hasan, and Liam Livingstone each moved up one position, as Mohammad Nabi dropped four spots to exit the top five.
Following a challenging IPL season as Mumbai Indians' new captain, Pandya's resurgence on the international stage has been nothing short of remarkable. His journey from being targeted by fans' boos to leading India to a World Cup victory epitomizes resilience and excellence.
