Dubai: Cheteshwar Pujara, the player of the series, a tally of 521 runs in the four Tests in Australia, his best-ever returns on an overseas tour, has vaulted him to third spot in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen. His runs were crucial in India's historic 2-1 series win that extended their run at the top of the team standings, while Australia remained fifth despite losing a point.
The 30-year-old, who ended as the top run-scorer in the recently concluded four-match Test series against Australia, continued to rise. He only behind Kohli and Williamson. Kohli (922) and Williamson (897) lead the show.
In the latest ICC Test rankings for batsmen, India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant made a huge stride as he entered top 20 for the first time in his career. Before the Test series against Australia, Pant was ranked at 59th place. And now the young wicketkeeper-batsman finds himself at the 17th spot.
Pant attains better ranking than MS Dhoni, equals with Farokh Engineer as the highest ranked Indian wicketkeeper ever. Rishabh Pant ended the series against Australia as the second highest run-scorer behind Pujara. The 21-year-old scored a superb 159* in the Sydney Test. His 673 rating points is the best by and Indian keeper ever.
Jasprit Bumrah maintained his 16th position in the rankings for bowlers. His pace partner Mohammed Shami gained one place to take the 22nd slot. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav gained seven slots and is now ranked 45th. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja rose one place to reach fifth among bowlers.
The left-arm spinner is also second among all-rounders. He leap frogged Windies captain Jason Holder in the all-rounders list.
South African veteran fast bowler Vernon Philander managed to gain one slot to reach third position in the rankings. Rising Proteas bowler Duanne Olivier has continued his surge ahead. He moved up to 32nd place from 36th.
Kagiso Rabada leads the proceedings in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers (893 points).
Meanwhile, batsman Aiden Markram moved back into the top 10.