ICC Rankings: Gujarat Titans's star takes rapid strides in latest T20 ranking update

Afghanistan star Rashid Khan has gained big in the latest ICC rankings for T20I bowlers, released by the governing body on Wednesday (March 20). The leg-spinner recently returned to action in the three-match series against Ireland.

He was sidelined since November last year due to a back injury and hit the ground running on his return. In his comeback game, he picked up three wickets for just 19 runs before taking four wickets for only 14 runs in the second game.

While Ireland won the first game, Rashid Khan’s spell helped Afghanistan win the second game and draw level in the series. In the third game, he picked up 1 wicket while conceding only 12 runs in his fours. He was also adjudged the Player of the Series as Afghanistan registered a 2-1 series win.

Eight wickets in three games has now helped him re-enter the top ten of ICC Rankings. The leg-spinner jumped up four places to equal ninth on the ICC Rankings. With form on his side, Rashid will be looking to do well in this year’s T20 World Cup as well and reclaim the top spot.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in June this year. Before playing in the T20 World Cup, Rashid will be plying his trade for Gujarat Titans in the upcoming IPL 2024.

Rashid Khan rises through the ICC Rankings:

Among others, Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has moved up two places to 55th after taking three wickets against Ireland. On the other hand, Ireland’s Josh Little (up seven spots to 39th), Mark Adair (up two places to 56th) and Barry McCarthy (up 15 spots to 77th) have also moved up in the ICC Rankings.

At present, England spinner Adil Rashid is leading the ICC Rankings for T20I bowlers. Among batters, India star Suryakumar Yadav is at the top while Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan is the top-ranked allrounder. Afghanistan’s veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi has re-entered the top 50 of rankings for batters after scoring 90 runs against Ireland. Among allrounders, Ireland’s Gareth Delany has moved up four places to 18th after scoring 76 runs and taking one wicket in the series.