New Delhi: Indian cricket fans have reason to celebrate as fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has reclaimed the top spot in the ODI bowler rankings just ahead of the ICC World Cup. Siraj’s remarkable ascent up the rankings comes on the back of a stellar performance in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, where he delivered a stunning spell, claiming figures of 6/21 and dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order, which was bowled out for a mere 50 runs.
Siraj’s exceptional showing not only propelled him to the number one position but also showcased his form and potential as a vital asset for the Indian cricket team. He had briefly lost the top spot in March this year but has now surpassed star bowlers like Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, and Mitchell Starc. His resurgence at the summit of the rankings is a significant boost for India as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
In recent months, Siraj’s consistency and match-winning performances have earned him the first-choice role in the playing XI, often preferred over seasoned bowlers like Mohammed Shami, who spent much of the Asia Cup on the sidelines.
Joining Siraj in the top echelons of the ODI bowler rankings are Afghanistan’s spin duo, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan. Mujeeb Ur Rahman secured the fourth spot, while Rashid Khan is placed fifth. Their rankings reflect their crucial roles in Afghanistan’s success in limited-overs cricket, and they are expected to play pivotal roles in their team’s World Cup campaign.
Outside the top 10, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj exhibited remarkable improvement in the rankings. Maharaj’s splendid performance in the recent ODI series against Australia, where he captured eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.87 and an economy rate of just 4.07 per over, propelled him ten places up the rankings to the 15th position, marking a career-high achievement.
In the ODI batting rankings, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen secured a place in the top 10, ranking ninth. Klaasen’s remarkable innings against Australia in the fourth ODI, where he amassed 174 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 209.64, catapulted him into the elite group of batsmen.
Another notable addition to the rankings is England’s Ben Stokes, who made a sensational comeback to ODI cricket with a breathtaking knock of 182 at the Oval. His remarkable performance earned him 36th place in the rankings, signalling his potential impact in the upcoming World Cup.
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