On the eve of the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup, South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has clinched the top spot in the ICC men’s ODI rankings, surpassing Mohammed Siraj. This achievement marks Maharaj’s ascent to the No.1 ranking in ODIs for the second time in his career, a testament to his consistent performance and skill.
Maharaj’s journey in the World Cup has been remarkable, with 14 wickets at an average of 24.71. His best figures of 4-46, achieved against New Zealand at the start of the month, initially propelled him to the top spot. However, this position was short-lived, as he was soon overtaken by India’s quick bowler Siraj. Despite this, Maharaj’s impressive performance, including his economy rate of 4.37 runs per over, has been pivotal in his rise back to the top.
Currently, Maharaj boasts 726 rating points, the highest in his career, gaining a significant 32 points after his 2-25 performance against Afghanistan. This surge in points enabled him to edge past Siraj, who stands at 723 points, gaining 14 points for his 2-29 against the Netherlands.
The top five in the ODI bowling charts feature two other Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah has made a notable entry into the top four for the first time since July 2022. Returning from a back injury that sidelined him for nearly a year, Bumrah’s comeback in the World Cup has been remarkable. Kuldeep Yadav holds the No.5 position, underlining India’s strong bowling presence in the rankings.
In the batting rankings, Shubman Gill continues to lead, having dethroned Babar Azam last week. Azam’s performance in the World Cup has been less impactful, allowing Gill to take the top spot. The batting list also includes notable names such as Quinton de Kock, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner, each showcasing their prowess in the ODI format.
The ICC ODI rankings also highlight the top all-rounders, with Shakib Al Hasan leading the chart. He is followed by Mohammad Nabi and Sikandar Raza, among others, illustrating the diverse talent in the world of cricket.
As the World Cup progresses, these rankings reflect the dynamic nature of the sport, with players constantly striving to improve and excel in the international arena.
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