On Wednesday, December 25, the ICC released its weekly rankings, highlighting significant updates in both the bowling and batting categories. In a historic achievement, Jasprit Bumrah has strengthened his position as the World No. 1 Test bowler, amassing 904 rating points. This marks a major milestone for Bumrah, who has claimed the most wickets in 2024 (62). His rating of 904 is the joint-highest by an Indian bowler in Test history, matching Ravichandran Ashwin’s 904 rating from December 2016. Bumrah’s standout performance in the rain-affected Gabba Test, where he claimed nine wickets, further cements his place at the top.
The list of highest ICC rating points for Indian Test bowlers now includes Bumrah and Ashwin, both with 904 points, followed by Ravindra Jadeja at 899, Kapil Dev at 877, and Anil Kumble at 859.
In the batting rankings, Joe Root remains the No. 1 batter, while Travis Head has climbed one spot to 4th, overtaking Yashasvi Jaiswal, who drops to 5th. Rishabh Pant’s form has dipped, and he now ranks 12th, while Steve Smith has moved up to 11th. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s struggles continue as he drops to 21st with a rating of 646, a significant fall from his peak of 937 in 2018. Kohli will be eager to regain his form and return to the top ranks in Test cricket, a challenge he has faced throughout 2024.
