Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Big gains for Indian and Pakistan players ahead of T20 World Cup, several changes in top rankings
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest Men’s T20I rankings just ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, and the update has brought several significant changes across batting, bowling, and all-rounder categories. Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been one of the biggest movers, jumping an impressive 32 places in the batter rankings following a strong comeback series against New Zealand.
Kishan delivered an outstanding performance in the three-match series, scoring 207 runs, including his maiden T20I century. As a result, the left-hander has climbed to 32nd position in the ICC T20I batter rankings, giving India a timely boost before the global tournament begins on February 7.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has also made progress, moving up to sixth place after overtaking Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan. Meanwhile, young opener Abhishek Sharma continues to dominate at the top of the T20I batter rankings, maintaining his No. 1 position with consistent performances.
On the Pakistan front, opener Saim Ayub has achieved a major milestone by becoming the new No. 1 all-rounder in T20Is. Ayub played a key role in Pakistan’s 3-0 series win over Australia, scoring 119 runs and picking up three wickets. His all-round effort helped him displace Sikandar Raza from the top spot.
Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has also enjoyed a significant rise, moving up to second place in the bowlers’ rankings. He is now just 28 rating points behind India’s Varun Chakravarthy, who currently holds the top position. All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz climbed eight spots to seventh in the bowlers’ list after claiming a five-wicket haul in the same series.
Among other notable movements, England’s Jos Buttler rose to third place in the batting rankings, Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka moved up to fifth, and New Zealand’s Tim Seifert advanced to ninth. South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton jumped 42 places to 40th, while Quinton de Kock and Australia’s Cameron Green also registered solid gains, adding more excitement ahead of the T20 World Cup.