ICC Test Rankings: Cricket fans witnessed a major shift in the ICC Test Rankings this week, with some big names tumbling and new stars rising to the occasion. For the first time in six years, India skipper Rohit Sharma has fallen out of the top 30 Test batters, signaling a tough period for the “Hitman” in red ball cricket. Meanwhile, England’s young sensation Harry Brook has displaced Joe Root to claim the No. 1 spot in the rankings, thanks to his stellar performances against New Zealand.
ICC Test Rankings: ICC Test Rankings Shake Up, Rohit Sharma Drops Out of Top 30, Harry Brook Crowned No 1
Rohit Sharma’s Six Year Streak Ends
Rohit Sharma, who has been a mainstay in the ICC Test rankings, has slipped to the 31st position, marking the first time since 2017 that he finds himself outside the top 30. The Indian captain has struggled for form in the latter half of 2024, managing just 152 runs in 12 innings at an average of 11.83. His performance in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy has been underwhelming, with single digit scores of 3 and 6 in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide.
Rohit’s dip in form is a concern for Team India, especially with the crucial third Test at the Gabba looming large. He isn’t the only Indian star facing ranking challenges, though.
Virat Kohli Also Slips
Former India captain Virat Kohli has also seen a slide in the rankings, dropping six places to the 20th position. Kohli scored just 7 and 11 in the second Test, unable to carry forward the momentum from his century in the first match in Perth.
Among Indian batters, Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to shine at the 4th position, while Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill occupy the 9th and 17th spots, respectively. Here’s how the top Indian batters currently rank:
| Ranking | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 04 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | 811 |
| 09 | Rishabh Pant | 724 |
| 17 | Shubman Gill | 672 |
| 20 | Virat Kohli | 661 |
| 31 | Rohit Sharma | 595 |
Harry Brook Takes the Throne
While Indian batters have been struggling, Harry Brook has taken the cricketing world by storm. The 25 year old England batter has ascended to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test Rankings, dethroning his compatriot Joe Root.
Brook’s extraordinary form was on full display in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand, where he scored 349 runs in three innings at an average of 116.33. His scores of 171, 123, and 55 not only helped England secure a series victory but also solidified his position as the world’s premier Test batter.
Brook’s rise to the top reflects a generational shift in England’s batting lineup, as he succeeds Joe Root, who had earlier replaced Kane Williamson in July 2024.
Upcoming Challenges for Rohit and Kohli
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be looking to bounce back when India faces Australia in the third Test at the Gabba, starting December 14. With the Border Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1, this match is pivotal for both sides. For Rohit and Kohli, it’s also an opportunity to regain form and arrest their slide in the rankings.
Meanwhile, Harry Brook will aim to continue his hot streak when England takes on New Zealand in the third and final Test of their series in Hamilton, beginning December 15.
The latest ICC Test Rankings highlight a period of transition in Test cricket. With Harry Brook leading the charge for the younger generation and veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggling, the rankings reflect a shift in the balance of power.
