Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has once again proven his mettle by clinching the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings. His impressive six-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Kanpur catapulted him past teammate and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to reclaim the coveted No.1 position.
The fiery pacer now leads the rankings by a narrow margin, edging Ashwin by a single rating point. Bumrah’s elevation in the rankings exemplifies his ability to dominate even on subcontinental pitches where spin traditionally rules.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Historic Rise in Test Rankings
This milestone for Bumrah arrives amidst calls from former cricketers for the pacer to be rested ahead of India’s third Test against New Zealand, as concerns about his workload have grown. With an arduous Test series schedule, former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik suggested a well-earned break for Bumrah, possibly giving Mohammed Siraj the chance to showcase his skills in the upcoming match.
Virat Kohli Re-enters the Top 10 Test Batters
In addition to Bumrah’s achievements, the Indian squad celebrated another success, as Virat Kohli stormed back into the top 10 Test batters’ rankings. Following a string of impressive performances in the reently concluded Bangaldesh Test series, Kohli advanced six spots, securing the sixth position. His resurgence in form highlights his enduring relevance and adaptability in the longest format of the game. Kohli’s jump in rankings accompanies that of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who also moved up, claiming the third spot and further strengthening India’s batting prowess on the international stage.
Rishabh Pant, however, slipped three places in the rankings, now positioned at ninth. This reshuffle in batting rankings underscores the high stakes and intense competition among India’s leading batsmen. As the team gears up for its next Test, fans are optimistic about Kohli’s upward trajectory, hoping it will bolster India’s performance in the remainder of the series.
Dinesh Karthik’s Call to Rest Bumrah for Third Test
Jasprit Bumrah’s incredible consistency has been instrumental for India’s bowling unit. Yet, the physically demanding schedule has led to discussions around workload management, especially considering Bumrah’s pivotal role across all formats. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik openly voiced his thoughts on Cricbuzz, advocating for Bumrah’s rest in the upcoming Test against New Zealand. Karthik suggested Mohammed Siraj as a suitable replacement, emphasizing that preserving Bumrah’s energy is vital as India gears up for future high-profile tournaments, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the World Test Championship (WTC).
Karthik’s concerns resonate with the larger cricketing fraternity, who recognize the value of Bumrah’s contributions and the necessity of preserving his peak form for more challenging international assignments. Karthik mentioned, “Jasprit Bumrah definitely needs a rest without a doubt… you will see Mohammed Siraj come in,” reflecting the general sentiment regarding the team’s approach to a long cricketing season.
Glenn Maxwell’s Praise for Bumrah: “The Best All-Format Bowler of All Time”
Bumrah’s recent ascent to the No.1 Test ranking has drawn admiration from around the cricketing world, with Australia’s Glenn Maxwell adding his voice to the growing acclaim. Maxwell, in a recent interview, praised Bumrah as potentially the best all-format bowler of all time. Highlighting Bumrah’s mastery over swing, line, and length, Maxwell emphasized the unorthodox bowler’s skill in exploiting any pitch conditions, even those typically unsupportive of pace bowling.
Maxwell’s praise comes on the heels of Bumrah’s outstanding performances in various formats, from Tests to limited-overs cricket. Named Player of the Tournament in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Bumrah’s proficiency in the death overs has proven invaluable. His ability to maintain pressure on batters with a deadly mix of pace and precision underlines why Maxwell and others in the cricketing world view him as one of the most formidable bowlers of this generation.
The Path Ahead: India’s Strategy in Upcoming Test Matches
With Bumrah at the helm of the bowling rankings and Kohli back among the top Test batters, the Indian team aims to recover from recent setbacks. After two consecutive losses to New Zealand, India faces an uphill task in the third Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, starting November 1. India, trailing in the series, will be under pressure to avoid a whitewash and regain momentum. The team’s strategy could involve resting key players like Bumrah to maintain an optimal balance between performance and player welfare.
Adding further challenges, India’s defeat in recent matches has impacted their standing in the WTC 2025 qualification race. However, the team remains hopeful of turning the tide in the upcoming games. Securing victories against New Zealand and delivering strong performances in future matches against Australia will be crucial to keeping their WTC ambitions alive.
Virat Kohli’s Renaissance: A Glimmer of Hope
Kohli’s return to form not only boosts India’s chances in the ongoing series but also adds a renewed sense of confidence to the lineup. His place in the top 10 reflects his consistency and determination to reclaim his standing as one of the world’s best batters. For fans and the team alike, Kohli’s resurgence promises a competitive edge in upcoming matches, as India prepares for a critical phase in its Test journey.
The recent developments in ICC rankings underscore the strength and talent within the Indian squad. Jasprit Bumrah’s rise to No.1 Test bowler and Virat Kohli’s comeback into the top 10 highlight the resilience and commitment that Indian cricket embodies. As India navigates through challenging fixtures, the contributions of Bumrah, Kohli, and other stalwarts will be pivotal in shaping the country’s cricketing legacy.
In the midst of rigorous competition, strategic decisions around player management and performance optimization will play a defining role. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon and WTC final aspirations still within reach, Indian cricket stands at a promising yet demanding crossroads.
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When is the Third Test between India and New Zealand starting?
November 1, 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
