Rohit Sharma Breaks into Top Five in ICC Test Rankings; Kohli and Jaiswal Also Climb

For the first time in nearly two years, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has returned to the top five in the ICC Test rankings for batters. The latest rankings, updated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, September 11, saw Sharma reach No. 5, marking his highest placement since September 2021. 

This resurgence comes as a significant achievement for the Indian opener, who continues to solidify his position as one of the premier Test batsmen globally.

Sharma, known for his authoritative style at the top of the order, is now the highest-ranked Indian batter on the list. His compatriots, Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal, also made impressive strides, moving up to No. 6 and No. 7, respectively, in the rankings. The trio will have the opportunity to further elevate their standings when India takes on Bangladesh in a two-match home Test series, beginning Thursday, September 19.

Rohit Sharma’s rise back into the top five comes on the heels of consistent performances in India’s recent Test matches. During India’s last Test assignment against England earlier this year, Sharma was a key contributor, accumulating 400 runs from nine innings at an average of 44. His steady presence at the top of the order has once again proven invaluable for India in the longest format.

Jaiswal, one of India’s brightest young talents, also had a remarkable series against England. The left-handed opener amassed 712 runs from nine innings at a staggering average of 89, including two double centuries. Jaiswal’s ability to dominate bowlers with his aggressive yet composed approach has made him one of the most promising players in international cricket. His rapid rise in the ICC rankings reflects his growing stature on the global stage.

Virat Kohli, who opted out of the series against England due to personal reasons, still managed to climb to No. 6 in the rankings. The former Indian captain will look to improve his position further in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka’s red-ball cricketers also made notable progress in the ICC Test rankings, despite losing their Test series 1-2 to England. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva rose to No. 13 after a gritty half-century in the third and final Test. De Silva has become the highest-ranked Sri Lankan batter on the list, reflecting his consistent performances in difficult conditions.

Two other Sri Lankan batters, Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, also moved up significantly in the rankings. Mendis climbed six spots to No. 19, while Nissanka made a giant leap, surging 42 places to No. 39. Nissanka’s standout performance in the final Test, where he scored 127 not out and 64 in two innings, was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s historic win at The Oval. The victory was particularly special as it marked Sri Lanka’s first Test win in England in a decade.

Despite a slight dip in rating points, England’s Joe Root continues to hold the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for batters. Root’s tally dropped from 922 to 899 points following the series against Sri Lanka, but he still leads the rankings, with New Zealand’s Kane Williamson in second place. Williamson could potentially overtake Root, with his upcoming series against Sri Lanka providing an opportunity to close the gap.

As India prepares for the home Test series against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be eager to build on their current form and improve their rankings further. With Sharma back in the top five and Jaiswal and Kohli close behind, the Indian batting lineup looks formidable heading into the series.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will take confidence from their historic win in England as they prepare for their series against New Zealand. With several of their batters on the rise in the rankings, the team will hope to carry their momentum forward and challenge one of the top sides in world cricket.