India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, achieved a historic milestone on Wednesday by surpassing spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-time rating record for an Indian bowler in the ICC Test rankings. Bumrah reached an impressive 907 rating points, eclipsing Ashwin’s previous best of 904, which he had achieved in December 2016.
This achievement places Bumrah in the elite company of the all-time greats. He now holds joint-17th position in the all-time ICC Test bowlers’ rankings, sharing the spot with England’s Derek Underwood.
Exceptional Boxing Day Performance
Before the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Bumrah had already matched Ashwin’s record of 904 points. However, a stellar performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Bumrah claimed nine wickets across both innings, saw him move past Ashwin’s record. Despite India suffering a loss in the match, Bumrah’s efforts cemented his position as the No. 1 Test bowler in the latest ICC rankings update.
Pat Cummins Rises in the Rankings
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, also made notable gains in the updated rankings. Following his six-wicket haul at the MCG, Cummins earned 15 additional rating points, propelling him to third place among Test bowlers. Additionally, his impactful contribution of 90 runs across two innings in Australia’s commanding 184-run victory earned him third place in the Test all-rounder rankings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy Shine
India’s young batting talent, Yashasvi Jaiswal, continued to make strides in his Test career. His composed 82-run knock in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test helped him rise to a career-best fourth position in the Test batting rankings, with 854 rating points.
Nitish Kumar Reddy also turned heads with his maiden Test century. His remarkable innings in the match catapulted him 20 places higher to secure the 53rd spot in the batting rankings, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
A Historic Feat
Bumrah’s achievement not only highlights his dominance in international cricket but also underscores the growing strength of India’s pace attack on the global stage. Breaking Ashwin’s record and securing a place among the top-ranking bowlers in ICC history is a testament to Bumrah’s consistency, skill, and ability to deliver under pressure.
As India continues to nurture young talents like Jaiswal and Reddy alongside stalwarts like Bumrah, the future of Indian cricket looks increasingly promising. These achievements reflect the team’s depth and resilience, even in challenging circumstances.