India’s Test squad earned a double boost in the ICC Test rankings following their incredible six-run win over England in the fifth Test at The Oval, which secured a 2–2 series draw. Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna reached career-best positions after match-defining performances in one of the most thrilling red-ball finishes in recent memory.
Siraj’s Rise: From 27th to 15th in a Single Match
Mohammed Siraj soared 12 places to reach 15th in the ICC Test bowling rankings—his career-best—after taking a sensational five-wicket haul that sealed India’s victory. Siraj delivered when it mattered most, including a match-winning yorker to dismiss Gus Atkinson on the final day. His consistent performances have made him one of the most formidable fast bowlers in world cricket.
Prasidh Krishna Makes Big Gains
Prasidh Krishna also made headlines, reaching a career-high 59th position in the Test bowling rankings. He picked up four wickets in both innings at The Oval, partnering with Siraj to become only the second Indian pace duo to claim 4+ wickets each in both innings of a Test match. The only previous instance of this feat was by spinners Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna in the 1969 Delhi Test.
Jaiswal, Gill & Pant Shine in Batting Rankings
India’s top-order also saw major improvements:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal moved up three places to break into the top five Test batsmen globally with 792 points, following a superb century in the fifth Test.
- Shubman Gill had earlier jumped 15 places to reach sixth, on the back of a massive 430-run match at Edgbaston.
- Rishabh Pant held firm at eighth despite missing the final Test due to injury, continuing his consistent presence in the top 10.
These gains underline a shift in India’s Test cricket core toward a younger, more dynamic group of players.
England Players Also Make Moves
Despite losing the Test, England had their own bright spots:
- Harry Brook moved up to second in the ICC Test batting rankings following a counterattacking century.
- Debutant pacers Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue also achieved career-best rankings, with Atkinson entering the top 10 after his impressive performance in both innings.
Joe Root, despite a quiet final Test, retained his presence in the top tier of the Test batting charts.
Why These Rankings Matter
These updated ICC rankings reflect more than just statistics—they reveal a changing of the guard in world cricket. India’s Test side is evolving, with young guns like Jaiswal, Gill, and Krishna stepping up in high-pressure situations. Siraj’s rise cements his role as a match-winner in all formats.
The Oval Test wasn’t just a comeback win—it was a glimpse into India’s next generation of cricketing leaders making their mark on the international stage.
Final Thoughts
India’s dramatic win at The Oval did more than level the series—it reshaped the ICC rankings and highlighted the team’s depth and resilience. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna earned career-best bowling rankings, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill continued to climb the Test batting charts.
These performances signal the emergence of a new Test backbone for India—skilled, fearless, and ready to challenge any team on any surface.
Photo Credit: ICC
