Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed the coveted No. 1 position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Rankings, displacing Jasprit Bumrah. This significant shift occurred as the rankings were updated on Wednesday, March 13, reflecting Ashwin’s outstanding performance in the recently-concluded 5-Test series against England, where India emerged victorious with a 4-1 score.
Ashwin’s journey to the top spot began in November 2015 when he first secured the No. 1 position in the ICC Test Rankings. The recent update reflects his stellar contributions in the series against England, where he secured an impressive 26 wickets across five Tests, featuring two notable five-wicket hauls.
Despite a slow start to the series and an unexpected return home during the 3rd Test due to a family medical emergency, the veteran off-spinner rebounded remarkably. In the final two Tests held in Ranchi and Dharamsala, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India’s success.
His standout performance came in his 100th Test in Dharamsala, where he clinched 9 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. This stellar contribution played a crucial role in India’s resounding victory over England by an innings and 64 runs.
Notably, Ashwin achieved another significant milestone during the 3rd Test in Rajkot by reaching 500 Test wickets. This remarkable feat positions him as only the second Indian bowler, following Anil Kumble, to join the elite 500-wicket club in Test cricket.
The latest ICC Test Rankings underscore Ashwin’s exceptional skills, consistency, and impact on the game. His achievement as the new No. 1 bowler reflects his resilience and determination, showcasing his ability to overcome setbacks and contribute significantly to India’s success on the cricketing stage.
