Varun Chakravarthy rises to No.1 as Indian players dominate ICC T20I bowling rankings
Varun Chakravarthy is currently representing India in the Asia Cup 2025. The spinner has made history by becoming only the third Indian to claim the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings, thanks to his disciplined performances in the opening matches of the tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 34-year-old climbed three places to the top after returning figures of 1/4 in two overs against the UAE and 1/24 in four overs against Pakistan. Varun Chakravarthy, With this rise, he joined the elite company of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi, the only other Indians to hold the No. 1 position. Chakravarthy’s previous career-best was second place, achieved in February 2025. He displaced New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who had occupied the top spot since March. Varun Chakravarthy: Other bowlers in the Asia Cup have also made significant gains. Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara surged six places to reach sixth, while Pakistan’s Sufiyan Muqeem (up four to 11th) and Abrar Ahmed (up 11 to a career-best 16th) climbed rapidly. Among Indians, Axar Patel rose to 12th, and Kuldeep Yadav jumped 16 places to 23rd. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed also broke into the top 25, moving up eight spots. Pace bowlers have enjoyed progress as well: Bumrah rose four places to 40th, Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan advanced five to 42nd, England’s Jofra Archer moved three to 13th, and South Africa’s Marco Jansen improved by five to 38th. Varun Chakravarthy: Abhishek Sharma Holds Top Spot in ICC T20I Batting Rankings India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has strengthened his position at the summit of the ICC T20I batting rankings. His explosive innings of 30 off 16 balls against the UAE and 31 off 13 against Pakistan earned him 55 rating points, taking his total to 884. England’s opening duo, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, climbed one spot each to second and third, respectively, following their stellar performances in the second T20I against South Africa in Manchester. Varun Chakravarthy, Salt’s unbeaten 141 off 60 balls—the highest score and fastest T20I century by an England batter—brought him closer to his career-best No. 1 ranking, while Buttler’s 83 off 30 deliveries propelled him to a career-high 794 rating points, marking his first entry into the top three. Varun Chakravarthy: Other notable gains in the rankings include Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (up one place to sixth), South Africa’s Dewald Brevis (up two to 11th), Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz (up two to 19th), UAE’s Mohammad Waseem (up two to 20th), South Africa’s Aiden Markram (up 10 to 30th), India’s Shubman Gill (up four to 39th), and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (up 18 to 55th). Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Top 2 Oldest Players To Make Their ODI Debut For India
The 2 oldest players to debut for India in ODIs made their first appearances at 33 and 36 years old. Their stories highlight the increasing opportunities for older players in modern cricket, showcasing that experience and talent can lead to international success, even later in a career. 1. Farokh Engineer Farokh Engineer held the record as India’s oldest ODI debutant at 36 years and 138 days. Engineer, known for his flamboyant wicketkeeping and aggressive batting, had already made a name for himself in Test cricket before debuting in ODIs against England at Leeds in 1974. His entry into the 50-over format was delayed due to ODIs being a relatively new concept in the 1970s. However, despite the late start, Engineer adapted quickly, proving why he was regarded as one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen of his era. His ability to counter fast bowling and play with an attacking mindset made him a valuable asset. Though his ODI career was brief, his contributions to Indian cricket, especially in Tests, remain significant. His record stood for decades before Chakravarthy broke it, highlighting the rarity of late debuts in Indian cricket. 2. Varun Chakravarthy Varun Chakravarthy’s journey to international cricket at 33 years and 184 days is a testament to perseverance and passion. Initially, he pursued architecture after failing to make an impact in cricket during his early years. However, his love for the game reignited through club cricket and the Tamil Nadu Premier League, where his mystery spin turned heads. His breakthrough came when Punjab Kings secured him for INR 8.4 crore in the 2018 IPL auction. Although injuries hampered his initial progress, he made a strong comeback with Kolkata Knight Riders, proving his worth as a match-winning spinner. Chakravarthy’s consistency in domestic and IPL cricket eventually earned him an India call-up, defying conventional age norms. His rise serves as an inspiration for late bloomers, showcasing that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle. His story is one of resilience, proving that it’s never too late to achieve international success. The Significance of Late Debuts Their journeys reflect cricket’s evolving landscape, where perseverance and skill can defy age barriers. India’s depth in talent means opportunities often arrive late, but the sport’s shift—especially with T20 cricket—has expanded avenues for older players. These debuts highlight how patience, hard work, and opportunity shape remarkable cricketing careers. Challenges and Triumphs Late debuts pose challenges like fitness, adaptation, and mental resilience, but they also bring strategic maturity and composure. Experienced players handle pressure better, offering valuable insights younger teammates might lack. Their journeys prove that cricket rewards persistence, showcasing how determination and skill can defy conventional career timelines in the sport. Impact on Team Dynamics Players like Chakravarthy and Engineer prove that age is no barrier to success in international cricket. Their late debuts highlight perseverance, skill, and adaptability, offering hope to aspiring cricketers who fear they’ve missed their chance. Beyond individual achievements, they challenge selectors to value experience alongside youthful talent, ensuring teams benefit from a well-rounded squad. Their presence adds depth, maturity, and composure in high-pressure situations, making them valuable assets. These stories redefine cricketing timelines, proving that determination and hard work can overcome age-related barriers in professional sports. Looking Ahead The inclusion of older players in India’s squad signals a strategic shift that values experience alongside raw talent. As cricket evolves, more boards may recognize the contributions experienced players bring, particularly in high-pressure situations. For India, this balance between seasoned players and emerging youth could create a more dynamic and resilient team, with a mix of maturity, skill, and energy to face diverse challenges on the global stage. This approach might not only improve performance but also mentor the next generation of players, ensuring sustainable success. Welcome to E2Bet! Get ready for fun and exciting gaming adventures!