The latest ICC Test rankings have seen Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant surge to a career-best position of 7th among batsmen. This elevation to the top ranks follows his spectacular display in Leeds, where he notched up twin centuries (134 and 118). Although India faced defeat in the match, Pant’s individual brilliance was undeniable. With a rating of 801, he has surpassed Ben Duckett.
Pant is only the second wicket-keeper batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, following in the footsteps of Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower. Pant also broke MS Dhoni’s record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicket-keeper. His presence is extremely valuable in the Indian Test team, especially following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The fact that he has made such a comeback after a car accident in 2022 is a testament to his resolve.
The top 10 Test batsmen in the world are: 1. Joe Root, 2. Harry Brook, 3. Kane Williamson, 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 5. Steve Smith, 6. Temba Bavuma, 7. Rishabh Pant, 8. Ben Duckett, 9. Kamindu Mendis, and 10. Saud Shakeel.