The International Cricket Council (ICC) released its latest rankings for batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders on March 12, 2025. The rankings reflect the players’ performances in recent international tournaments, including the Champions Trophy. Notable changes have been observed in the rankings of top Indian cricketers, with Rohit Sharma climbing up to the third position, while Virat Kohli dropped a place. Additionally, spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja made significant progress, and young spinner Varun Chakravarthy rose 16 places.
Shubman Gill: Consistency at the Top
Indian batsman Shubman Gill has continued to dominate the ICC rankings. He retained his number one position in the latest rankings with 784 rating points. Gill has been one of the most consistent performers for India in recent times, showcasing impressive batting skills and contributing significantly in all formats of the game. Despite the competitive nature of international cricket, the 24-year-old has managed to maintain his lead, with Pakistan’s Babar Azam closely trailing behind at second place.
Rohit Sharma Climbs to Third Position
One of the most significant movements in the ICC rankings is that of Indian captain Rohit Sharma. After playing a brilliant match-winning innings of 76 runs in the Champions Trophy final, Sharma has seen a rise of two places, climbing from the fifth position to the third spot. This upward movement comes as a direct result of his superb knock in the final, which helped India secure the title.
Sharma’s 76 runs in the final were crucial, and he was subsequently named the Player of the Match for his efforts. This performance not only propelled his team to victory but also boosted his position in the ICC rankings. With 760 rating points, Rohit Sharma now stands just behind Babar Azam, who holds the second position with 770 rating points.
Virat Kohli: A Setback in the Rankings
While Rohit Sharma soared in the rankings, his fellow Indian cricketer Virat Kohli experienced a slight setback. Kohli, who has been a pillar of Indian cricket for years, was dismissed for just 1 run off 2 balls in the Champions Trophy final. This low score resulted in Kohli losing one position in the ICC rankings, dropping from fourth to fifth place. Despite his consistent form in recent months, Kohli’s slip in the rankings highlights the razor-thin margins between top-ranking players in world cricket.
With 736 rating points, Kohli is now ranked fifth, just behind Rohit Sharma. However, it’s important to note that his loss in the rankings is marginal, and he remains a formidable player on the international stage.
Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja: Strong Performances Benefit Indian Spinners
Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also saw significant improvements in the ICC rankings. Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in excellent form recently, rose three places to the third position among bowlers. With 650 rating points, Kuldeep has shown remarkable consistency in limited-overs cricket, particularly in his role as a wicket-taking spinner. His brilliant performances in recent matches, including key breakthroughs in crucial moments, have earned him a spot in the top five bowlers, further solidifying his reputation as one of India’s premier spinners.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional all-round skills, combined with his impressive bowling performances, also earned him a place in the top 10 bowlers. Jadeja moved up three spots, going from 13th to 10th position in the ICC bowler rankings. With 616 rating points, Jadeja’s rise reflects his growing influence with the ball in international cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats, where his spin and control have been key to India’s success.
Champions Trophy finalists receive big boost in the latest ICC Men's Player Rankings 👊
Read more ⬇️https://t.co/YM26ak85wm
— ICC (@ICC) March 12, 2025
Varun Chakravarthy: A Significant Rise in the Rankings
One of the most impressive upward movements in the rankings was that of Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Known for his mystery spin, Chakravarthy’s performances in the Champions Trophy earned him a significant improvement in his ranking. He moved up 16 places, from 96th to 80th position among bowlers, reflecting his excellent performances in recent international matches.
Chakravarthy’s rise of 16 places is indicative of his growing stature as a dependable bowler in the Indian lineup. With his unique style and variety, he has become a crucial asset for India, especially in limited-overs cricket. His rise in the rankings is expected to encourage more consistent performances, further solidifying his place in the Indian squad for upcoming international tournaments.
Impact of the Champions Trophy on ICC Rankings
The Champions Trophy played a major role in the latest ICC rankings. With key performances in the tournament, several players have experienced boosts in their rankings, particularly from the Indian team. Rohit Sharma’s performance in the final and Kuldeep Yadav’s consistent wickets in the competition were key factors in their rise.
The Champions Trophy serves as a significant platform for players to showcase their talent and secure their spots in the rankings. As the tournament featured teams from around the world, the rankings are a reflection of players’ ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes competitions.
ICC Rankings: A Reflection of Players’ Form and Consistency
The ICC rankings are based on players’ performances over a period of time, taking into account a variety of factors such as runs scored, wickets taken, match-winning contributions, and overall consistency. The rankings provide an objective measure of a player’s standing in the international cricketing world and are an essential part of the sport.
While these rankings often fluctuate based on individual performances, players like Shubman Gill, Babar Azam, and Rohit Sharma continue to dominate the charts due to their consistency across formats. Similarly, spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have proven their worth with both their attacking and defensive skills, making them some of the best bowlers in international cricket today.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Indian Cricketers?
As the ICC rankings continue to evolve, Indian cricketers will look to build on their current form to maintain or improve their rankings. For players like Rohit Sharma, the challenge will be to stay consistent and continue to lead from the front as captain. Similarly, Virat Kohli will aim to regain his position in the top rankings after his recent dip.
The Indian spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, will also look to further solidify their places in the top rankings with standout performances. With younger players like Varun Chakravarthy making their mark, the competition among India’s top bowlers will continue to be intense.
The next ICC tournaments and bilateral series will be crucial for these players to either retain or improve their rankings. With more performances expected in the coming months, the rankings will continue to reflect the players’ contributions to the game and their ability to perform at the highest level.
The March 2025 ICC rankings bring forth notable changes, particularly for Indian cricketers. Rohit Sharma’s rise to third place, along with the consistent performances of Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav, highlights India’s strength in international cricket. Virat Kohli’s minor slip and the impressive rise of Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja further showcase the dynamic nature of ICC rankings. As players continue to perform on the international stage, the rankings will keep evolving, offering a glimpse into the top-performing players in world cricket.
