Ravindra Jadeja has lost his four-year reign as the world’s top-ranked Test all-rounder, with South Africa’s Marco Jansen seizing the crown following a masterclass against Australia. The 26-year-old left-arm pacer displaced the Indian veteran after a match-turning performance in the second Test in Gqeberha, where he claimed a five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings while scoring 85 runs with the bat. This dual-threat display propelled Jansen up one spot in the ICC rankings, ending Jadeja’s long-standing dominance in the category and marking a significant shift in the global all-rounder hierarchy.
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Jansen’s ascent was not limited to the all-rounder rankings; he simultaneously claimed the No. 1 spot in Test bowling, overtaking Mitchell Starc, and climbed 13 places to 56th among Test batters. His comprehensive rise follows recent praise from former South Africa great Dale Steyn, who labeled Jansen “the best cricketer in the world.” The left-armer’s ability to impact the game with both bat and ball has solidified his status as the premier all-rounder, outpacing established names through consistent high-impact performances in recent series.
In a separate ranking update, India’s Abhishek Sharma has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the ICC T20I batting rankings, overtaking teammate Ishan Kishan. Sharma’s return to the top spot was driven by his century against New Zealand in the third match of their recent series, showcasing his explosive form in the shortest format. This development highlights the depth of India’s T20I batting lineup, while Jansen’s double crown in Test cricket underscores South Africa’s resurgence in the longest format of the game.
Source: Yahoo Sports
