ICC rankings: Abhishek Sharma reclaims No. 1 as Marco Jansen dethrones Ravindra Jadeja

One batter needed just 35 balls to reclaim the world’s top T20I ranking. A fast-bowling all-rounder needed one outstanding Test performance to rewrite two rankings tables. The latest ICC Men’s Player Rankings have delivered a double shake-up, with India’s Abhishek Sharma back at No. 1 in T20I batting and South Africa’s Marco Jansen taking the top spots in Test bowling and all-rounder rankings.

The update, released on Wednesday, October 28, follows a series-clinching performance by Abhishek against New Zealand and Jansen’s decisive contribution to South Africa’s victory over Australia. For Indian cricket, there is a milestone to celebrate, and a familiar name whose long-standing reign has come to an end.

How Abhishek Sharma’s 35-ball century took him back to No. 1

Abhishek’s return to the summit followed a spectacular innings in Wellington on Tuesday. Chasing New Zealand’s 198 for three, the left-handed opener smashed 113 off just 38 deliveries, reaching his century in 35 balls. India won by six wickets, finishing the chase in 13.2 overs and taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Abhishek and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 118 runs during the powerplay, setting the tone for one of India’s most explosive T20I chases. Abhishek’s innings included 11 sixes and nine fours.

The performance lifted him back above teammate Ishan Kishan, who had occupied the No. 1 position after overtaking Abhishek earlier this year. Abhishek had first reached the top in July 2025, displacing Australia’s Travis Head.

Marco Jansen ends Ravindra Jadeja’s four-year reign

While Abhishek reclaimed his crown, Jansen made history in Test cricket. The 26-year-old South African left-arm pacer rose to No. 1 in both the Test bowling and all-rounder rankings following his team’s victory over Australia in Gqeberha.

Jansen scored 85 runs and took a crucial five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings. The ICC rankings update saw him overtake Australia’s Mitchell Starc among Test bowlers and displace India’s Ravindra Jadeja from the all-rounder summit.

Jadeja had held the top Test all-rounder ranking for more than four years. Jansen also climbed 13 places to 56th in the Test batting rankings, reflecting his growing influence with both bat and ball.

Which other players gained ground in the ICC rankings?

India’s Sanju Samson climbed six places to 20th in the T20I batting rankings, while Arshdeep Singh rose six spots to 15th among T20I bowlers. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner moved up seven places to seventh in the same bowling rankings.

The ODI charts also saw movement amid the tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi climbed to sixth, while Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai rose to seventh and Namibia spinner Bernard Scholtz reached eighth in ODI bowling. Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi moved up five places to third among ODI all-rounders.

What do the latest ICC rankings tell us?

Rankings reward sustained performances, but a single outstanding match can accelerate a player’s rise. Abhishek’s return underlines his impact in T20 cricket, while Jansen’s double ascent highlights the value of a player who can change a Test with both bat and ball. With India’s New Zealand series continuing, Abhishek now has an opportunity to build on his return to the top.

(With inputs from ANI)