Tilak Varma becomes highest-ranked Indian T20I batter, surpasses captain Suryakumar Yadav as Hardik Pandya becomes No 1 all-rounder
Team India stars have made a resounding statement in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma leading the charge. While Hardik has reclaimed the No.1 spot among T20I all-rounders, young sensation Tilak Varma has stormed into the top-10 batters after a phenomenal series against South Africa.
India's Hardik Pandya looks on during the fourth T20 international cricket match between South Africa and India at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg(AFP)
Hardik Pandya’s resurgence as the top T20I all-rounder comes on the back of consistent performances with both bat and ball during India’s triumphant 3-1 series win in South Africa. The 31-year-old produced pivotal contributions, including an unbeaten 39 in the second match that stabilized India’s innings, and a miserly spell of 1/8 in three overs during the series-decider. This marks the second time Hardik has claimed the top all-rounder ranking, with his first stint coming after his exploits in the Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.