Varun Chakravarthy tops ICC T20I bowling rankings after Asia Cup

Varun Chakravarthy rose to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I bowling rankings on Wednesday after a pair of economical spells in the ongoing Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, becoming only the third Indian to claim the No. 1 slot. The 34 year old moved past New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy in the latest update, the ICC said, capping a run of consistent performances for India in 2025.

The rankings leap followed Chakravarthy’s tidy returns of 1 for 4 in two overs against the UAE and 1 for 24 in four overs against Pakistan in matches played in Dubai. The ICC credited his sustained form over the past year for the rise, noting that he has become a regular in India’s T20I lineups. Chakravarthy had previously reached second in the standings in February 2025.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra highlighted the importance of Chakravarthy and teammate Kuldeep Yadav in the volatile India Pakistan fixture, saying via ESPNcricinfo that “those eight overs of spin could perhaps decide or define this match.” Kuldeep, who won Player of the Match in India’s opening Asia Cup game against the UAE with a fourfor, has also climbed the rankings, jumping 16 places to 23rd after his performances in the...