ICC Test Rankings: Kohli edges closer to Smith, Ashwin makes massive jump

A dominant performance by India against South Africa in the Pune Test has seen some big gains made by their star performers. Skipper Virat Kohli who scored a magnificent double century and Ravichandran Ashwin who picked six wickets were the big gainers in the recently released ICC Test rankings.

Kohli has moved to within just 1 ranking point from Australian batter Steve Smith. Smith sits at the top of the ranking with 937 points, while Kohli is hot on his heels with 936 points. A good showing in the final Test of the series in Ranchi will surely help Kohli in overtaking his fellow ‘Big 4’ rival. Kane Williamson occupies the third spot in the batsmen rankings while Indian No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara is on the fourth spot.

Indian opener Mayank Agarwal also continues his ascension, moving up in the top 20 to occupy the 17th position. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s 91 in the Pune Test has also helped him to his career-best batsmen’s ranking of 40th.

⬆️ Ashwin
⬇️ Philander

After taking six wickets in India's win over South Africa in Pune, R Ashwin has continued his rise in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Rankings for bowlers. pic.twitter.com/1whGqEfnxk

— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2019

In the bowler’s rankings, Australian pacer Pat Cummins still occupies the top spot followed by Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah. Ravichandran Ashwin with his exploits in Pune has been the big gainer, moving up three spots to No.7. Vernon Philander with his poor showing has been the biggest loser, moving down three spots to No.8.

West Indies skipper Jason Holder still tops the all-rounder’s rankings, with Jadeja chasing him in the second spot. Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Stokes and Ravichandran Ashwin round up the top 5.