Babar Azam climbs to number 3 in ICC ODI rankings after World Cup 2019 group stage

[Arsalan Pro]

Kohli remains on top but Rohit bridges the gap

India captain Virat Kohli has retained the top position among batsmen after scoring five half-centuries in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 but opener Rohit Sharma has bridged the gap in the latest update to the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings after a stupendous run in the league stage of the 10-team tournament.

Kohli’s 442 runs at an average of 63.14 have seen him gain one point and reach 891 points while Rohit has bridged the gap from 51 points to only six after becoming the first batsman to score five centuries in the World Cup. His 885 points going into the semi-finals are a career-high.

There have been many other notable movements too, with Pakistan’s Babar Azam going up to third place, just behind his career-high second place achieved in June 2018, and Australia opener David Warner re-entering at number six after a highly successful group stage that saw him aggregate 638 runs, just nine less than leading scorer Rohit.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s consistent efforts have seen him rise four places and back into the top-10 at eighth place while Australia’s Usman Khawaja has risen to a career-high 15th place. England openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have both risen in the rankings with Roy reaching a career-best 13th place.

Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey and South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, who has come in for a lot of praise from captain Faf du Plessis, have also achieved career-best rankings of 34 and 30, after gains of 54 and 32 places, respectively.

In other movements among batsmen, Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando has risen a whopping 110 places to 85th place, West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran has risen to 92nd from outside the top 400, while Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has reached a career-best batting points tally of 692.

India’s new-ball bowler Jasprit Bumrah has extended his lead at the top from 21 points to 56 points after grabbing 17 wickets in the nine league matches at the World Cup, with Boult remaining in second place after a memorable league phase that included a hat-trick against Australia, the first ever in ODI cricket at Lord’s.

Afghanistan spinners Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Rashid Khan remain in the top-10 despite their team losing all matches, while Australia’s Mitchell Starc and Mohammad Amir have improved despite not coming into the tournament with many impressive performances.

The England pair of Jofra Archer (up 103 places to 42) and Mark Wood (up 10 places to 19), as well as rising Pakistan star Shaheen Afridi (up 34 places to 23rd) are among the others to gain in the latest rankings update.

Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan has retained the top spot among all-rounders, while England’s Ben Stokes has gained nine places to reach second position.

In the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings, England remain in first position at 123 points but only ahead of India on decimal points, while New Zealand and Australia are similarly both on 112 with the former fractionally ahead, and South Africa fifth on 110 points.

Top 10 in MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings (as of 8 July):

Rank Team Points
1 England 123
2 India 123
3 New Zealand 112
4 Australia 112
5 South Africa 110
6 Pakistan 98
7 Bangladesh 89
8 Sri Lanka 79
9 West Indies 77
10 Afghanistan 59


(Developed by David Kendix)

MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings (as on 8 July, after the league stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019)

Batsmen (top 10)

Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Avge Highest Rating

1 ( - ) Virat Kohli India 891 59.70 911 v Eng at Headingley 2018

2 ( - ) Rohit Sharma India 885! 49.18 885 v SL at Headingley 2019

3 (+4) Babar Azam Pak 827 53.55 846 v NZ at Wellington 2018

4 (+2) Faf du Plessis SA 820! 47.47 820 v Aus at Old Trafford 2019

5 (-2) Ross Taylor NZ 813 47.90 841 v Ban at The Oval 2019

6 (RE) David Warner Aus 803 46.12 880 v Pak at Adelaide 2017

7 (+1) Joe Root Eng 791 51.32 824 v SL at Dambulla 2018

8 (+4) K Williamson NZ 790 47.89 798 v SA at Centurion 2015

9 (-4) Q de Kock SA 781 45.01 814 v SL at Durban 2019

10 (+1) Aaron Finch Aus 778 40.70 798 v Eng at Lord's 2019

Other selected rankings

Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Avge Highest Rating

11 (+3) Imam-ul-Haq Pak 764*! 54.58 764 v Ban at Lord's 2019

12 (+3) Jonny Bairstow Eng 761 48.12 777 v Aus at Durham 2018

13= (+6) Jason Roy Eng 755! 42.58 755 v NZ at Durham 2019

15 (+6) U Khawaja Aus 731* 42.00 735 v NZ at Lord's 2019

19= (+1) M Rahim Ban 704 35.69 715 v Afg at Southampton 2019

22 (+10) S Al Hasan Ban 692! 37.86 692 v Pak at Lord's 2019

25 (+5) Ben Stokes Eng 667 39.36 677 v India at Edgbaston 2019

26 (+3) S Hetmyer WI 659* 39.86 661 v NZ at Old Trafford 2019

30 (+32) V der Dussen SA 630*! 73.77 630 v Aus at Old Trafford 2019

31 (RE) Steve Smith Aus 618 40.93 752 v Pak at Sydney 2017

34= (+2) A Mathews SL 601 41.97 707 v Eng at Colombo (RPS) 2014

(+54) Alex Carey Aus 601*! 39.89 601 v SA at Old Trafford 2019

36 (+20) Haris Sohail Pak 600* 46.00 607 v Afg at Headingley 2019

45 (+3) Mahmudullah Ban 564 34.57 579 v Pak at Abu Dhabi 2018

50 (+17) Imad Wasim Pak 556*! 42.72 556 v Ban at Lord's 2019

85 (+110) A Fernando SL 467*! 34.80 467 v India at Headingley 2019



Bowlers (top 10)

Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Avge Eco Highest Rating

1 ( - ) J Bumrah India 814 21.71 4.50 841 v WI at Thiruvananthapur 2018

2 ( - ) Trent Boult NZ 758 24.70 5.04 770 v WI at Old Trafford 2019

3 (+3) Pat Cummins Aus 698 27.04 5.15 729 v SL at The Oval 2019

4 (+1) Kagiso Rabada SA 694 27.34 4.99 724 v Eng at Lord's 2017

5 (-1) Imran Tahir SA 683 24.83 4.65 786 v SL at Johannesburg 2017

6 (+4) M Ur Rahman Afg 681* 22.06 3.89 691 v Ban at Abu Dhabi 2018

7 (+15) Mitchell Starc Aus 675 20.70 4.98 783 v NZ at Melbourne 2015

8= (-5) Rashid Khan Afg 658 17.80 4.14 806 v Pak at Abu Dhabi 2018

(-1) Kuldeep Yadav India 658 23.96 4.95 765 v NZ at Bay Oval 2019

10 (+9) L Ferguson NZ 650 25.80 5.47 668 v WI at Old Trafford 2019



Other selected rankings

Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Avge Eco Highest Rating

12 (+28) M Amir Pak 636 30.24 4.88 652 v SA at Lord's 2019

16 (+6) Mehidy Hasan Ban 624*! 38.68 4.54 624 v Pak at Lord's 2019

17 (+15) Tim Murtagh Ire 618! 31.70 4.56 618 v Zim at Belfast 2019

18 (+1) M Nabi Afg 616 32.05 4.28 654 v Zim at Harare 2017

19 (+10) Mark Wood Eng 612 38.83 5.56 615 v SL at Headingley 2019

23 (+34) S Afridi Pak 600*! 21.17 5.50 600 v Ban at Lord's 2019

24 (+9) M Shami India 596 24.75 5.48 655 v Ban at Melbourne 2015

25 (+4) Shadab Khan Pak 594 29.00 4.93 607 v NZ at Edgbaston 2019

28 (+6) Liam Plunkett Eng 581 29.72 5.85 646 v WI at Southampton 2017

32 (+3) Andy McBrine Ire 554* 35.45 4.36 570 v Zim at Bready 2019

33 (+11) Lasith Malinga SL 552 29.02 5.36 675 v Ban at Colombo (RPS) 2007

35= (+16) D Pretorius SA 539*! 28.03 4.77 539 v Aus at Old Trafford 2019

40 (+42) Sheldon Cottrell WI 520* 33.75 5.96 527 v SL at Durham 2019

42= (+103) Jofra Archer Eng 516*! 24.75 4.81 516 v NZ at Durham 2019

44 (+6) Nathan Lyon Aus 510*! 44.31 4.83 510 v SA at Old Trafford 2019

54 (+7) Hardik Pandya India 482 40.37 5.56 553 v SA at Centurion 2018

58 (+29) Ben Stokes Eng 474! 41.11 6.01 474 v NZ at Durham 2019



All-rounders (top five)



Rank (+/-) Player Team Pts Highest Rating

1 ( - ) S Al Hasan Ban 406 453 v Zim at Chittagong 2009

2 (+9) Ben Stokes Eng 316! 316 v NZ at Durham 2019

3 ( - ) M Nabi Afg 310 352 v Ire at Greater Noida 2017

4 ( - ) Imad Wasim Pak 299*/ ! 299 v Ban at Lord's 2019

5 (-3) Rashid Khan Afg 288 359 v Pak at Abu Dhabi 2018

[Arsalan Pro]

Jasprit Bumrah number 1 bowler, only one with 800+ rating currently.

[Arsalan Pro]

For Pakistan,

Batsmen:

3) Babar Azam
11) Imam Ul Haq
17) Fakhar Zaman
36) Haris Sohail

Bowlers:

12) Mohammad Amir
23) Shaheen Afridi
25) Shadab Khan
35) Imad Wasim

All-rounders:

4) Imad Wasim
10) Mohammad Hafeez

[Haroon786]

Would prefer the actual rankings tables to be posted thx. @abullah719

[Aman]

If Rohit is the main man for India in the next two games, it's fair to call him the best ODI batsmen in the world.

[Babbar]

IndiaRanking

Bowlers;

Bumrah: 1
Kuldeep:7
chahal: 8
Bhuvi: 17
Shami: 35
Jadeja: 32

Batters

Kohli: 1
Rohit: 2
Dhawan: 14
Dhoni: 24
Jadhav: 28


No all rounders in top-10

[Babbar]

If Rohit is the main man for India in the next two games, it's fair to call him the best ODI batsmen in the world.

If Bradman had made even 1 run in his historic last innings; it would be fair to call him the best batsmen in the world at that time.

[Arsalan Pro]

IndiaRanking

Bowlers;

Bumrah: 1
Kuldeep:7
chahal: 8
Bhuvi: 17
Shami: 35
Jadeja: 32

Batters

Kohli: 1
Rohit: 2
Dhawan: 14
Dhoni: 24
Jadhav: 28


No all rounders in top-10

These are not updated rankings my friend.

For India:

Batsmen:

1) Virat Kohli
2) Rohit Sharma
16) Shikkar Dhawan
24) MS Dhoni
32) Kedhar Jadhav

Bowlers:

1) Jasprit Bumrah
8) Kuldeep Yadav
11) Yuzvendra Chahal
20) Bhuvneswhar Kumar
24) Mohammad Shami
34) Ravindera Jadeja

All-rounders:

None.

[MenInG]

[MenInG]

[MenInG]

In the latest ICC ODI bowling rankings, Shaheen Shah Afridi has reached a career-best 600 points and is now in 23rd place. Mohammad Amir is on 636 points and is in 12th place #CWC19

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) July 7, 2019

In the latest ICC ODI batting rankings, Babar Azam has moved to 3rd place on 827 points after scoring 474 runs at an average of 67.71 at the World Cup. The top 2 are Virat Kohli on 891 points & Rohit Sharma on 885 points #CWC19

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) July 7, 2019

[Sam99]

Tells you how good Kohli has been. Rohit has tried all things but still can't get past kohli in ranking and i don't think he will have same patch again in his career so mostly like this is closest he will get to kohli in terms of ranking.

[Arsalan Pro]

Tells you how good Kohli has been. Rohit has tried all things but still can't get past kohli in ranking and i don't think he will have same patch again in his career so mostly like this is closest he will get to kohli in terms of ranking.

He has 1/2 matches more to get only 6 rating more than what Kohli does, to get ahead of him.

[MP2011]

He has 1/2 matches more to get only 6 rating more than what Kohli does, to get ahead of him.

And Kohli won't do anything in those 1/2 games?

[Titan24]

Good to see Babar improving day by day. That NZ innings I believe was what needed for him to go to the next level.

Imam has to be appreciated as well in just 1and half years he is one step away from top 10 rankings.

Bowlers also improved in the WC and hopefully they can continue such performances throughout the next season as well.

[AdamM97]

Positives on ODI Rankings:
Babar on #3 (Batting)
Imam on #11 (Batting)
Amir on #12 (Bowling)
Shaheen on #23 (Bowling)
Imad on #4 (All rounder)

Negatives:
Fakhar on #17 (Batting), he used to be on #9 before this WC started.

At least a few players found some form in this WC. Really happy for Babar, Amir and Shaheen.

[sweep_shot]

Brilliant player. Best Pakistan have had in 20 years.

[light]

Am telling you guys, come next WC, we will not say fab 4 anymore, it will be fab 5 with babar's name being mentioned as one.

[jnaveen1980]

THat is a stupendous rise for Babar. Only behind two of the greatest ODI players ever.

[HappyWarsFan]

Am telling you guys, come next WC, we will not say fab 4 anymore, it will be fab 5 with babar's name being mentioned as one.

He's still crap at tests so unless he improves there I won't call him anywhere near Fab 4.

[KingKhanWC]

THat is a stupendous rise for Babar. Only behind two of the greatest ODI players ever.

It just a matter of time before he becomes the no.1 odi and test bastmen in the world.

He makes batting look so easy. His timing and strokeplay are out of the MCC coaching manual.

[IAJ]

If Rohit is the main man for India in the next two games, it's fair to call him the best ODI batsmen in the world.

When Kohli thinks he is the best, then there should be no doubt actually.

[light]

He's still crap at tests so unless he improves there I won't call him anywhere near Fab 4.

Even Virat 6 years back was not that great in test. Was a gun odi player, took his time to get adjusted in test. There is still time.

[shah_1]

He's still crap at tests so unless he improves there I won't call him anywhere near Fab 4.

He averages 50 since 2018

He is improving

[ManFan]

He's still crap at tests so unless he improves there I won't call him anywhere near Fab 4.

He’s only performed poorly in AUS and WI.

He averages 35+ in NZ, SA, UAE, IRE, and he was 68* in his only innings in ENG (retired hurt).

This is only after two-and-a-half years in Test cricket.

You must also keep in mind that PAK barley plays any Tests compared to other Test-playing nations.

Last year, we played a grand total of FOUR Tests, so he has a hard time adjusting to the format.

He’s ranked 1st in T20 and 3rd in ODI; so give him time in the Test format.

[saeed5646]

He's still crap at tests so unless he improves there I won't call him anywhere near Fab 4.

obviously he is not there where he should be but he have improved in test significantly .he is averaging 50 in last 2 years from 29 his batting average in test is 35 now .So he is getting there

[jnaveen1980]

Babar gotta improve his game against spin to be good in Tests. There is an air of uncertainty when he plays the spin.

[Majestic_Inzi]

If Rohit is the main man for India in the next two games, it's fair to call him the best ODI batsmen in the world.

Rohit peaked too early in world cup, he wont make runs in semis.

Yes NZ have had a poor world cup they are no pushovers, ranked no3 in world. Once they won WI game they knew they qualified so the foot was off the gas pedal.

India shouldnt be complacent, i predict NZ win...

[Hawkeye]

Fab 4 is here, or very close!

[rhony]

Very well deserved Babar. Great WC!!

[Hyperion66]

If Bradman had made even 1 run in his historic last innings; it would be fair to call him the best batsmen in the world at that time.

Man you are fast becoming my favourite poster here.

[Arsalan Pro]

And Kohli won't do anything in those 1/2 games?

I think you weren't able to understand what I wrote, 6 rating more than what Virat Kohli achieves in the next 2 games. Also, with current from he is in, there are good chances of Rohit Sharma doing it now than ever again.

[fanofcricket4life]

It just a matter of time before he becomes the no.1 odi and test bastmen in the world.

He makes batting look so easy. His timing and strokeplay are out of the MCC coaching manual.

The only way babar will get ahead of Kohli and Rohit in ODIs is when both of them retire.

[Oxfordchamp]

Babar should improve his power game like virat and rohit..Until then he won't be an impact t player or match winner.

[jnaveen1980]

Babar should improve his power game like virat and rohit..Until then he won't be an impact t player or match winner.

yes. Bit like Amla who reached no.1 ranking in the one dayers in 2010 and was in top 10 for 5 or 6 years straight.

[Ab Fan]

2010s analysis:-

ODI ATGs:-

Kohli
AB
Dhoni
Rohit
Starc

Greats:-

Taylor
Watson
Warner
Bairstow
Buttler

Very good players:-

Amla
Williamson
Guptill
Root
Finch
Babar

[Madplayer]

The only way babar will get ahead of Kohli and Rohit in ODIs is when both of them retire.

I guess Rohit and Kohli have retired from t20s.

[The streak is Alive]

I guess Rohit and Kohli have retired from t20s.

No. But they certainly don't play as much. Infact none of the top teams take bilateral T-20s seriously. Babar will find it hard to pip Kohli and Sharma because India play a lot more ODIs and also they are far more consistent than Babar - who is just beginning to show consistency. We'll have to see how long that lasts.

[latecut]

Babar needs to work on his consistency. He has this tendency of having brain fade moments when he throws away his wicket when bowling is at his mercy. If he can overcome this weakness then he will be a very dangerous batsman indeed.

As an Indian fan, I find his wicket as the most priced wicket when India plays Pakistan.

[Madplayer]

No. But they certainly don't play as much. Infact none of the top teams take bilateral T-20s seriously. Babar will find it hard to pip Kohli and Sharma because India play a lot more ODIs and also they are far more consistent than Babar - who is just beginning to show consistency. We'll have to see how long that lasts.

Babar is just beginning to show consistency?

[jnaveen1980]

Consistency will get you rankings. Amla proved it already 9 years back. He was there at the peak for so long without playing any significant defining innings where he bossed an attack. A steady accumulator with a better strike rate than Babar Azam. Babar is very close to Amla in a lot of ways. The way he paces the inning has to improve dramatically.

[Madplayer]

Consistency will get you rankings. Amla proved it already 9 years back. He was there at the peak for so long without playing any significant defining innings where he bossed an attack. A steady accumulator with a better strike rate than Babar Azam. Babar is very close to Amla in a lot of ways. The way he paces the inning has to improve dramatically.

Babar did something in his first world cup which Amla couldnt do in his entire career.

[jnaveen1980]

Babar did something in his first world cup which Amla couldnt do in his entire career.

I am merely talking about characteristics of their batting style. In that particular small chase his steady approach was never going to hurt them with them playing only one spinner and had to use Kane as a bowler for the most part. By and large their batting is more about steady accumulation.

[The streak is Alive]

Babar is just beginning to show consistency?

Yes relative to Kohli and Rohit - who have been doing for far longer. You can check all three of their stats since last WC. This will give you an idea of what it would take to overtake these 2 in ODI rankings.

[The streak is Alive]

Another quick proxy - check the highest career ratings. I don't mean to suggest Babar is not good - its just that his best chance was during the last 12 mos, if he was goign to go past Kohli during the latter's playing days. Absence of Smith and Warner was also a factor, which will no longer be the case. You already have Warner with 4 100s in the WC. As good as Babar has been, do you honestly see him staying ahead of Warner and Smith for long?

[fanofcricket4life]

I guess Rohit and Kohli have retired from t20s.

Since 2016 T20 world cup, India have played 42 T20Is out of which Kohli has played just 24 which is just 57%.

For Rohit it is 80%.

Pakistan have played 37 T20Is out of which Babar has played 30 which is 81%.

Thank you.

[Mujtaba2900]

Okay Lets talk About This .
Ross Taylor Debut 2006
Kohli debut 2008
Rohit Sharma debut 2007
Willamson Debut 2010
Warner Debut 2009
Smith Debut 2010
And Now
Babar Azam Debut 2015 May
We shouldn't Compare Babar To Anyone From Previous Decade Instead Compare him To Someone Who is In The Same Bracket as him Someone like Root There is a difference of 4 years Root Debut 2013 January
Apart from Root I Dont See anyone Who Plays All Formats And This Consistent Shai Hope Had A Fantastic Year But Failed In WC
Babar Average since 2018 jan
Test 50.5
ODI 50 (And Thats One Tour On Which he Completely Failed 2018 NZ Tour In Which He Failed To Score even 10 In 5 matches)
T20 59

Now show me Any other players who Debut recently or In 5 years span Who is Close To babar ? Seriously

[Abdullah719]

Yes relative to Kohli and Rohit - who have been doing for far longer. You can check all three of their stats since last WC. This will give you an idea of what it would take to overtake these 2 in ODI rankings.

He can simply wait for them both to retire since he's 6-8 years their junior

[Green Patriot]

Incredible achievement.I just hope he hovers around the top and doesnt slide down.
Shame on the people who would still downplay this by bringing in the performances of other veteran cricketers.

[JaDed]

Still recall how many Pak fans wanted him to go back to domestics even when Indian fans could see he looked most settled batsman on crease lol, how things change.

[KingKhanWC]

The only way babar will get ahead of Kohli and Rohit in ODIs is when both of them retire.

I wrote tests too. Babar imo is already a better test batsmen than Sharma but doesn't play enough tests to prove this. Babar is young while the Indian duo are in the last 1/4 of their careers. They will decline while Babar will reach his peak and overtake them, unless they retire early.

[The streak is Alive]

He can simply wait for them both to retire since he's 6-8 years their junior

No doubt. I'm sure Babar will eventually be #1 at some point in his career. Just may not be while Kohli, Rohit, Warner and Smith are still playing!

[AdamM97]

No doubt. I'm sure Babar will eventually be #1 at some point in his career. Just may not be while Kohli, Rohit, Warner and Smith are still playing!

Babar has already surpassed Warner and Smith. Only two players left!

[The streak is Alive]

I wrote tests too. Babar imo is already a better test batsmen than Sharma but doesn't play enough tests to prove this. Babar is young while the Indian duo are in the last 1/4 of their careers. They will decline while Babar will reach his peak and overtake them, unless they retire early.

Far more likely that they will continue to eclipse him till they retire. Babar has a LONG way to go before he becomes a #1 bat in tests - he has hardly done anything of substance. Being better than Sharma at tests is not an achievement. He has to get past Fab 4 + Warner + Pujara and many more including some Bangladesh batsmen!

[The streak is Alive]

Babar has already surpassed Warner and Smith. Only two players left!

Won't be for long - they are coming back from a 12 month ban - just compare Babar and Warner's respective performances this WC for example. How long do you think it'll take Warner to overtake him? Smith is well...Smith.

[AdamM97]

Won't be for long - they are coming back from a 12 month ban - just compare Babar and Warner's respective performances this WC for example. How long do you think it'll take Warner to overtake him? Smith is well...Smith.

Good point, let's see how they all do in a year or two.

[KingKhanWC]

Far more likely that they will continue to eclipse him till they retire. Babar has a LONG way to go before he becomes a #1 bat in tests - he has hardly done anything of substance. Being better than Sharma at tests is not an achievement. He has to get past Fab 4 + Warner + Pujara and many more including some Bangladesh batsmen!

In ODIs I dont agree. No matter how good you are you will decline as you get older and towards the end of your career. The fab 4 are all 30+ exc Root who is 28. Babar is 24 and will reach his peak in another 3/4 years, by then the fab four will be in decline. There is also a possibilty Babar could have a purple patch in the next 18-24 months and over take them in the ODI rankings.

[Hasan123]

The NZ innings could be the game where he takes his game to the next level. Really want to see him improve in tests, improve his strike rotation, and win more games against top teams.

[Mean&Green]

Another quick proxy - check the highest career ratings. I don't mean to suggest Babar is not good - its just that his best chance was during the last 12 mos, if he was goign to go past Kohli during the latter's playing days. Absence of Smith and Warner was also a factor, which will no longer be the case. You already have Warner with 4 100s in the WC. As good as Babar has been, do you honestly see him staying ahead of Warner and Smith for long?

Easily my g Warner will remain class as usual but smith after the ban has been declining and declining for good he couldn’t even lay bat on ball in the IPL and it is also being shown in the World Cup he will be a goner from the Aussie team soon it’s just a matter of time

[jnaveen1980]

I wrote tests too. Babar imo is already a better test batsmen than Sharma but doesn't play enough tests to prove this. Babar is young while the Indian duo are in the last 1/4 of their careers. They will decline while Babar will reach his peak and overtake them, unless they retire early.

In Tests, Agarwal is already averaging 65. Prithvi shaw is averaging 118 in Tests. India has got Manjot Kalra, Subhman Gill and a lot more promising youngsters waiting to make debut.

[Madplayer]

Since 2016 T20 world cup, India have played 42 T20Is out of which Kohli has played just 24 which is just 57%.

For Rohit it is 80%.

Pakistan have played 37 T20Is out of which Babar has played 30 which is 81%.

Thank you.

So Kohli has played 24 T20is, Rohit has played 34 and Babar has played 30. And Babar ranks no.1 ahead of these two.

Okay good.

[Madplayer]

Yes relative to Kohli and Rohit - who have been doing for far longer. You can check all three of their stats since last WC. This will give you an idea of what it would take to overtake these 2 in ODI rankings.

Go and follow Babar's career since his debut before making such claims. About a year ago he was averaging 58 in ODIs before a slight dip in form which he has regained now.

[jnaveen1980]

So Kohli has played 24 T20is, Rohit has played 34 and Babar has played 30. And Babar ranks no.1 ahead of these two.

Okay good.

It is one format no team takes seriously at the international level except Pakistan. IPL supercedes international T20 significantly. Pretty sure it is the same for most of the foreign players as well. IPL, Big Bash they take precedence.

[MRSN]

It is one format no team takes seriously at the international level except Pakistan. IPL supercedes international T20 significantly. Pretty sure it is the same for most of the foreign players as well. IPL, Big Bash they take precedence.

Baber is at 3 even in ODIs. Shows class of young promising batsman who is rising.

Regarding t20s not taking seriously. Indians do take it seriously and most of the times they play their best XI so you can't say this for Ind. Other teams like SA, Eng and Aus do experiments which is true.

[Balthazar]

He is a gritty player. But expect Kohli, Sharma, Faf and Warner to rule the roost for some more years. Bairstow is also getting there.

Babar is improving but we are going to see new set of batsmen emerging before the next WC. They all look very talented. It's not going to be easy for Babar.

[jnaveen1980]

Baber is at 3 even in ODIs. Shows class of young promising batsman who is rising.

Regarding t20s not taking seriously. Indians do take it seriously and most of the times they play their best XI so you can't say this for Ind. Other teams like SA, Eng and Aus do experiments which is true.

Not true. KOhli skips quiet a few. Most recently some played because they used this as a prep for world cup as well. Otherwise IPL >>>>> International T20. Intensity level is not even remotely close.

[jnaveen1980]

He is a gritty player. But expect Kohli, Sharma, Faf and Warner to rule the roost for some more years. Bairstow is also getting there.

Babar is improving but we are going to see new set of batsmen emerging before the next WC. They all look very talented. It's not going to be easy for Babar.

His ability to shift gears will be under microscope until he develops power game. Rightnow a steady scorer. Scores a few boundaries inside power play. In some ways he is even behind Umar Akmal (in prime) in the areas of accelerating outside powerplay at will.

[MRSN]

His ability to shift gears will be under microscope until he develops power game. Rightnow a steady scorer. Scores a few boundaries inside power play. In some ways he is even behind Umar Akmal (in prime) in the areas of accelerating outside powerplay at will.

He has shown glimpse of his power game post PP overs this year. Hopefully he can work more on these shots.

[jnaveen1980]

He has shown glimpse of his power game post PP overs this year. Hopefully he can work more on these shots.

Yes. It will be the key to his growth. Remember the guy named Trott who was averaging 54 at a strike rate of 80 at one point in his career. Won ICC awards. He was once ranked 3rd in ICC ODI ranking. Ranked 8th in all time ODI averages.(min 20 innings) In terms of average his career was not that bad. Finished with an average of 51. That guy hardly had any power game. An one-dimensional batsman. Nobody remembers him now.

[Balthazar]

His ability to shift gears will be under microscope until he develops power game. Rightnow a steady scorer. Scores a few boundaries inside power play. In some ways he is even behind Umar Akmal (in prime) in the areas of accelerating outside powerplay at will.

He don't need to be a power hitter to top the ICC rankings. He is more of an accumulator and he has been doing a good job to get where he is now.

[Madplayer]

It is one format no team takes seriously at the international level except Pakistan. IPL supercedes international T20 significantly. Pretty sure it is the same for most of the foreign players as well. IPL, Big Bash they take precedence.

Thats not Babar's problem if Indians dont take playing t20s from their nation seriously.

[SilentWatcher]

I hope you know, that missing matches results in deduction of rating points. Only reason why Kohli is nowhere to be seen among top 5, even after being at pole position for a significant time when he used to play it regularly.

[spiderreddy]

Wow! Bumrah has 100 points more than Cummins and Rabada #boomboom