Axar Patel makes big jump in ICC ODI rankings after Birmingham heroics vs England
India all-rounder Axar Patel has broken into the top 10 of the ICC ODI all-rounders’ rankings after starring in the opening match of the series against England in Birmingham. The left-arm spinner climbed three places to ninth in the latest standings, taking his tally to 213 rating points and underlining his growing stature in India’s white-ball setup.
Axar delivered a match-winning all-round performance in India’s six-wicket victory at Edgbaston on Tuesday. The 32-year-old first impressed with the ball, returning figures of 4/62, before producing an unbeaten 57 off 52 deliveries to guide India to a target of 259 with 28 balls remaining. His crucial partnership with Washington Sundar helped the visitors take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The performance also translated into significant gains across the individual rankings. Axar rose 18 places to 73rd in the ODI batting charts and climbed two spots to 42nd among bowlers. Having established himself as one of India’s most dependable limited-overs cricketers over the years, the latest rankings update reflects his increasing value as a genuine all-rounder.
AXAR’S RISE HEADLINES INDIA’S RANKINGS BOOST
India entered the ODI series after suffering a 4-0 defeat in the preceding T20Is against England, but the return of senior stars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah immediately strengthened the side.
Gill was among the standout performers in Birmingham, scoring 80 from 75 balls before retiring hurt. The opener struck 11 fours and a six during his innings, earning 12 additional rating points in the ODI batting rankings. Gill now sits just 11 points behind New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, who occupies the top spot.
Bumrah also marked his return to ODI cricket in style. The pace spearhead claimed one wicket and climbed to 24th in the bowling rankings, adding extra firepower to India’s attack.
Washington Sundar was another major beneficiary of the latest update. The all-rounder, who remained unbeaten on 52 during the chase, jumped 16 places to 55th in the ODI all-rounders’ rankings.
Having played a central role in India’s victory at Edgbaston, Axar will now hope to carry his form into the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on July 16.
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