India’s spinner Varun Chakravarthy has ascended to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings, announced just two days before India’s final Asia Cup group-stage match against Oman. The Kolkata Knight Riders bowler jumped three spots to surpass New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, becoming only the third Indian to achieve the No.1 T20I ranking, following Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi.
Chakravarthy has been a consistent performer in T20Is, earning recognition for his match-winning spells. After being sidelined following India’s 2021 T20 World Cup campaign, the 34-year-old has made a strong comeback, highlighted by 14 wickets in the five-match T20I series against England earlier this year. In the ongoing Asia Cup, he has taken crucial wickets against UAE and Pakistan, including figures of 1/4 in the opener and 1/24 in India’s comprehensive win over Pakistan.
The ICC rankings now see Jacob Duffy at No.2, West Indies’ Akeal Hosein at No.3, followed by Australia’s Adam Zampa and England’s Adil Rashid. Analysts praised Chakravarthy’s sustained brilliance since mid-2024 as a key factor in his rise to the top, though some argue that Bumrah remains India’s best bowler, limited only by fewer T20I appearances.
Chakravarthy’s ascent adds momentum to India’s T20I campaign as they prepare for the Asia Cup, where he is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s bowling attack.
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