In a remarkable comeback story, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishi After his performance in the ongoing match against Pakistan, he entered the ICC Men’s T20I top 10 for the first time in over two years. T20 World Cup 2026. In the latest ranking update released on February 18, Kishan moved up an incredible 17 places to secure the eighth spot with 732 rating points.
Ishan Kishi’s remarkable rise in T20I rankings
Kisha’s return to the upper echelons of the batting charts reads like a fairy tale. Ranked 78th on his return to the T20I setup earlier this year, the left-hander has enjoyed a dizzying trajectory up the rankings. He rose to No. 32 when the T20 World Cup began and rose to No. 25 in the first two games before his explosive knock against Pakistan catapulted him into the top 10.
The 26-year-old’s revival marks his first appearance in the top 10 since his early breakthrough years in international cricket and marks his return to form at the perfect time for the defending champions.
Kisha’s rise up the rankings was fueled by a breathtaking knock of 77 runs from just 40 overs against arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo on February 15. The powerful knock, which won him the Man of the Match award, laid the foundation for India’s 61-run win and helped maintain the team’s record.
The innings showcased Kisha’s evolution as a batter, combining a responsible anchor role with fearless batting when the situation called for it. His ability to dominate a quality Pakistan bowling attack on a difficult surface has caught the attention of cricket experts across the world and is now reflected in the updated rankings.
ICC T20I rankings: Four Indian players in top 10
Kisha’s entry into the elite club means India now boast four batsmen in the top 10 of the ICC T20I rankings, underscoring the team’s extraordinary batting depth ahead of the Super 8s.
At the top, Abhishek Sharma continues to hold the No. 1 position with 891 rating points despite modest returns in the World Cup so far, including two ducks. England’s Phil Salt is in second place, while Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka has moved up three places to third place after his magnificent century against Australia.
India’s Tilak Varma is fourth with 751 points and captain Suryakumar Yadav is sixth with 747 points. India’s quartet of batsmen in the top 10 – Abhishek, Tilak, Suryakumar and now Kishan – pose a major challenge for the opposition in the upcoming Super 8 matches against South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton gained 22 places to 11th, while Aiden Markram moved up six places to 15th. American Saiteja Mukkamalla rose 16 places to 21st place, while young Englishman Jacob Bethell rose 22 places to 32nd place.
Intense battle in bowling and comprehensive charts
In the bowling rankings, India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakraborty leads the table with 796 points, although Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan has moved up one place to second place. Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans made the most significant move, climbing 10 places to fifth after back-to-back three-wicket hauls to help beat Australia.
India’s Axar Patel climbed four places to 14th jasprit bumrah Gaining 6 spots to 15th place, it highlighted the team’s balanced attack heading into the Super 8.
The all-rounder continues in a tight contest, with Pakistan’s Saim Ayub reclaiming the top spot from Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza after a three-wicket haul against India. India’s Hardik Pandya stands firm at number three.
