Adil Rashid Rises to Second with Varun Chakravarthy Keeping Pace in T20I Bowling Rankings

The recent ICC Men's T20I Rankings update saw some significant changes in the bowling and batting rankings in the wake of the recently completed England vs West Indies T20I series. The biggest talking point was the further rise of England's Adil Rashid who now occupies the second rank in the T20I Bowling Rankings. His consistency and game-changing display in England's 3-0 series whitewash is no less remarkable for being predictable. At the age of 37, he has demonstrated that control and experience can still reign supreme in the high-octane pace of T20 cricket. With returns of 1 for 22 in the first game at Chester-Le-Street, then 1 for 59 in a batting feast in Bristol, and 2 for 30 in the last game in Southampton Rashid demonstrated the capability to bowl under pressure and win matches for England. His payoff is a ranking boost as he is now ranked at 710 and just 13 points shy of New Zealand's Jacob Duffy who remains at the top.

At the same time India's mystery bowler Varun Chakravarthy has been able to retain his third position in the rankings. Even though he did not play in this series he is still solidly in the top three which indicates how strong his recent showing has been. His hold on the third position is being monitored closely as the differential among the top bowlers keeps decreasing and the battle for the No. 1 position intensifies.

England's white-ball hegemony continues to shine through. Having come from an outstanding series win in ODIs they took the momentum into the T20Is whitewashing the West Indies 3-0. England's white-ball masters have visibly been putting in the effort and the ICC rankings now bear testimony to the same. Brydon Carse is another name who gained because of his recent run. The two wicket haul by the pace bowler in the last two matches was enough effort to take him up 16 places to 52nd in the overall T20I bowling list. Carse's quiet yet impressive performance added further depth to England's bowling attack.

There were notable movements also in the batting category. Ben Duckett scored a breathtaking knock in the third T20I with 84 runs off mere 46 deliveries. That knock propelled him up by 48 positions in the batting rankings and placed him at a career high of 16th position. It was the turning point in Duckett's career as he capitalized on the chance to showcase himself and made a mark with an aggressive and authoritative performance in the middle order. Harry Brook also impressed with two useful knocks of 35 not out and 34. These cameos promoted him six places upwards and he is now tied for the 38th position in rankings.

West Indies although being on the losing side displayed some resilience through their individual performers. Skipper Shai Hope took the lead at the front with consecutive scores in excess of 40, advancing him 14 places and into 15th in the T20I batting rankings. His calm and mature style shone through even as his team was not able to put together a winning streak. Rovman Powell was the other best performer as his destructive unbeaten score of 79 from 45 balls in the last match reminded everyone of his raw power. That one innings was sufficient to take him to the top 20 and he is still a huge threat in the middle order.

Veteran all-rounder Jason Holder continued to display his worth in both departments. He contributed 70 runs in the series and also got a vital wicket which took him up by 16 places in the ICC T20I All-Rounder Rankings. He now is ranked at the 26th position. Holder's contribution was vital to West Indies as they attempted to stay with a fiery England team. His climb up the rankings is a recognition of the fact that true all-rounders are still essential to the T20 game.

The current rankings update is not only a commentary on what has happened in one series but also on the changing power balance of international T20 cricket. England's cricketers are obviously gaining from their systematic white-ball strategy and hard work during match preparation. With Adil Rashid nearly at the crest and Duckett becoming one of the top 20 batsmen England are well set to carry on with dominance in the shorter version as well. Meanwhile West Indies players such as Hope Powell and Holder are proving that they are also willing to leave their mark on the international scene and strive for greater accolades.

For Indian cricket lovers Varun Chakravarthy still being in the top three is a heartening sign. It indicates that even though he was not in action he has performed well enough to retain his position among the world's top T20 bowlers. But with Adil Rashid standing on the neck of the present No. 1 Jacob Duffy coming months can witness further juggling particularly with yet another international series and T20 tournaments scheduled to take place.

Overall the new rankings are a clear reflection of the rapidly changing nature of T20 cricket where every match every wicket and every run can make a huge difference. Performances within a single series can lead to huge leaps or dips and that is what makes the format so thrilling for players and spectators alike. The ongoing emergence of the likes of Adil Rashid and Ben Duckett illustrates how hard work and consistent performance can drastically shift careers at a fast pace. It also serves as a reminder to selectors and coaches that chances in T20 cricket arrive quickly and must be grabbed both hands.