Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane has reached a career-best position of sixth on the latest ICC Test Rankings for Batsmen. The 28-year-old scored 347 runs at an average of 69.40 in India’s recently concluded Test series against New Zealand.
Rahane’s outstanding performance came in the third Test of the series at Indore, where he scored 188 in the first innings despite facing some hostile bowling from the New Zealand pacers. He was part of a 365-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Virat Kohli.
Rahane's Test record in 2016
- Matches: 7
- Runs: 590
- Average: 84.28
- Centuries: 2
Cheteshwar Pujara is the second highest ranked Indian batsmen at 14 while Kohli, aided by his double century at Indore, jumped up to the 16th spot and will be hopeful of breaking into the top 10 when India welcome England for a five-match Test series next month.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has gone down two places and is now fifth, while Australia’s Steven Smith continues to have a healthy lead at the top of the Rankings, with England’s Joe Root and South Africa’s Hashim Amla completing the top three.
Pakistan’s Younis Khan, who is fourth, will miss the first Test against the West Indies starting on Thursday due to illness. Provided he’s fit for the next two Tests, he will fancy his chances of climbing up the ladder.