Mohammed Siraj breaks into top 15 after Oval heroics; Jaiswal, Gill move in opposite directions in ICC Test rankings

India's star pacer Mohammed Siraj has achieved a career-best spot in the latest ICC Test bowling rankings after a stunning nine-wicket match haul at The Oval helped India edge past England by six runs in a thrilling finish to the five-match Test series. Siraj, who took 4 for 82 in the first innings and followed it up with 5 for 108 in the second, was named Player of the Match for his decisive spell that dismantled England’s resistance late on Day five.

Siraj’s performance was not just a statistical standout, but a high-pressure masterclass that underlined his value to India’s red-ball setup. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the final Test and India looking for answers after going 1-2 down in the series, Siraj rose to the occasion with pace, reverse swing, and relentless control. The nine-wicket haul took his tally for the series to 23 wickets in five matches, making him India’s highest wicket-taker of the tour.

Also read: WATCH: Star bowler's splendid performance help Oval Invincibles beat London Spirit at The Hundred 

His climb up the ICC rankings, 12 places to 15th, is his best since debuting in 2020 and reflects his growing stature among the world’s premier fast bowlers. He now sits behind only Bumrah among Indian pacers, and his consistency overseas is becoming a defining trait of India’s evolving pace attack.

Prasidh Krishna, his pace partner at The Oval, also recorded a career-best ranking, moving up to 59th after collecting eight wickets in the match. The pair became the first Indian pace duo since the spin era of Bedi and Prasanna in 1969 to claim four or more wickets each in both innings of a Test.

On the batting front, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s second century of the series propelled him back into the top five Test batters with 792 rating points. He remains India’s highest-ranked batter in the format. Shubman Gill, despite amassing 434 runs in the series, dropped out of the top 10 to 13th place, while Rishabh Pant slipped to eighth after missing the final Test due to injury.

England’s young quicks also made gains, with Gus Atkinson entering the top 10 for the first time and Josh Tongue rising to 46th. India’s victory at The Oval not only leveled the series but showcased their growing fast bowling depth. With Siraj leading the charge, India’s Test ambitions continue to be powered by pace.