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Mohammed Siraj Dethroned From Top Of ICC Bowlers Rankings Ahead Of World Cup Semis

image-loyi0q47Keshav Maharaj celebrating a wicket at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

Indian speedster Mohammed Siraj, who recently climbed to the top of the ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers, lost his crown in less than a week despite his stellar run at the 2023 World Cup. The in-form fast bowler has been replaced by ace South African spinner Keshav Maharaj, signifying the sheer competitiveness in the race for the number one spot.

Mohammed Siraj usurped by Keshav Maharaj

As per the ODI Bowler rankings issued by the ICC on November 8, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was crowned as the new number-one fast bowler by taking over the mantle from Pakistan pace maverick Shaheen Shah Afridi.

As it turned out, Siraj's reign lasted barely a week as South African spinner Keshav Maharaj replaced the Indian speedster. The two cricketers occupy the top two slots on the elite ranking charts. At the same time, Australian spin wizard Adam Zampa is placed at number three owing to his splendid wicket-taking spree at the 2023 World Cup.

On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi has slipped to number nine on the table, where the 'Men in Green' fast bowler is sandwiched between Afghanistan spin twins Rashid Khan (at number eight) and Mohammad Nabi (at number 10).

While Mohammed Siraj lost his top crown in less than a week, his World Cup 2023 bowling teammates Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav gained two rungs each to storm into the top five rankings at number four and number five, respectively. Both Bumrah and Yadav displaced Antipodean speedsters Josh Hazlewood and Trent Boult, who slipped out of the top five list.

The ICC Rankings for ODI batters also saw a major shuffle, with recent Indian centurions Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul making staggering jumps up the charts. Iyer gained five steps to secure 13th place following his thunderous match-winning ton against the Netherlands, while his partner-in-crime KL Rahul leapt above six batters to tie in with Steve Smith at number 17 on the list.