Mohammed Siraj bags top spot in ICC ODI rankings for bowlers

After a phenomenal display throughout the 50-over format in 2022, and an equally brilliant start to 2023, Mohammed Siraj has bagged the much-coveted ace in the ODI rankings for bowlers, thanks to a glass-shattering culmination with an emphatic performance in the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand.

In the recently concluded series against the visiting Sri Lankans, Siraj finished his campaign with a staggering 9 wicket haul that also featured 4 wickets in the second match of the series. With his scintillating display against New Zealand and Sri Lanka combined, he managed to ease past his RCB fast bowling partner, Josh Hazlewood.

Siraj also became the first Indian bowler to bag the ace in ICC ODI bowling rankings after Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah bagged the ace in 2022 after a sumptuous showdown against England in the latter’s backyard, helping India seize a remarkable series.

Ever since his return to the ODI squad in February 2022, Mohammed Siraj managed to bag 37 wickets from 21 fixtures while also creating ripples in the opening powerplay of the game. Earlier this week, he was also included in the ICC ODI Team of the Year.

Following India’s triumphant exploits against the formerly ranked Number one team in ODIs, Rohit Sharma had said about Siraj, “He has done really well, he understands what the team is expecting from him. To come and take the new ball, swing the ball, get early wickets. In the middle overs too, he's got so much skill. The more he plays, the better he gets.”

Here are the top 5 bowlers in the latest ICC ODI Rankings:

·       Mohammed Siraj (India) - 729

·       Josh Hazlewood (Australia) - 727

·       Trent Boult (New Zealand) - 708

·       Mitchell Starc (Australia) - 665

·       Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) - 659