Rishabh Pant has achieved the status of the highest-ranked Indian batter in Test cricket, surpassing his captain, Shubman Gill. This update was released by the International Cricket Council on Wednesday, August 26. Pant has moved up six positions to claim the seventh spot, while Gill remains at No. 8, maintaining his position in the rankings.

Pant’s ascent in the rankings follows a commendable performance during the Test series against Sri Lanka. He played a significant role in India’s 165-run victory in Galle, scoring 39 runs in the first innings and 66 runs in the second innings. This consistent performance has been acknowledged in the latest rankings.

In 2026, Pant has been a reliable run-scorer for India, accumulating a total of 249 runs in three Tests, which includes three half-centuries. His form this year places him among the top batsmen in the nation, only trailing behind Devdutt Padikkal, who has scored 328 runs across just three innings.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Drops Out of Top 10

Yashasvi Jaiswal has fallen out of the top 10 in the latest Test rankings, now sitting at No. 11 after a decline of two positions. His performance has been less impactful in recent matches, as he has struggled to score runs consistently. Notably, he has yet to register a fifty in Tests this year, indicating a challenging period for the left-handed opener.

Jaiswal had an opportunity to make a mark during a one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh in June. However, he could not capitalise on that chance and subsequently failed to perform in the opening Test against Sri Lanka. This dip in form has significantly impacted his standing, leading to his drop in rankings.

No other Indian batter currently ranks within the top 25 of the Test batting charts. England’s Harry Brook leads the pack, reflecting a competitive landscape for Indian batsmen in the Test arena. The absence of multiple Indian players from the higher rankings highlights the need for improved performances in future matches.

Other Notable Rankings and Performances

Aside from Pant and Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal has made significant progress in the rankings. Following his impressive century in the opening Test in Galle, he is now positioned within the top 50. His recent performance suggests potential for further upward movement in the rankings, especially with points from his latest century being considered in future updates.

KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja currently occupy the 30th and 29th positions, respectively. Despite his lower ranking, Jadeja continues to lead the ICC rankings for men’s all-rounders in Test cricket, showcasing his versatility and contributions to the Indian team.

On the international front, the rankings are led by several prominent players such as Joe Root and Steve Smith, with Babar Azam of Pakistan currently holding the 10th spot. Azam faces the possibility of further decline in his ranking as he recently missed a Test due to injury, during which his team faced a heavy defeat against England.

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