Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Jan 25: Mohammed Siraj topped the ICC rankings for ODI bowlers on Wednesday, demonstrating his quick ascension in international cricket.
Siraj overtook Josh Hazlewood of Australia and Trent Boult of New Zealand to take the top spot among ODI bowlers for the first time. Siraj’s performance in the ODI series at home earlier this month against Sri Lanka and New Zealand demonstrated just how much the right arm has advanced in recent years. Siraj’s performance over the past 12 months has been immaculate.
For the past couple of years, Siraj has been India’s best bowler in one-day internationals. Siraj particularly excelled when Jasprit Bumrah was sidelined with an injury. With back-to-back four-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka and then in the opening game against New Zealand, the 28-year-old emphasised his value to the team.
The right-handed pacer recorded an amazing average of 10.22 while taking nine wickets in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Siraj concluded the ODI series against New Zealand with five wickets despite being rested for the decisive game, which India won to clinch a 3-0 sweep. On Tuesday, the ICC’s ODI Team of 2022 was announced, and he was included alongside Shreyas Iyer. This was another reward for his purple patch.
After the most recent update to the ICC Rankings, the 28-year-old has now added a new honour to his resume: he is now the new No. 1 bowler in the 50-over format. He now has 729 rating points.
Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is in the second spot with New Zealand’s Trent Boult in the third spot.