Saim Ayub dethrones Hardik Pandya to become number 1 ranked T20I all-rounder

Hardik dethroned by Saim Ayub [Source: AFP Photo]

The ICC on Wednesday released its weekly rankings, and there was a huge surprise in the T20I all-rounder’s ranking charts. Hardik Pandya, who was the number one-ranked player in T20Is, was dethroned by none other than a Pakistan player. Saim Ayub, who had a horrendous Asia Cup 2025, has displaced Pandya to become the number one-ranked all-rounder in the game’s shortest format.

Ayub has moved four places to the top of the charts and now has 241 rating points. Meanwhile, Hardik, who missed the Asia Cup finale, drops one place down to the second spot and has 233 points.

Saim's bowling efforts propels him over Hardik

Normally, Pakistan expects good things from him with the bat; however, Saim had a disappointing Asia Cup as he could only score 37 runs in seven innings, including four ducks in the tournament. However, surprisingly, he was Pakistan’s best bowler in the competition.

Often used in the power play, Saim used his spin-bowling to full effectiveness as he scalped 8 wickets in seven matches, at an average of 16, and an economy of just 6.40. He was Pakistan's best bowler and was often unplayable as the ICC recognised his efforts and gave him a jump in the rankings.

On the other hand, Hardik, who missed the Asia Cup final due to an injury, dropped in his rankings. He had an average Asia Cup tournament as he was hardly required to bat, and with the ball, the Indian all-rounder picked up just four wickets in six matches, at an economy of 8.57, and hence, he witnessed a decline.

Hardik, however, has a chance to reclaim his position as the all-rounder will be in action against Australia in the T20Is this month.

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