Kuldeep Yadav Reaches Career-Best 14th Rank in ICC Test Bowling Rankings After Match-Winning Performance

India's left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav achieved a career-best 14th position in the ICC Test bowling rankings on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, following his exceptional eight-wicket haul in the second Test against West Indies at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. The 30-year-old's stellar performance helped India secure a 2-0 series sweep and earned him a seven-place jump in the latest ICC rankings update.

Match-Winning Performance in Delhi

Kuldeep was India's standout bowler in the second Test, claiming 5/82 in West Indies' first innings before adding three more wickets in the second innings for match figures of 8/186. His five-wicket haul on a pitch offering assistance to spinners showcased his mastery of flight, drift, and variations that have made him one of Test cricket's most dangerous spinners when conditions suit.

The chinaman bowler's performance earned him the Player of the Match award and capped a successful series where he finished as the leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps from two matches at an average of 19.50. This represents his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his second-best match figures in the format.

Career-Best Ranking Achievement

Kuldeep's rise to 14th position with 689 rating points marks the highest point of his Test career since making his debut in 2017. The jump of seven places reflects not just his performance in the Delhi Test but his consistent wicket-taking ability when given opportunities in the longest format.

For a spinner often labeled as "conditions-dependent," Kuldeep has proven his value whenever pitches offer turn. His ability to bowl long spells while maintaining accuracy and generating sharp turn makes him a valuable asset for India, particularly in home conditions.

Jaiswal's Batting Surge

Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal also made significant gains in the batting rankings, advancing two slots to reach fifth position. His magnificent 175 off 258 balls in the first innings—featuring 22 boundaries—continued his remarkable run in Test cricket. At just 23 years old, Jaiswal has already scored seven Test centuries with five exceeding 150 runs, establishing himself as one of India's most reliable batsmen.

The left-hander's consistency throughout 2025 has been extraordinary, with over 2,200 runs in 26 Tests at an average exceeding 58. His climb to fifth in the world rankings confirms his status among the game's elite batsmen.

Other Indian Movers

KL Rahul benefited from solid contributions in both innings, scoring 38 and an unbeaten 58 to guide India to their seven-wicket victory. These knocks lifted him two places to 33rd in the batting rankings, providing a timely boost before India's ODI tour of Australia starting October 19.

Ravindra Jadeja retained his top position in the all-rounder rankings with 426 rating points after another excellent series. His century (104*) in the first Test at Ahmedabad and eight wickets across the series earned him the Player of the Series award. Jasprit Bumrah also maintained his No. 1 ranking among Test bowlers with 882 rating points despite taking just seven wickets in the series.

West Indies Players Make Gains

Several West Indies batsmen improved their rankings despite the series defeat. Shai Hope's century (108) in the second innings' follow-on saw him leap 34 places to 66th, while John Campbell's hundred (100) in the same innings lifted him six spots to 68th. These performances provided rare bright spots for a struggling West Indies side.

Among bowlers, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican gained two places to reach 30th position after claiming 4 wickets in the series, while captain Roston Chase moved up four spots to 57th after his contributions with both bat and ball.

Rashid Khan Returns to ODI Summit

In other rankings movements, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan reclaimed the No. 1 position in ODI bowling rankings after a devastating 3-0 series sweep of Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. Rashid's 11 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second match, propelled him five places to the top with 710 rating points—30 ahead of South Africa's Keshav Maharaj.

This marks Rashid's return to a position he first occupied in September 2018, last holding it in November 2024. His seam-bowling teammate Azmatullah Omarzai achieved a career-best 21st position after leaping 19 spots with seven wickets in the series.

Historic Achievement for Ibrahim Zadran

Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran reached a career-best second position in ODI batting rankings after top-scoring with 213 runs in the Bangladesh series. His 686 rating points represent the highest-ever achieved by any Afghan batsman, surpassing Rahmanullah Gurbaz's previous record of 686 points from November 2024. His second-place ranking also stands as the highest position ever attained by an ODI batsman from Afghanistan.

Looking Ahead

For Kuldeep Yadav, reaching 14th in Test bowling rankings validates his skills and importance to India's bowling attack in home conditions. With India's demanding schedule including tours to Australia and South Africa, maintaining this ranking will require consistent performances across different conditions.

The rankings update reflects the competitive nature of international cricket, where every series provides opportunities for players to rise or fall based on form and performance. As India prepares for their Australia tour, the confidence gained from strong rankings positions could prove invaluable for both Kuldeep and Jaiswal.