Latest ICC rankings: Rishabh Pant breaks Indian wicketkeeper record, Cheteshwar Pujara overtakes Steven Smith

What's the story?

Rishabh Pant has accumulated an Indian-record 673 rating points in the latest ICC Test rankings to become the joint-highest ranked wicketkeeper-batsman from India along with Farokh Engineer (in January 1973). Pant has achieved his career-best ranking of 17th by jumping 21 spots in the latest list released by the governing body.

Also, India's star performer with the bat Cheteshwar Pujara moved up one spot to third, thereby moving ahead of the former Australian skipper Steven Smith. Smith was handed a one-year ban due to his involvement in the sandpaper-gate (ball-tampering scandal).

The background

Pant emerged as the second highest run-getter in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar between hosts Australia and visitors India.

The southpaw, who amassed 350 runs in seven innings at an average of 58.33, was also very good with the gloves. His 20 catches and constant chirping behind the stumps made headlines during the highly-anticipated Test series.

In what is being called one of the best Test cricket moments in the history of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli's men clinched the four-match series 2-1 after the Sydney Test ended in a draw. Pujara was adjudged the Player of the Series for his exploits with the willow, having scored 521 runs in seven innings at an average of 74.43.

The heart of the matter

Pant’s aggregate of 673 rating points is the highest by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests, followed by former skipper MS Dhoni (662 points) and Farokh Engineer (619 points). Pant, who is currently ranked 17th, also overtook Dhoni's highest rank which was 19th.

Meanwhile, Pujara moved up one spot to third in the rankings after his memorable outing throughout the series, thereby pushing Smith to fourth.

What's next?

It was undoubtedly a memorable series for Kohli's men who also retained their No. 1 Test team ranking by clinching the series 2-1. Pujara and Pant, meanwhile, have established themselves as crucial members of the Indian Test team. They will likely play a key role in India's ICC World Test Championship campaign, which is set to kick off after the 2019 World Cup.