Rajasthan Royals’ Newest Recruit Climbs Up To Number 3 in Latest ICC ODI Rankings!

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has made a massive jump in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowler Rankings, breaking into the top three for the first time. His exceptional performance in the recent series against New Zealand has earned him this career milestone.

Theekshana Makes it to Top 3

Theekshana was in red-hot form during the series, taking seven wickets in three games. In the first ODI, he produced a match-winning spell, bagging four wickets, including a hat-trick, and finishing with impressive figures of 4/44. Although Sri Lanka lost the series 2-1, Theekshana’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

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His consistent performances helped him climb to 663 rating points, just six points behind top-ranked Rashid Khan (669) and two points behind India’s Kuldeep Yadav (665).

Theekshana’s stellar form has also been rewarded in the IPL. He was picked up by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 4.40 crore in the IPL 2025 auction after being released by Chennai Super Kings. The Sri Lankan spinner’s growing reputation makes him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.

Theekshana’s impact isn’t limited to his bowling. He has also moved up in the ICC all-rounder rankings, climbing four spots to equal 26th position.

Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner Make Moves

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has also made strides in the rankings. After taking nine wickets at an average of 10.33 in the series against Sri Lanka, he moved up three spots to equal ninth with 635 rating points.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner climbed two spots to 15th position, reflecting his steady performances in recent matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando surged 34 places to equal 97th after an impressive 3/26 spell.

Batting Rankings Update

While the bowlers grabbed the spotlight, the ICC ODI batting rankings saw minimal changes. Pakistan captain Babar Azam continues to dominate with 795 rating points. He’s followed by India’s Rohit Sharma (765), with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli holding third and fourth spots.

Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka, however, dropped five places to 18th. With the upcoming ODI series between India and Pakistan, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, top batters will have a chance to improve their rankings.

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