The ICC released its weekly rankings on Wednesday, and there was quite a shock on the T20I all-rounder charts. Hardik Pandya had enjoyed the number one status in T20Is. Going into the Asia Cup 2025, he was deranked by a Pakistani player. With a terrible Asia Cup 2025 behind him, Saim Ayub has now taken away the top all-rounder rank from Pandya in the shortest format of the match.
Ayub has moved four places to the top of the charts, with 241 rating points. On the other hand, Hardik, who missed the Asia Cup final, dropped one place down to second, with 233 points.
Saim’s bowling earns him the edge over Hardik
Typically, Pakistan expects good things from the batsman, the Asia Cup was, in fact, a tough one for Saim. He could still only manage 37 runs in seven innings throughout the tournament, including four ducks. Though he was, surprisingly, Pakistan’s best bowler in the tournament.
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In the powerplays, Saim got in his hours of spin bowling with full effect – eight wickets in seven matches at an average of 16, and very cheap at just 6.40 an over. These not only made him Pakistan’s best bowling option, but also were recognised by the ICC, who awarded a big rise in rankings for him.
On the other hand, Hardik dropped down the list for being absent from the Asia Cup final due to injury. Also, being hardly challenged to bat and only picking up four wickets in six matches at 8.57 economy, the Indian all-rounder definitely had an average Asia Cup tournament, thereby witnessing his downward slide.
Nevertheless, Hardik will now have an opportunity to restore his place, as the all-rounder will be in action against Australia in the T20Is this month.
