Rashid Khan Reclaims ODI Bowling No.1 as Maharaj Moves to Second
When Rashid Khan, Afghanistan reclaimed the top spot in the ODI bowling rankings on 15 October 2025, the cricket world took notice. The announcement came from the International Cricket Council (ICC) just after the Afghanistan‑Bangladesh series wrapped up, and it upended a month‑long chatter that South Africa’s left‑arm spinner might finally wear the crown.
Why the Rankings Matter
Since the ICC introduced its rating system in 2002, the ODI bowling list has become a bellwether for form, fitness, and the subtle art of adapting to different conditions. A player’s rating reflects wickets taken, economy, strike rate, and the quality of opposition over the past three to four years, with a heavier weight given to the most recent matches. That’s why a jump of 30‑plus points, such as the one Rashid achieved, signals more than a good season – it hints at a sustained resurgence.
The New Top Three
The official ICC page (icc-cricket.com/rankings/bowling/mens/odi) posted the following numbers at 15:00 UTC:
- 1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 710 points
- 2. Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) – 680 points
- 3. Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka) – 659 points
Behind them sit familiar faces: Jofra Archer of England at 654, India’s Kuldeep Yadav with 650, and Namibia’s surprise package Bernard Scholtz at 645.
How Rashid Khan Got Back on Top
Rashid’s resurgence is rooted in two back‑to‑back series that showcased his uncanny ability to strangle run‑rates. In the Asia Cup (August 2025) he bowled 20 overs for just 76 runs, picking up 12 wickets at a strike rate of 24.5. He repeated the feat in the Afghanistan‑Pakistan bilateral series in September, posting an economy of 3.82 across 30 overs.
Former ICC analyst David Lloyd summed it up: “Khan’s variations aren’t just tricks; they’re weapons that work on every surface now. His numbers this year are the best of his career.”
Keshav Maharaj’s Career‑Best Leap
South Africa’s left‑arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, hit a personal high of 680 points after a dominant home series against the West Indies and a surprisingly sharp performance in the Super League match versus Ireland. His economy of 4.12 and a haul of 9 wickets in three games nudged him past Theekshana, who has struggled to replicate his early‑year form.
“I’ve always believed consistency beats flash,” Maharaj told reporters in Cape Town. “Being second now feels like validation for years of hard work.”
Maheesh Theekshana’s Slip
While the Sri Lankan off‑spinner remains a potent force, a modest dip to 659 points reflects a couple of expensive spells in the Asia Cup. Theekshana’s economy rose to 5.10, and his wicket tally fell short of expectations.
“It’s a reminder that rankings are unforgiving,” said Sri Lanka’s coach, Harsha de Silva. “We’ll tweak the game plan and get him back up.”
Reactions Across the Cricketing World
Fans on social media erupted with mixed emotions. In Kabul, a trending hashtag #KhanIsKing trended for four hours, while South African supporters posted celebratory murals of Maharaj in Johannesburg’s downtown.
England’s Jofra Archer remained gracious, noting, “Rashid set the benchmark. It pushes us all to get better.”
The Bigger Picture: How Rankings Influence Teams
Board selectors often look at the list when shaping squads for major tournaments. India’s inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the upcoming World Cup camp reflects his steady 650‑point rating, while Pakistan’s fast‑bowling contingent hopes Shaheen Afridi’s 593 points can translate into a higher slot before the next update.
Moreover, broadcasters use the rankings for promotional narratives – “Watch the world’s top bowlers clash” – which can boost viewership numbers.
Understanding the ICC’s Rating Methodology
Every ODI a bowler plays contributes to a rolling points pool. Points are awarded per match based on:
- Wickets taken (more points for dismissals of top‑order batsmen)
- Economy rate (runs conceded per over)
- Strike rate (balls per wicket)
- Strength of opposition (higher‑ranked teams yield more points)
What’s Next?
The next official review is set for 15 November 2025, right after the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures conclude on 10 November. Those ten matches, featuring heavyweights like Australia, India, and New Zealand, could easily reshuffle the top five again.
For Rashid, the goal is clear: maintain sub‑4‑run economy and keep the strike rate under 25. Maharaj hopes to edge closer to the summit, while Theekshana is already plotting a comeback tour in Sri Lanka’s home conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rashid Khan’s rating jump so dramatically?
Khan’s economy of 3.82 and a strike rate of 24.5 across his last 20 ODIs earned him high‑value points. His five four‑wicket hauls against strong opposition in the Asia Cup and the Pakistan series weighted heavily in the ICC’s formula, propelling his rating from 678 to 710.
How does the ICC calculate bowling ratings?
The rating combines wickets, economy, strike rate, and opposition quality for each match. Recent performances are given more weight, and points decay over a 3‑4‑year window, ensuring the list reflects current form.
Will these rankings affect team selections for the upcoming World Cup?
Yes. Selectors often prioritize bowlers in the top 10 when drafting squads. India’s reliance on Kuldeep Yadav and Pakistan’s hope to boost Shaheen Afridi’s position are direct examples of the rankings influencing squad composition.
What could cause a major reshuffle in the next update?
The Super League matches in November feature all top‑tier nations. A series of low‑economy, high‑wicket performances by any bowler could swing a dozen points, potentially moving a player like Jofra Archer into the top three.
How reliable are the alternative figures reported by NDTV Sports?
NDTV’s numbers likely stem from an earlier data pull or a different calculation window. The ICC’s official site remains the definitive source, as it updates the ratings after each set of matches.
- Oct, 20 2025
- Zander Lockhart
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Written by Zander Lockhart
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