ICC t20I Latest ranking: Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya reclaimed the number one spot in the ICC T20I rankings after the conclusion of the side’s four-match series against South Africa. The 31-year-old who was in third position before has taken over from England’s Liam Livingstone and Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee.

His innings of 39 not out in the second game of the four-match series helped balance India’s innings, while his spell of 1/8 from three overs during the decisive fourth contest ensured his side claim an impressive 3-1 series triumph. It is the second time Pandya has held the No.1 ranking for T20I all-rounders, with the consistent India performer first rising to the top at the end of this year’s ICC men’s T20 World Cup.

In addition to Hardik, Tilak Varma who scored back-to-back tons in the same series against South Africa has gone up 69 places and has currently reached a career-best third rank in the T20I series. Varma has been judged with Player Of the Series for his heroics in the bilateral competition.

The rise sees Varma improve to third place overall behind No.1-ranked T20I batter Travis Head and England’s Phil Salt and means he is now the highest-rated batter from India, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav dropping one spot to fourth behind him. Teammate Sanju Samson — who also managed two centuries during the series with South Africa — climbs 17 spots to 22nd on the same list for T20I batters.

Australian duo Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis are among the biggest movers on the updated rankings for T20I bowlers, with India seamer Arshdeep Singh gaining three places to move to ninth and a new career-high rating following his efforts against South Africa.

(With agency inputs)