India captain Virat Kohli [http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/253802.html] has claimed the number 1 spot with 928 points, surpassing Steve Smith in the ICC Test Batting Rankings. He claimed the spot on the back of his stunning century in India’s maiden Day-night Test against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He was at the top spot for a long time before Steve Smith reclaimed it with his wonderful performance (774 runs in 4 Tests) in the ashes series which Australia successfully retained in England. Smith is in second place with 923 points. However, Virat Kohli scored his career-best 254* in the second Test against South Africa in Pune and then he scored 136 against Bangladesh while Steve Smith managed to score only 4 and 36 in a two-Test series against Pakistan where David Warner smashed his maiden triple-century in Tests. David Warner moved up to 12 spots to be placed at 5th in ICC Test rankings after his record-breaking unbeaten 335 [https://www.essentiallysports.com/aus-vs-pak-2019-david-warner-scores-a-triple-century-twitterati-react/] against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval. Marnus Labuschagne has also jumped up to the 8th spot on the back of his twin centuries in the same series. Apart from Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara (791 rating points; 4th spot) and Ajinkya Rahane (759 rating points; 6th spot) are the other two Indian batsmen to be in the top 10 list. England Test captain Joe Root has also returned to the top 10 list after scoring the double century in the Hamilton Test against New Zealand. Pakistan’s Babar Azam has also jumped up to two spots to 13th after scoring 210 runs in two Tests against Australia. Australia speedster Mitchell Starc has returned to the points table and he has moved up four places to 14th after bagging seven wickets in the Adelaide Test. West Indies captain Jason Holder also picked up five wickets which have helped him move up one place to third place with the career-best 830 points and he has also placed at the top of the all-rounders’ list. On the other hand, off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has placed into the top 50 with a 10-wicket haul which he took in the recently concluded Test. 

India captain Virat Kohli has claimed the number 1 spot with 928 points,
surpassing Steve Smith in the ICC Test Batting Rankings.

Shruti Banerjee

Shruti Banerjee, Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/es_circle_black_logo.png

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e224b36e8110a20a5486ec4e941d5e52?s=96&d=mm&r=g

virat-kohli-batting-bcci_806x605_81479733955 - EssentiallySports

virat-kohli-batting-bcci_806x605_81479733955

blockquote

script

Virat Kohli Surpasses Steve Smith to Reclaim No.1 Spot in ICC Test Batting
Rankings

Despite Congratulating Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill Admits ‘Running Away’ to
Escape Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Win

Despite Trading Zach Wilson, Sean Payton Rumored to “Throw Away” Broncos’ 2024
to Secure Shedeur Sanders as Russell Wilson’s Replacement

Adopted Simone Biles Freaked out Gymnastics Team After Announcing Family’s
Complicated Scenario: “Those Are My Grandparents”

Adopted Simone Biles Opens on Unusual Family Situation: “My Biological Mom Is
Also My Dad’s Daughter”

Sha’Carri Richardson Loses Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year in Debut
Nomination to Spanish Football Icon

Delving into the business intricacies of the sports world ft. Chloe V. Mitchell

Exclusive unheard NBA stories with dunk master Austin Fritts

3 Time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane- The Chemist who made Arnold Schwarzenegger cry


MILLION DOLLAR BLING, Saudi Arabian Glory, World Title and More  Ft. Impa Kasanganay

Everything related to cricket. News, videos, statistics, features, facts etc. about all forms of cricket. Be it international, domestic or even exhibition Cricket matches. Your one stop shop for anything/everything related to cricket provided by EssentiallySports.

Cricket

Cricket Archives

LatestCricket - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

title

India captain Virat Kohli has claimed the number 1 spot with 928 points, surpassing Steve Smith in the ICC Test Batting Rankings.

description

link

Virat Kohli Surpasses Steve Smith to Reclaim No.1 Spot in ICC Test Batting Rankings - EssentiallySports

https://www.essentiallysports.com/virat-kohli-surpasses-steve-smith-to-reclaim-no-1-spot-in-icc-test-batting-rankings/

https://www.facebook.com/essentiallysports

https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/virat-kohli-batting-bcci_806x605_81479733955.jpg

twitter:card

twitter:creator

twitter:site

twitter:label1

twitter:data1

Profile

Ajinkya heads into IPL 2019 as the skipper of Rajasthan Royals. He spent three of his years with the Mumbai Indians before moving to the Rajasthan Royals. Following their ban, he moved to Rising Pune Supergiant and returned to the Royals when the ban was lifted.

Ajinkya Rahane is 30-years old as he enters the IPL 2019 season. He also has adequate opportunities to excel in IPL 2019 as the one of the team's top opening batsmen this year.

Since 2011, during which he made his debut for India in ODIs, T20Is and Test Matches, his career has been on the rise. Rahane even boasts of few note-worthy performances at the international and domestic level.

Rahane?s 2019 IPL contract and salary stands at an estimated Rs 40 million. It was a steep drop from and astounding Rs 95 million in 2017. However, that was when he signed with Pune, and given that he is not getting any younger, his backers may have felt that he is losing his touch.

<img class="size-full wp-image-151690 aligncenter" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/D2CJ1xJX0AAWwAu-e1553014836540.jpg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane" width="594" height="446" />

IPL Career

Ajinkya Rahane made his Indian Premier League debut in during the series' inception in 2008 for the Mumbai Indians. In 2018, Rahane was brought back to the Royals from the now defunct RPS for Rs 4 crore.

Since then, he has remained with the Rajasthan side and was handed the Rajasthani mantle in 2018. Initially, Steve Smith was the skipper, but in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, Smith stepped down. Rahane led the side to fourth in the IPL table, but the team lost their playoffs match.

He is primarily not known for being a T20 player, but has proven himself. With Mumbai, he got a limited number of chances, but in his first stint with Rajasthan, he truly shone.

In terms of personal records, Rahane is the leading run-scorer for the team?with 2705 runs.

&nbsp;

Expectations for IPL 2019

Rahane is expected to lead by example as Rajasthan are set to campaign for their second title. The Rajasthan Royals have always been considered underdogs and it showed when they clinch the 2008 title.

Rahane also has some impressive stats to his name. He has accumulated one century and 26 half centuries to his name. The 30-year old also has 65 sixes, the most (13) coming from the 2015 season.

Ajinkya Rahane

Profile Ajinkya heads into IPL 2019 as the skipper of Rajasthan Royals. He spent three of his years with the Mumbai Indians before moving to the Rajasthan Royals. Following their ban, he moved to Rising Pune Supergiant and returned to the Royals when the ban was lifted. Ajinkya Rahane is 30-years old as he enters the IPL 2019 season. He also has adequate opportunities to excel in IPL 2019 as the one of the team&#8217;s top opening batsmen this year. Since 2011, during which he made his debut for India in ODIs, T20Is and Test Matches, his career has been on the rise. Rahane even boasts of few note-worthy performances at the international and domestic level. Rahane?s 2019 IPL contract and salary stands at an estimated Rs 40 million. It was a steep drop from and astounding Rs 95 million in 2017. However, that was when he signed with Pune, and given that he is not getting any younger, his backers may have felt that he is losing his touch. IPL Career Ajinkya Rahane made his Indian Premier League debut in during the series&#8217; inception in 2008 for the Mumbai Indians. In 2018, Rahane was brought back to the Royals from the now defunct RPS for Rs 4 crore. Since then, he has remained with the Rajasthan side and was handed the Rajasthani mantle in 2018. Initially, Steve Smith was the skipper, but in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, Smith stepped down. Rahane led the side to fourth in the IPL table, but the team lost their playoffs match. He is primarily not known for being a T20 player, but has proven himself. With Mumbai, he got a limited number of chances, but in his first stint with Rajasthan, he truly shone. In terms of personal records, Rahane is the leading run-scorer for the team?with 2705 runs. &nbsp; Expectations for IPL 2019 Rahane is expected to lead by example as Rajasthan are set to campaign for their second title. The Rajasthan Royals have always been considered underdogs and it showed when they clinch the 2008 title. Rahane also has some impressive stats to his name. He has accumulated one century and 26 half centuries to his name. The 30-year old also has 65 sixes, the most (13) coming from the 2015 season.

Ajinkya Rahane Archives

Ajinkya Rahane Archives - EssentiallySports

Australia

Australia Archives

Australia Archives - EssentiallySports

David Warner Biography

David Warner has had a fairly long cricketing career, debuting in first class cricket in 2009 for the ODI and the T20 national team. Two years later he kicked off his Test career for the Australian team.

For his T20 debut, David Warner became the first man to play for Australia without a first-class match experience, a record in itself.

However, his blossoming career has been mired in controversy. David Warner has often been described a 'thuggish' on the field. In 2013, he was accused of physically assaulting England player Joe Root. In the same year, he had an on-field altercation with the South Africa A wicketkeeper.

In 2018, he was involved in yet another alternation, again during a South Africa game. But the biggest one yet was in the same year when he and skipper Steve Smith were embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal. He was the vice captain of the Australia team at the time and was forced to step down along with Smith.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-11199 size-full" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/david-warner-61-1428469880.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="628" height="355" />

IPL Career

David Warner entered the IPL in 2009, playing for the Delhi Daredevils. He remained with the Delhi side until the 2013 season and had a top score of an unbeaten 109*.

A year later he was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad and has played for them ever since. David Warner has proven to be quite the asset for the Sunrisers and is an explosive batsman.

He boasts of a strike rate of?143.10 at an average of?41.67. The Australian batsman even boasts of a high score of 126, set in 2017. He and Steve Smith voluntarily pulled out of the IPL in the wake of their ball-tampering saga

IPL 2019 Expectations

Now, David Warner enters IPL 2019 with a clear conscience and his explosive batting nature intact. Sunrisers skipper, Kane Williamson will be hoping that his Aussie neighbour delivers the goods.

David Warner

David Warner Biography David Warner has had a fairly long cricketing career, debuting in first class cricket in 2009 for the ODI and the T20 national team. Two years later he kicked off his Test career for the Australian team. For his T20 debut, David Warner became the first man to play for Australia without a first-class match experience, a record in itself. However, his blossoming career has been mired in controversy. David Warner has often been described a &#8216;thuggish&#8217; on the field. In 2013, he was accused of physically assaulting England player Joe Root. In the same year, he had an on-field altercation with the South Africa A wicketkeeper. In 2018, he was involved in yet another alternation, again during a South Africa game. But the biggest one yet was in the same year when he and skipper Steve Smith were embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal. He was the vice captain of the Australia team at the time and was forced to step down along with Smith. IPL Career David Warner entered the IPL in 2009, playing for the Delhi Daredevils. He remained with the Delhi side until the 2013 season and had a top score of an unbeaten 109*. A year later he was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad and has played for them ever since. David Warner has proven to be quite the asset for the Sunrisers and is an explosive batsman. He boasts of a strike rate of?143.10 at an average of?41.67. The Australian batsman even boasts of a high score of 126, set in 2017. He and Steve Smith voluntarily pulled out of the IPL in the wake of their ball-tampering saga IPL 2019 Expectations Now, David Warner enters IPL 2019 with a clear conscience and his explosive batting nature intact. Sunrisers skipper, Kane Williamson will be hoping that his Aussie neighbour delivers the goods.

David Warner Archives

David Warner Archives - EssentiallySports

India

India Archives

India Archives - EssentiallySports

Steve Smith Biography

Steve Smith is currently on a redemption arc. He returns to the fray after serving a 1 year ban for his involvement in a ball-tampering saga. Both he and Australia vice captain, David Warner were handed a ban as they were aware of bowler, Cameron Bancroft's activities.

Steve Smith made his Test, ODI and T20 debut back in 2010, nearly a decade ago. Since then, he has risen in the ranks and eventually became captain of the Australian national team. Steve Smith's ranking according to the ICC is number 4 in Test cricket.

IPL Career

Steve Smith's IPL career kicked off with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010. He was drafted into the side, in place of Kiwi, Jesse Ryder.

A year later, Steve Smith was picked up by the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, but had to sit out due to injury. But then, the Kochi team folded and he was left in the void once again.

Steve Smith went unsold in 2012 but was picked up by Pune Warriors India as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-152343" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/stevesmith250319.jpg" alt="Steve Smith" width="769" height="432" />

Then, Steve Smith's IPL career took a turn for the better when the Rajasthan Royals bought him in 2014. Since then, he has remained with the side, except for when the team got banned for their role in a corruption scandal.

During that time, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant for 2 years. After Rajasthan's return, he was roped back in once again.

Expectations for IPL 2019

The Rajasthan Royals are an excellent team and they have a truly well-balanced side. With the return of Steve Smith, their team's arsenal will surely be shored up.

Steve Smith is primarily a right-handed batsman. His technique has attracted plenty of attention owing to its unorthodoxy. He tends to move around in the crease, especially during bowlers' run-up. Smith later ends up with the toes of his feet outside off stump against right-handers

steve smith

Steve Smith Biography Steve Smith is currently on a redemption arc. He returns to the fray after serving a 1 year ban for his involvement in a ball-tampering saga. Both he and Australia vice captain, David Warner were handed a ban as they were aware of bowler, Cameron Bancroft&#8217;s activities. Steve Smith made his Test, ODI and T20 debut back in 2010, nearly a decade ago. Since then, he has risen in the ranks and eventually became captain of the Australian national team. Steve Smith&#8217;s ranking according to the ICC is number 4 in Test cricket. IPL Career Steve Smith&#8217;s IPL career kicked off with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010. He was drafted into the side, in place of Kiwi, Jesse Ryder. A year later, Steve Smith was picked up by the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, but had to sit out due to injury. But then, the Kochi team folded and he was left in the void once again. Steve Smith went unsold in 2012 but was picked up by Pune Warriors India as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh. Then, Steve Smith&#8217;s IPL career took a turn for the better when the Rajasthan Royals bought him in 2014. Since then, he has remained with the side, except for when the team got banned for their role in a corruption scandal. During that time, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant for 2 years. After Rajasthan&#8217;s return, he was roped back in once again. Expectations for IPL 2019 The Rajasthan Royals are an excellent team and they have a truly well-balanced side. With the return of Steve Smith, their team&#8217;s arsenal will surely be shored up. Steve Smith is primarily a right-handed batsman. His technique has attracted plenty of attention owing to its unorthodoxy. He tends to move around in the crease, especially during bowlers&#8217; run-up. Smith later ends up with the toes of his feet outside off stump against right-handers

steve smith Archives

steve smith Archives - EssentiallySports

Profile

Virat Kohli has had an impressive career since making his debut in the Indian team in 2008. He first broke into the national side in ODIs, soon followed by a 2010 debut in T20s and a Test debut in 2011.

Since then, his rise has been meteoric and he eventually took the mantle of India captain from MS Dhoni. ODI captaincy was up first in 2013, followed by Test captaincy when MS Dhoni announced his retirement in 2014. Finally, Virat Kohli was appointed T20 skipper in 2017.

IPL Career

Virat Kohli made his IPL debut back in 2008 itself for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Since then, he has remained in the team all these years.

After an average debut season, his form picked up in subsequent years. For two straight seasons, he was in the top 3 of highest run-scorers in IPL.

In 2011, he was promoted to vice captain and even took over as skipper when regular, Daniel Vettori was injured. When the latter retired in 2013, Kohli took the mantle of RCB captain, and has led the side ever since.

Now, for IPL 2019, Virat Kohli heads into the new season as the captain once again.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-151142" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/kohli-ap-m1.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="759" height="422" />

Expectations for IPL 2019

With regard to expectations, there is a lot of pressure on the team. For years, they have always been so close and yet so far. On paper, RCB have had the strongest batting line-up of all other teams, yet, they have failed to deliver time and again.

Between 2011 and 2017, RCB boasted of the deadliest batting line-up. To be precise, joining Virat Kohli was South Africa's AB de Villiers and West Indian giant, Chris Gayle.

Inspite of this, and Gayle smashing a few centuries here and there, RCB almost always bottled the job.

So, will the 2019 season be any different? Can captain Virat Kohli inspire his men to rally forth into victory? Or will Virat Kohli and the RCB squad succumb to defeat yet again, as was the case all these years?

Virat Kohli

Profile Virat Kohli has had an impressive career since making his debut in the Indian team in 2008. He first broke into the national side in ODIs, soon followed by a 2010 debut in T20s and a Test debut in 2011. Since then, his rise has been meteoric and he eventually took the mantle of India captain from MS Dhoni. ODI captaincy was up first in 2013, followed by Test captaincy when MS Dhoni announced his retirement in 2014. Finally, Virat Kohli was appointed T20 skipper in 2017. IPL Career Virat Kohli made his IPL debut back in 2008 itself for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Since then, he has remained in the team all these years. After an average debut season, his form picked up in subsequent years. For two straight seasons, he was in the top 3 of highest run-scorers in IPL. In 2011, he was promoted to vice captain and even took over as skipper when regular, Daniel Vettori was injured. When the latter retired in 2013, Kohli took the mantle of RCB captain, and has led the side ever since. Now, for IPL 2019, Virat Kohli heads into the new season as the captain once again. Expectations for IPL 2019 With regard to expectations, there is a lot of pressure on the team. For years, they have always been so close and yet so far. On paper, RCB have had the strongest batting line-up of all other teams, yet, they have failed to deliver time and again. Between 2011 and 2017, RCB boasted of the deadliest batting line-up. To be precise, joining Virat Kohli was South Africa&#8217;s AB de Villiers and West Indian giant, Chris Gayle. Inspite of this, and Gayle smashing a few centuries here and there, RCB almost always bottled the job. So, will the 2019 season be any different? Can captain Virat Kohli inspire his men to rally forth into victory? Or will Virat Kohli and the RCB squad succumb to defeat yet again, as was the case all these years?