Rahmat Shah breaks new ground as Indian batsmen slip in ICC Test rankings

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah has etched his name in history by becoming the first player from his country to break into the top 10 of the ICC Test batting rankings in any format. The 33-year-old batter surged six spots to a career-best seventh position following his commanding innings of 173 in Afghanistan's opening Test against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.

Shah's fifth Test century and second of the calendar year saw him leapfrog India captain Shubman Gill, who now occupies 10th place with 697 rating points. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, the other Indian in the elite top 10, has also dropped one rung to eighth position with 713 points.

England's Harry Brook and Joe Root continue to dominate the Test batting landscape, holding the top two positions, followed by Australia's Travis Head in third. South Africa's Temba Bavuma and Steve Smith round out the top five. For India, young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal remains a notable presence, holding 13th place in the rankings.

Shah's ascent underscores Afghanistan's growing competitive presence in Test cricket, with the captain's consistent performances adding crucial rating points for the national team in the international arena.