Maheesh Theekshana Drops to Second in ICC ODI Rankings as Keshav Maharaj Claims Top Spot

Sri Lanka’s spin bowler Maheesh Theekshana has lost his No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings, with South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj now holding the top spot following the latest update on August 19.

Maharaj’s ascent was driven by his first-ever five-wicket haul in an ODI, which he achieved against Australia in Cairns on Tuesday. This performance allowed the left-arm spinner to leapfrog Theekshana (now second) and India’s Kuldeep Yadav (third) in the rankings. The veteran bowler, 35, took figures of 5/33, helping South Africa secure a 98-run victory and reclaiming the No.1 ranking he previously held in November 2023, when he overtook India’s Mohammed Siraj during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Currently, Maharaj holds 687 rating points, while Theekshana has 671. Another Sri Lankan spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, remains in eighth place with 619 points.

In the ODI batting rankings, South Africa’s Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have climbed four and five spots respectively. India’s Shubman Gill continues to lead the list, ahead of Pakistan’s Babar Azam and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell.

For Sri Lanka, ODI skipper Charith Asalanka is ranked fourth, while opener Kusal Mendis has dropped one spot to ninth. Sri Lanka's next series is against Zimbabwe next month. (NewsCenter)

ODI Ranking