The ICC released its latest player rankings on April 2, confirming Hardik Pandya's dominance as the world's top-ranked T20 all-rounder. However, while Pandya retains his position, New Zealand's Jacob Duffy has made an extraordinary rise, becoming the new No. 1 bowler in T20 cricket. His rapid ascent from 35th place to the top in just 21 days has been nothing short of remarkable.
Jacob Duffy, who married his longtime girlfriend Natasha in April 2023, was ranked 35th among T20 bowlers as recently as March 12. However, his impressive performances saw him skyrocket to 12th place by March 19, followed by a jump to 5th on March 26 with 694 rating points. By April 2, he secured the No. 1 spot with 723 rating points, establishing himself as the new leader in T20 bowling.
Interestingly, both Jacob Duffy and Hardik Pandya share a common connection—their wives are named Natasha. However, Hardik Pandya has reportedly separated from his wife, Natasha Stankovic. The couple, who have a son named Agastya, now co-parent, with Agastya spending time with both parents.
Duffy’s meteoric rise and Pandya’s continued dominance make for an exciting time in T20 cricket, showcasing how rankings can shift dramatically in just a matter of weeks.
