NEW DELHI: India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy created history by becoming the top-ranked bowler in T20Is for the first time in his career. The right-arm mystery spinner joins the ranks of Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi, who previously held the top spots in the T20I rankings.

The 34-year-old has become a vital cog in Team India over the past year, and his string of strong performances saw him overtake New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy to claim the top spot in the T20I bowling rankings.

Fresh off a second career five-wicket haul against England earlier this year, Varun Chakaravarthy has continued his fine form at the ongoing Asia Cup, claiming two wickets in as many matches against the UAE and Pakistan.

He produced figures of 1/4 in India's tournament opener against the hosts and followed it up with an impressive 1/24 from four overs in the commanding win over Pakistan four days later.

These performances were enough for Chakaravarthy to climb three spots and claim the top position in the T20I bowling rankings for the first time. Jacob Duffy slipped to second, West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein retained third, while Australia's Adam Zampa moved up to fourth overall.

There is a new career-high rating for No.1 ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma following his innings of 31 against Pakistan, though there are a host of big names eyeing off his spot at the top following some decent efforts during the week.

England openers Phil Salt (second) and Jos Buttler (third) both gain one spot to keep in touch with Abhishek, while South Africa duo Dewald Brevis (up two places to 11th) and Aiden Markram (up 10 spots to equal 30th) make some ground too.