Shubman Gill’s stunning run-scoring spree against England, where he notched up a massive 754 runs across five Test matches, has drawn applause from fans and critics alike. However, many were left puzzled when the ICC’s latest Test rankings update showed Gill dropping out of the top 10, despite his impressive tally.
So what caused this surprising drop? Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons behind the ranking slip — and why numbers alone don’t always tell the full story.
The Basics: How ICC Test Rankings Work
To understand Gill’s ranking drop, it’s important to know that ICC Test rankings are not just based on total runs scored, but a combination of multiple weighted factors:
- Quality of opposition (bowling attack strength and team rating)
- Match context (1st innings vs 4th innings, match-winning knocks, etc.)
- Consistency over recent performances
- Runs scored relative to match situation
- Recency of performances (more weight to recent games)
Each player’s ranking points fluctuate with every Test, based on this complex algorithm. Now, let’s dive into what specifically affected Gill.
1. Conversion Rate and Batting Impact
While 754 runs is an enormous total, a closer look reveals that only one century came during the series — a majestic 110 in the fourth Test. The rest of his runs were spread across fifties and start-stop innings, some of which came in dead rubbers or less pressure-filled scenarios.
In contrast, players like Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, or Joe Root have consistently scored match-defining centuries that directly influence the game’s outcome — something ICC’s algorithm rewards significantly.
2. Low Rating of England’s Bowling Attack
Another factor hurting Gill’s rankings is the perceived lack of potency in England’s bowling during the series. With senior bowlers like James Anderson past their prime and others like Mark Wood not playing all matches, the overall rating of England’s bowling attack was modest.
This means that runs scored against such an attack carry less ranking weight than runs scored against top-tier bowling line-ups like Australia or South Africa.
3. Recent Form Prior to England Series Still Counts
ICC Test rankings are based on a rolling period (typically 12-15 months) with recent performances carrying more weight. However, older scores don’t get discarded instantly — they are slowly devalued.
Gill had a patchy run in Tests prior to this series, including struggles against Australia and South Africa, where his impact was limited. This earlier form continues to drag down his average ranking score, offsetting the gains made during the England series.
4. Tough Competition in the Top 10
The ICC Top 10 batting list is highly competitive, with players like:
- Kane Williamson – consistent hundreds across multiple series
- Steve Smith – anchored key innings in the Ashes and home series
- Joe Root – brilliant performances in various countries
- Babar Azam – regular high-impact innings in Asia and abroad
Even if Gill performs well, he’s competing with seasoned players who have longer track records of consistent elite-level Test performances, often in tougher conditions.
5. Rankings Lag and Series Timing
Another reason is the time lag between matches and rankings updates. Sometimes, player rankings don’t fully reflect the latest series due to timing of algorithm recalibrations, or because the Test Championship cycle has prioritised other fixtures. So, even Gill’s recent performances may not have been fully integrated yet into the rankings framework.
What Lies Ahead for Gill?
The good news for fans is that Shubman Gill’s technique, temperament, and recent success suggest he’s very close to establishing himself in the Top 10 — and possibly even beyond.
With upcoming tours against stronger bowling sides like Australia and New Zealand, and potential overseas Test matches, Gill has the perfect opportunity to:
- Score big, impactful centuries
- Perform under pressure
- Prove his mettle outside home conditions
All of which could rocket his ranking once consistency and match-winning contributions start stacking up.
Shubman Gill’s ranking drop may seem unjust on the surface, but it’s a result of a nuanced algorithm that goes beyond run aggregates. While he has delivered a brilliant series against England, Test greatness — and a Top 10 ICC ranking — demands sustained excellence across all conditions and opponents.