Sports Desk:

Poor performance of Bangladeshi cricketers in the ongoing edition of the ICC Champions Trophy reflected on the newly published ICC Rankings, where they slip from their position.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, despite scoring 77 against New Zealand, has fallen two spots to 27th in the ODI batting rankings.

Shanto has endured a tough run with the bat in recent months. His poor form in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) saw him dropped from Fortune Barishal’s squad, and he failed to score in the Champions Trophy opener against India.

His half-century against New Zealand provided some relief, but it was not enough to prevent a further fall in the rankings.

Meanwhile, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad have also suffered notable drops. Mushfiqur, who managed just two runs in the Champions Trophy, has fallen nine places to 42nd, his first time outside the top 40 since February 2014.

Mahmudullah, who scored just four against New Zealand after missing the India match due to injury, has slipped seven places to 43rd.

On a positive note, Towhid Hridoy has climbed 18 places to 64th, boosted by his century against India. The young batter has been one of the few bright spots for Bangladesh in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Taskin Ahmed, who bowled well despite Bangladesh’s struggles, has climbed six places to 30th, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz has dropped four places to 31st.

Elsewhere, India’s Virat Kohli moved up to fifth in the ODI batting rankings after scoring a century against Pakistan, overtaking New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell. Shubman Gill continues to hold the top spot.

Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana remains the No. 1 ODI bowler despite his team missing the Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh’s early exit from the tournament has intensified discussions about the team’s future, particularly regarding senior players.

With a packed schedule ahead, including series against Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India, Bangladesh will need to find solutions to their recurring batting struggles if they are to regain lost ground in the rankings.