Amid renewed questions about his international future, India’s veteran opener Rohit Sharma has silenced critics in trademark fashion by climbing to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings — the first time in his illustrious career. The 38-year-old surpassed Shubman Gill, India’s current ODI and Test captain, after a record-breaking performance in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.

Rohit scripts history at 38

At 38 years and 182 days, Rohit Sharma is now the oldest batter ever to top the ICC men’s rankings, breaking a record previously held by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who was 38 years and 73 days old when he last held the No. 1 Test ranking in 2011.

Rohit’s achievement comes after a spectacular comeback to 50-over cricket. During the three-match ODI series in Australia, he was the leading run-scorer with 202 runs in three innings, including a breathtaking century in the Sydney decider that powered India to a nine-wicket victory.

The innings — his 33rd ODI century and 50th in international cricket — capped off an unforgettable tour that saw him rewrite multiple records, reaffirming his place among the game’s modern greats.

Rankings shake-up: Gill and Kohli slip

According to the latest ICC ODI rankings, Rohit gained 36 rating points, rising from 741 to 781, leapfrogging Shubman Gill, who dropped to third. Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran moved into second place after consistent performances in recent series.

Gill, who had led the ODI batting charts since late 2023, managed just 43 runs in three matches against Australia. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, slipped to No. 6 despite a fighting unbeaten 74 in the final ODI, having started the series with consecutive ducks. Shreyas Iyer climbed one place to No. 9.

This marks the first time since 2020 that Rohit has featured at the summit of any ICC ranking, underlining his enduring class and determination at the tail end of his career.

Rohit’s record-breaking Australian tour

Rohit’s exploits Down Under further enriched his already glittering resume. His latest series saw him achieve several career milestones:

  • Most runs as India opener: Surpassed Virender Sehwag’s 15,758 runs as an opener across formats — achieving it in 11 fewer innings.
  • Most hundreds as India opener: Drew level with Sachin Tendulkar’s 45 international hundreds as an opener, second only to Australia’s David Warner (49).
  • Most ODI hundreds vs Australia: Equalled Tendulkar’s nine centuries against the Aussies — in just 49 innings compared to Tendulkar’s 70.
  • Second-oldest Indian to score ODI hundred: His Sydney century at 38 years and 178 days ranks behind only Tendulkar (38y 327d).
  • Most ODI hundreds in SENA countries: Extended his tally to 14, the highest by any visiting batter in those conditions.

These numbers reinforce Rohit’s status as one of the most prolific and adaptable openers of the modern era, capable of delivering match-winning performances across continents.

A comeback that defies time

Rohit’s latest milestone is particularly special because it arrives at a stage when most cricketers have either retired or transitioned into mentorship roles. Having made his debut in 2007, the Mumbai-born batsman continues to set benchmarks for consistency, adaptability, and leadership.

Once criticised for inconsistency early in his career, Rohit has evolved into one of India’s most reliable match-winners, known for his calm temperament and ability to perform on big occasions.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon and the next ICC Champions Trophy approaching, Rohit’s form could play a pivotal role in India’s white-ball resurgence. His return to peak form also brings a sense of continuity and leadership stability to a team navigating transition phases under younger captains.

As the cricketing world celebrates his rise to the top, Rohit Sharma’s story stands as a testament to resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence — proving that age is no barrier when class meets determination.