New Delhi: Star India batter Virat Kohli has reclaimed the top position in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, marking his return to the summit for the first time since July 2021. The latest rankings update comes on the back of Kohli’s match-winning knock against New Zealand in the opening ODI at Vadodara, underlining his remarkable consistency and resurgence in the 50-over format.

Kohli overtook team-mate Rohit Sharma to move back to No.1, achieving the feat for the 11th time in his illustrious career. His climb to the top reflects a sustained run of excellence across home and overseas conditions over the past few months, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest ODI batters of the modern era.

Match-winning knock against New Zealand

New Delhi Kohli’s rise to the top was powered by a fluent and authoritative innings of 93 off 91 deliveries against New Zealand in the first ODI of the ongoing series. Walking in with India seeking stability, Kohli anchored the chase with trademark composure, mixing controlled aggression with precise shot selection.

His innings not only helped India secure a crucial victory but also earned him valuable rating points, enabling him to leapfrog Rohit Sharma in the rankings. The knock was widely praised for its balance of experience and intensity, traits that have defined Kohli’s batting for over a decade.

Consistent run of big scores

New Delhi Kohli’s return to the No.1 spot has not been built on a single innings but on a sequence of commanding performances. During the home ODI series against South Africa in November–December, he amassed scores of 135, 102 and an unbeaten 65, showcasing his ability to dominate attacks across different phases of an innings.

Earlier, during India’s tour of Australia in October, Kohli registered a polished 74 not out in the third ODI at Sydney, guiding India through a challenging chase. These performances collectively contributed to his surge in the rankings and demonstrated his adaptability against varied bowling attacks.

Impressive numbers underline dominance

New Delhi The former India captain has crossed the 50-run mark in his last five consecutive ODI innings, a streak that highlights his consistency at the highest level. Across these five matches, Kohli has accumulated 469 runs, including two centuries and three half-centuries.

With these numbers, Kohli currently sits atop the ICC ODI batting rankings with 785 rating points. Rohit Sharma, who previously held the No.1 position, has slipped to third place with 775 points, reflecting the narrow margins at the elite level of international cricket.

Fierce competition at the top

New Delhi The battle for the top spot in the ODI batting rankings is intensifying, with New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell emerging as a strong contender. Mitchell moved up to second place after scoring 84 in the first ODI against India and now trails Kohli by just one rating point, holding 784 points.

With only 10 rating points separating the top three batters, the rankings are poised for further changes in the coming matches. The closely fought competition underscores the high standards and consistency required to remain at the summit of international cricket.

A milestone-filled journey

New Delhi Kohli first climbed to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings in October 2013, during a phase when he was rapidly establishing himself as a cornerstone of India’s batting line-up. Since then, he has accumulated a total of 825 days at the No.1 position, the most by any Indian batter in ODI history.

On the all-time list, Kohli currently ranks 10th in terms of days spent at the top. The record remains with West Indies legend Vivian Richards, who held the No.1 ranking for an extraordinary 2,306 days, a benchmark that continues to stand as a symbol of sustained dominance.

Other Indian players make gains

New Delhi India’s strong showing in recent ODIs has also reflected in improvements for other players in the ICC rankings. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has climbed one place to reach 11th position in the ODI batting rankings, highlighting his growing consistency in the middle order.

In the bowling department, fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has made notable progress, jumping five places to move to 15th in the ODI bowling rankings. Siraj’s rise comes on the back of disciplined spells and his ability to strike at crucial moments, reinforcing India’s depth in pace bowling.

Significance for Indian cricket

New Delhi Kohli’s return to the top of the rankings is significant not just on an individual level but also for Indian cricket as a whole. It comes at a time when India are navigating a busy international calendar and building momentum in the ODI format ahead of major tournaments.

His form provides stability and confidence to the batting line-up, while also serving as inspiration for younger players aspiring to succeed at the highest level. Kohli’s resurgence further cements his legacy as a player who continues to evolve and excel despite the pressures of longevity.

Conclusion

New Delhi Virat Kohli’s ascent back to No.1 in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings is a testament to his enduring class, discipline and hunger for runs. With fierce competition at the top and crucial matches ahead, the coming weeks promise to be closely watched as Kohli and his rivals vie for supremacy. For now, Indian cricket celebrates the return of a familiar figure at the pinnacle of ODI batting.