India’s cricketing dominance continues to reflect in the latest ICC ODI rankings, with Virat Kohli making a strong push toward the top spot. Following his stellar performance in the recent ODI series against South Africa, Kohli has risen to No. 2 among ODI batters, closing in on teammate Rohit Sharma, who retains the No. 1 position. The update also brought rewards for other Indian players, highlighting the team’s collective strength across formats.
Kohli’s Resurgence
Kohli, who has not held the No. 1 ODI batter ranking since April 2021, showcased vintage form in the three‑match series against South Africa.
- He scored 302 runs across the series, averaging an impressive 151.
- His innings included back‑to‑back centuries in Ranchi and Raipur, earning him the Player of the Series award.
- Kohli now sits on 773 rating points, just eight behind Rohit Sharma’s 781.
This resurgence has reignited the battle between India’s two batting stalwarts, with fans eagerly watching whether Kohli can reclaim the throne he once dominated.
Other Indian Players Rising
Kohli was not the only Indian cricketer to benefit from the rankings update:
- Rohit Sharma maintained his No. 1 spot after scoring 146 runs in the same series.
- KL Rahul made a sharp rise among batters, reflecting his consistent contributions.
- India as a team continues to hold the No. 1 position in ODI rankings, underlining their dominance in the format.
Global Context
While Kohli and Rohit lead the charts, other international stars remain close contenders:
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) holds the No. 3 spot.
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) is ranked No. 4.
- The competition among top batters highlights the global spread of talent in ODI cricket.
Significance for India
India’s rise in rankings is not just about individual brilliance but also about team consistency.
- The batting lineup has shown depth, with multiple players contributing across series.
- India’s bowlers, including Mitchell Starc in Tests, also saw improvements in rankings.
- With upcoming series against New Zealand, India has the chance to consolidate its dominance further.
The latest ICC ODI rankings reaffirm India’s strength in world cricket. Virat Kohli’s climb to No. 2 is a testament to his enduring class and determination, while Rohit Sharma’s consistency keeps him at the top. With other Indian players also reaping rewards, the team looks well‑placed heading into future challenges. For fans, the Kohli‑Rohit rivalry at the summit of ODI batting rankings adds an exciting subplot to India’s ongoing success story.
