Virat Kohli Rises in ICC ODI Rankings After 52nd Century
Virat Kohli climbed a spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings after a spectacular performance in the first ODI against South Africa at Ranchi, reinforcing his stature as one of India’s greatest limited-overs batters. His match-winning 135 off 120 balls, which marked his 52nd ODI century, propelled India to a thrilling 17-run victory over the Proteas.
Virat Kohli’s ODI Ranking Boost After Stellar Century
Kohli’s innings not only helped India secure the win but also earned him 751 ranking points, elevating him to No. 4 in the ICC ODI batting rankings. He now trails only Rohit Sharma (783), New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell (766), and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (764). Kohli overtook India ODI captain Shubman Gill, who dropped to fifth after missing the series due to a neck injury.
Kohli’s Consistency Shows in Rankings
Kohli’s ascent in the rankings reflects his consistent performance in ODI cricket. Despite playing fewer formats now, his ability to score heavily against top international sides keeps him among the elite batters globally.
Rohit Sharma Retains Top ODI Position
India’s senior opener, Rohit Sharma, continues to dominate the ICC ODI rankings with 783 points, maintaining his status as India’s top-ranked ODI batter. Sharma’s experience and consistent run-scoring ensure that he remains a benchmark for the team in all white-ball formats.
Other Notable Moves in ODI Rankings
- Shubman Gill slipped to No. 5 after missing the South Africa series.
- Shreyas Iyer, recovering from an injury in Australia, retained his 9th position.
- Kuldeep Yadav advanced to 6th after claiming four wickets in the first ODI.
Test and T20I Rankings – Indians Maintain Stronghold
In the Test rankings, India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal remains at No. 9, while Shubman Gill moved down to 12th. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant dropped from 12th to 14th. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah continues to lead with 879 points, significantly ahead of New Zealand’s Matt Henry (846), though recent moderate performances have slightly affected Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep’s standings.
T20I Rankings – Indians Dominate
Indian T20I stars maintain top positions globally. Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy retained their No. 1 rankings in batting and bowling respectively, highlighting India’s dominance in the shortest format.
Significance of Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century
Kohli’s century in Ranchi was more than just numbers. It showcased his mastery over both pace and spin, smart running between wickets, and clinical shot selection under pressure. Achieving his 52nd ODI century further strengthens his chase toward becoming the highest century-maker in international cricket.
Looking Ahead – Upcoming India Series
As India prepares for the remaining ODIs against South Africa, Kohli’s form and rising ranking will be a critical factor for the team. Rohit Sharma’s experience at the top order, combined with Kohli’s consistency in the middle, provides India a solid foundation for the series-deciding matches.
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