Virat Kohli’s remarkable form in the ICC Champions Trophy has earned him a well-deserved rise in the latest ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings. The Indian cricket star moved up one spot to fifth place after his stunning unbeaten century against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, marking his 51st ODI century. This performance not only helped Kohli regain his spot in the top five but also solidified India’s dominance, with three players now in the top five of the ODI rankings.
India Dominates the Top Five Rankings
Shubman Gill continues to lead the ODI rankings, extending his lead to 47 rating points. Despite facing challenges at the Champions Trophy, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam remains in second place. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, holds steady at third position, benefitting from his excellent performances at the ongoing tournament.
Among the top 10 ODI batters, Kohli is the only player to make progress. His steady climb reflects the consistency that has long been a hallmark of his batting. The exciting performances of India’s key players in the Champions Trophy ensure that India is well-represented in the upper echelons of the rankings.
Rising Stars Outside the Top 10
Meanwhile, several players outside the top 10 have made impressive strides in the latest rankings update. New Zealand’s Will Young has jumped eight spots to 14th position, while Ben Duckett has soared 27 places to share the 17th spot. Rachin Ravindra has also enjoyed a significant leap, moving up 18 places to 24th position after his superb century in the tournament.
India’s KL Rahul has moved up two spots to 15th, while South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen has gained three positions, reaching 16th. These ranking improvements highlight the rising talent across the ODI circuit, with many players seizing the opportunity to impress on the international stage.
Dominance in Bowling Rankings
In the bowling rankings, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana remains firmly in control, holding onto the top spot despite Sri Lanka’s absence from the Champions Trophy. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan continues to pose a strong challenge, retaining his second-place ranking.
Several bowlers have made noticeable progress in the top 10. South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj has risen to share the fourth position, while New Zealand’s Matt Henry and Australia’s Adam Zampa have both climbed two spots to sixth and 10th, respectively. Meanwhile, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has moved up four places to 16th, and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell has seen a substantial rise, jumping 31 places to 26th.
All-Rounders Making Waves
The all-rounders’ rankings also reflect exciting progress. New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell has not only surged in the bowling rankings but also moved up 26 spots to 11th place in the all-rounders category, thanks to his four-wicket performance at the Champions Trophy. Ravindra, another rising star from New Zealand, climbed six positions to 15th in the all-rounders list. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi continues to hold the top spot, maintaining his dominance in this category.
Final Thoughts
The latest ICC rankings show the ongoing rise of talented players, especially from India, whose top-tier performances in the Champions Trophy have earned them significant recognition. As Virat Kohli re-enters the top five, it’s clear that India’s cricketing prowess is stronger than ever. With players like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli leading the charge, India continues to dominate both the rankings and the international stage.
