ICC Corrects Major Error in Virat Kohli's Ranking Data After Fan Uproar
Indian cricket fans celebrated Virat Kohli's triumphant return to the summit of the ICC ODI batting rankings. However, their joy quickly turned to confusion and then outrage when the International Cricket Council itself posted incorrect data about his historic achievement.
Kohli's Remarkable Return to Number One
Virat Kohli recently reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Men's ODI Rankings for the first time in nearly five years. This followed his match-winning performance of 93 runs off 91 balls during India's four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI at Vadodara.
The 37-year-old batting maestro last held the number one position back in July 2021. His return to the pinnacle caps an extraordinary run of form that has reminded everyone of his world-class abilities.
The Controversial Graphic That Sparked Backlash
Soon after announcing Kohli's rise to the top, the ICC posted a celebratory graphic on social media. This graphic contained a surprising claim that immediately raised eyebrows across the cricket community.
The world cricket body stated that Kohli had spent just 825 days as the number one ODI batter throughout his entire career. This figure would have placed him only tenth on the all-time list of players with the most days at the top position.
Fans and Statisticians Spot the Error
Sharp-eyed cricket enthusiasts and professional statisticians quickly noticed something was wrong. Multiple users on social media platforms pointed out that the ICC's own historical records told a completely different story.
Archived ICC data consistently showed that Virat Kohli had actually spent 1,547 days as the top-ranked ODI batter. The discrepancy between the newly posted figure and established records was too large to ignore.
ICC's Swift Correction and Updated Standing
As criticism mounted across digital platforms, the ICC took swift action. The organization quietly deleted the original post containing the incorrect information.
They then issued an updated release acknowledging the proper figure. With this correction, Kohli's position on the all-time list dramatically improved from tenth to an impressive third place.
Only two West Indies legends now sit ahead of him. Sir Vivian Richards leads with 2,306 days at the top, followed by Brian Lara with 2,079 days. Kohli's corrected total of 1,547 days establishes him as the Indian batter with the most days at the summit of ODI rankings.
Official Confirmation and Historical Context
In its revised statement, the ICC officially confirmed the accurate statistics. "As of today, he has been top for a total of 1,547 days – third most by any player, and the most by any Indian," the statement read.
The cricket governing body also noted that this represents Kohli's eleventh different spell at number one. He first reached the summit way back in October 2013, beginning his remarkable journey at the top of world cricket.
The Form Behind the Ranking Resurgence
Kohli's return to the number one position is built on a foundation of exceptional consistency. The batting star has scored five fifty-plus knocks in his last six international matches, including two centuries.
His purple patch extends back to the ODI series in Australia and includes scores of 74, 135, 102, 65, and 93. He also struck hundreds against South Africa in December and during India's domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy competition.
This incident highlights how closely fans follow cricket statistics and how quickly errors can be identified in the digital age. It also underscores Virat Kohli's enduring legacy in the sport, with his corrected ranking data now properly reflecting his historic achievements.
