Virat Kohli Reclaims Top ICC ODI Ranking After Five-Year Wait
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has made a triumphant return to the number one position in the ICC ODI batting rankings. This marks his first time at the summit since April 2021, ending a nearly five-year gap. The latest rankings update confirmed his ascent just before India's second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot.
Kohli Displaces Rohit Sharma to Regain Top Spot
Kohli, now 37 years old, has displaced his compatriot and captain Rohit Sharma to reclaim the top spot. He last held this position on April 2, 2021, before losing it to Pakistan's Babar Azam. Kohli had enjoyed a dominant four-year reign at the top from 2017 to 2020.
Babar Azam maintained the number one ranking for the next four calendar seasons. Rohit Sharma then clinched the top spot in 2025. However, Kohli's recent exceptional form has propelled him back to the pinnacle in January 2026.
Remarkable Comeback Fueled by Consistent Scoring
Kohli's return to the top is no accident. It comes on the back of a superb scoring streak that began in October 2025 during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. Since then, he has achieved seven consecutive scores of fifty or more in the ODI format.
This remarkable feat equals the Indian List A record for most such scores in succession. His performances include:
- Five scores for the Indian national team
- Two centuries and one fifty against South Africa
- One century against Australia
- A match-winning 93 in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara
- One century and one fifty for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Kohli has previously managed five consecutive fifty-plus scores on four other occasions. He joins an elite group of Indian batsmen including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane who have achieved similar streaks.
Historical Context and Records
Virat Kohli already holds the Indian record for finishing the most calendar years at the top of the ODI batting rankings. He achieved this from 2017 to 2020, totaling four years. Only three legendary batsmen have bettered this record in the history of ODI cricket:
- Brian Lara (1993-1997)
- Vivian Richards (1982, 1984-1987)
- Greg Chappell (1977-1981)
Each of these greats finished five calendar years at the summit of the 50-overs rankings.
Kohli's latest achievement underscores his enduring class and determination. His return to the top spot comes at a crucial time as India continues its ODI series against New Zealand. The veteran batsman has demonstrated that age is just a number when combined with skill and relentless pursuit of excellence.
The cricket world watches with anticipation as Kohli aims to extend his record-breaking streak. His journey back to the top serves as inspiration for aspiring cricketers everywhere, proving that consistent performance and hard work can overcome any challenge.
