Virat Kohli has once again climbed to the summit of the ICC ODI batting rankings. This marks the 11th occasion in his illustrious career that he has achieved this feat. The update came on Wednesday following his impressive performance in the first ODI against New Zealand.
Kohli's Match-Winning Knock
Kohli delivered a crucial 93-run innings in Vadodara on January 11. This knock played a pivotal role in India's victory over New Zealand. It also extended his remarkable streak of half-centuries in List A cricket to seven consecutive matches. In ODIs specifically, this was his fifth fifty in a row, a run that began during the series against Australia in Sydney.
A Historic Reign at Number One
Virat Kohli first reached the top of the ICC ODI rankings back in October 2013. Since that initial ascent, he has now accumulated a total of 825 days as the world's top-ranked ODI batter. This duration is the highest ever for any Indian cricketer. Globally, it places him tenth on the all-time list for most days spent at the pinnacle of the rankings.
His recent form has been exceptional. Kohli's scores in his last five ODI appearances are:
- 74 not out
- 135
- 102
- 65 not out
- 93
This consistent run of high scores directly contributed to his return to the number one position.
Shake-Up in the Rankings
Kohli's rise has caused a shift in the rankings table. He has displaced his compatriot, Rohit Sharma, who now sits in third place. New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell occupies the second spot in the latest update.
Other Indian batters also feature prominently in the top ten. Youngster Shubman Gill holds the fifth position, while Shreyas Iyer is placed tenth. From Pakistan, Babar Azam remains a strong presence at number six.
This achievement underscores Virat Kohli's enduring class and consistency in the 50-over format. Even after more than a decade at the international level, he continues to set new benchmarks for Indian cricket.
