Indian opener Shubman Gill has surged past Virat Kohli to claim the No2 spot in the latest ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings, inching closer to the world No1 position. With a career-best rating of 801 points, Gill is now just 43 points behind Pakistan's Babar Azam, who leads with 844 points. The 25-year-old's meteoric rise has sparked speculation about when he could become the top-ranked ODI batter in the world.
How Gill Overtook Kohli
Gill's leap came after a stellar performance in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, where he scored a match-winning 121 off 125 balls in the first ODI. This knock earned him 12 rating points, pushing him past Kohli (795 points) to No2. Kohli, who had held the No2 spot for several months, dropped to third. Gill's consistency has been remarkable; he has scored 2,174 runs in 43 ODIs at an average of 58.48 and a strike rate of 99.45, including seven centuries.
The Path to No1
To reach the top, Gill needs to surpass Babar Azam's 844 points. According to ICC ranking calculations, a batter gains or loses points based on their performance in international matches, with more weight given to recent games. If Gill continues his current form, he could bridge the gap within the next few series. A strong showing in the remaining ODIs against Bangladesh and the upcoming Asia Cup 2026 could accelerate his ascent. Experts suggest that if he maintains an average of 60-plus with at least two more centuries, he could become No1 by the end of 2026.
“It's a matter of time before Shubman becomes the No1 ODI batter. He has the technique, temperament, and hunger to dominate. Babar is exceptional, but Gill's recent numbers are phenomenal,” said former India opener Aakash Chopra in a recent interview.
Babar Azam's Lead Under Threat
Babar Azam has been the world No1 in ODIs since April 2021, but his lead has narrowed. The Pakistani captain has 844 points, down from his peak of 898 in May 2023. Babar's recent form has been patchy, with scores of 30, 45, and 12 in his last three ODIs, causing him to lose 10 points. If Gill continues his upward trajectory, he could overtake Babar in the next two to three bilateral series.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
Gill's rise adds depth to India's batting lineup, which already features Rohit Sharma (No6 with 774 points) and Kohli. India's dominance in ODI rankings is evident with three batters in the top 10. Gill's potential No1 status would be a first for an Indian since Kohli held the top spot in 2017-2018. The development bodes well for India's preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
In the latest rankings update, New Zealand's Devon Conway dropped to No4 (790 points), while South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen holds No5 (785 points). Among bowlers, India's Mohammed Siraj remains No1 in ODIs, while Jasprit Bumrah is No3.
