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After years of consistency and brilliance in white-ball cricket, Rohit Sharma has finally reached the summit of the ICC ODI Batting Rankings. The Indian skipper became the No. 1-ranked ODI batter following his standout performances in the three-match series against Australia, which concluded with a 2-1 result in favor of the hosts.
Career-Defining Performances Down Under
Rohit scored 73 runs in the second ODI and followed it up with a match-winning 121 not out in the third — two innings that not only showcased his trademark elegance but also carried him from third place to the top of the global rankings for the very first time.
Although India narrowly lost the series 2-1, Rohit’s dominance with the bat ensured that he ended the tour with a significant personal milestone. His century in the final game proved decisive in boosting his rating points, propelling him past Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and teammate Shubman Gill to claim the coveted No. 1 position.
This marks a special achievement for Rohit, who has been a permanent fixture in the ICC top ten for much of the past decade. Despite multiple World Cup campaigns, series wins, and record-breaking double centuries, the No. 1 rank had remained just out of reach — until now.
Axar Patel Shines as Allrounder
Rohit wasn’t the only Indian player to make headlines in the latest ICC rankings update. All-rounder Axar Patel also climbed the charts after a consistent showing in the ODI series.
Axar contributed valuable runs — 31 and 44 in the first two games — while also taking a wicket in each match, highlighting his growing influence in India’s limited-overs setup. His all-round efforts saw him move six places up the bowlers’ rankings to No. 31 and four spots higher to No. 8 among all-rounders.
With the 2025 cricket calendar packed with ICC events, Axar’s steady rise could play a key role in India’s middle-order and spin attack balance.
International Movements in the Rankings
The ranking reshuffle extended beyond India’s stars. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner gained three spots to climb to fourth among ODI bowlers after an impressive start to the ongoing series against England. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood also advanced two places to eighth, reinforcing his position as one of the most reliable fast bowlers in the format.
Meanwhile, the conclusion of the Pakistan–South Africa Test series brought movement in the red-ball rankings. South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj rose nine places to a career-best 13th position among Test bowlers after taking nine wickets in a single match. His teammate Simon Harmer, who picked up 13 wickets across two Tests, soared 26 spots to No. 45, marking a major resurgence for the Proteas’ spin department.
Among the batters, Aiden Markram climbed two positions to 15th, while Tony de Zorzi gained seven places to joint 47th, reflecting South Africa’s growing depth in Test batting.
Rohit’s Long Wait for the Top Spot Ends
For Rohit Sharma, the No. 1 ranking is not just a numerical feat — it’s the culmination of years of perseverance, class, and adaptability. Since his promotion to the top of India’s ODI order in 2013, Rohit has redefined consistency in limited-overs cricket. With 31 ODI hundreds, three double centuries, and an unmatched record in ICC tournaments, he has often been described as one of the most complete one-day batters of his generation.
His return to the top now sets up an exciting race in the months ahead, as teammate Shubman Gill, who previously held the top position, and rising stars like Ibrahim Zadran and Babar Azam continue to push for supremacy in world cricket.
India’s Focus Shifts to Future Series
Despite losing the Australia series, India can take several positives forward. Rohit’s imperious form, Axar’s growing reliability, and a balanced bowling attack provide solid foundations ahead of the upcoming tours and ICC events.
The next few months will be crucial, as the Men in Blue look to build on individual successes and convert them into collective triumphs on the global stage.
