Virat Kohli Returns to Number One Spot in ODI Rankings
Virat Kohli has once again claimed the top position in the ICC ODI batting rankings. His impressive performance in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara made this achievement possible. The Indian batting maestro scored 93 runs from just 91 deliveries during that match.
Kohli's Match-Winning Innings
Kohli's knock proved crucial for India's victory over New Zealand. The team secured a four-wicket win thanks largely to his contribution. This performance demonstrated why Kohli remains such a vital player for India in the one-day format. Even at 37 years old, he continues to deliver consistent results with the bat.
The innings helped India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against New Zealand. More importantly, it pushed Kohli past his teammate Rohit Sharma in the rankings. Sharma has now slipped to third position in the latest ICC update.
Breaking Records and Setting Milestones
Kohli's recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. His last five ODI scores tell an impressive story:
- 74 not out against Australia
- 135 against South Africa
- 102 against South Africa
- 65 not out against South Africa
- 93 against New Zealand
This remarkable consistency has redefined what longevity means at the highest level of cricket. The Vadodara innings also marked another significant milestone for Kohli. He has now become the second-highest run-scorer in men's international cricket history.
Kohli continues his relentless pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record. Each innings brings him closer to that legendary mark.
A Familiar Position at the Top
This represents Kohli's 11th separate stint as the world's number one ODI batter. He first reached the top position back in October 2013. Over his career, Kohli has now spent 825 days as the leading ODI batter worldwide.
This achievement makes him the Indian player with the most days at the top of the ODI rankings. In the history of men's cricket, only nine players have spent more time as the number one ranked batter.
Other Ranking Movements
India's captain Shubman Gill has maintained his fifth position in the batting rankings. Shreyas Iyer remains another Indian batter within the top ten. The competition at the top has become incredibly tight.
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell made significant progress in the rankings after his aggressive 84 off 71 balls. He now sits just one rating point behind Kohli. This narrow gap shows how competitive the upper echelons of the rankings have become.
Bowling Rankings Update
In the bowling department, India's Mohammed Siraj moved up five places to reach 15th position. His steady performance in Vadodara contributed to this improvement. New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson made an even bigger leap.
Jamieson jumped an impressive 27 spots to reach joint 69th position. His career-best figures of 4 for 41 against India earned him this significant ranking boost.
The cricket world continues to watch Kohli's journey with great interest. His return to the number one spot confirms his enduring class and consistency. As the ODI series against New Zealand progresses, all eyes will remain on this batting superstar.
