ICC Rankings: Kohli Returns to Top Five; Gill Holds No. 1 ODI Spot
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Synopsis
Virat Kohli has re-entered the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings top five following his impressive century against Pakistan. Shubman Gill retains the No. 1 spot, and India's batting prowess is showcased with three players in the top five.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli reclaims fifth in ICC ODI rankings.
- Shubman Gill holds the top position with a significant lead.
- India boasts three players in the top five.
- Several players have made significant jumps in the rankings.
- Maheesh Theekshana remains No. 1 in bowling.
Dubai, Feb 26 (NationPress) India's batting sensation Virat Kohli has made a triumphant return to the top five of the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings after an outstanding display against Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Kohli's exceptional century—marking his 51st in ODIs—was pivotal in India's commanding win over their long-time rivals in Dubai, allowing him to climb to fifth place in the rankings.
With this achievement, India now features three players in the top five, including opener Shubman Gill (1st) and captain Rohit Sharma (3rd), who continue to maintain their positions. Gill has particularly solidified his lead in the No. 1 ranking, increasing his advantage to 47 rating points over former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who holds second place despite a challenging run at the Champions Trophy.
Kohli is the only player in the top 10 to make a significant upward shift, although several others have made advancements just outside the elite ranks.
New Zealand's Will Young made a remarkable rise, moving up eight spots to 14th, while England's Ben Duckett (up 27 places to joint 17th) and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra (up 18 places to 24th) have surged forward after their impressive centuries during the tournament.
India's KL Rahul (up two places to 15th) and South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen (up three places to 16th) have also closed in on the top 10.
In the bowling rankings, Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana retains the No. 1 position, despite Sri Lanka's absence from the Champions Trophy, with Afghanistan's Rashid Khan remaining his closest challenger in second place.
Meanwhile, South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj (up one place to fourth), New Zealand's Matt Henry (up two places to sixth), and Australia's Adam Zampa (up two places to 10th) have all improved their positions. Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada (up four spots to 16th) and New Zealand's Michael Bracewell (up 31 places to 26th) were among the biggest movers.
Bracewell's recent performances also propelled him in the all-rounders' rankings, leaping 26 places to 11th following his four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. His teammate Ravindra (up six places to 15th) also saw progress in this category. Veteran Afghanistan player Mohammad Nabi continues to be the top-ranked ODI all-rounder.
