Virat Kohli’s sensational form in ODI cricket has propelled him back to the top spot in the ICC batting rankings for the first time since July 2021. Kohli, who scored a stroke-filled 93 off 91 balls to set up India’s win in the opening match of the three-ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, replaced teammate Rohit Sharma to reclaim the throne.
This is the 11th time in his record-laden career that Kohli has topped the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, following a stunning run in the format. After consecutive ducks against Australia in October last year, his first international appearances since the Champions Trophy, Kohli bounced back with a fluent 74 to help India end the ODI leg with a consolation win in Sydney. On his return to home soil, he followed it up with scores of 135, 102 and an unbeaten 65 in the series against South Africa in November–December.
The former India captain first reached the summit of the ODI rankings in October 2013 and has now spent a cumulative 825 days at No. 1, the most by an Indian batter. He currently sits 10th on the all-time list, topped by West Indies great Viv Richards, who held the position for a remarkable 2,306 days.
More to follow…
