Rohit Sharma Claims Top Spot in ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings for the First Time
Rohit Sharma has ascended to the number one position in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. This marks the first time he has achieved this milestone in his career.
Outstanding Performance in Australia
Sharma’s rise in the rankings is attributed to impressive performances during a three-match ODI series in Australia. In the second ODI in Adelaide, he scored 73 runs, followed by a match-winning unbeaten 121 runs in Sydney.
Award and Rating Points
His outstanding contributions earned him the Player of the Series title. With these performances, he accumulated a total of 781 rating points. This puts him 17 points ahead of second-placed Ibrahim Zadran from Afghanistan, who has 764 points. Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, is currently in third place with 745 points.
- Rohit Sharma: 781 points (1st)
- Ibrahim Zadran: 764 points (2nd)
- Shubman Gill: 745 points (3rd)
Historic Achievement for Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran made history by briefly becoming the first Afghan player to top the ODI batting rankings. His ascendancy occurred between the second and third ODIs in Australia.
Vice-Captain Shreyas Iyer’s Progress
In addition to Sharma’s achievements, India’s vice-captain Shreyas Iyer moved up one spot, reaching ninth place after scoring 61 runs in the second ODI before suffering an injury in the third match.
Bowler Rankings Adjustments
The series also resulted in several bowlers making notable advancements. Key changes include:
- Josh Hazlewood: Up two places to 8th
- Adam Zampa: Up two places to 12th
- Axar Patel: Up six places to 31st
- Washington Sundar: Up 22 places to 73rd
Additional Developments in Rankings
Several other players saw changes in their rankings. England’s Harry Brook, following a remarkable 135 runs in the first ODI against New Zealand, jumped 23 spots to reach a career-best 25th place. In the Test rankings, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel rose to 12th, while captain Shan Masood climbed five places to 42nd. South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi advanced seven spots to 47th.
In bowling, Keshav Maharaj of South Africa moved up nine places to 13th after a standout performance in a Test against Pakistan, while Simon Harmer improved by 26 spots to 45th with a six-wicket haul.
