ICC ODI Rankings: Rohit Sharma closes in on Virat Kohli as No.1 battle heats up

A blistering, record-breaking century at the Home of Cricket not only silenced the whispers surrounding Rohit Sharma’s international future, but also opened up the battle for the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batter Rankings.

According to the latest weekly update issued by the International Cricket Council (ICC), India’s three batsmen – Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – have moved forward in tandem to mount a formidable three-point challenge against New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell for the top spot.

While Mitchell maintains a narrow, precarious lead at the summit with 802 rating points, Gill is just a single point back in second place (801 points) after a prolific run of 188 in the recent three-match series in England. Kohli is holding firm at the third spot with 767 points, while former captain Rohit has moved up to the fourth spot with 758 points.

Rohit scored 14 rating points after his hundred in the series finale on Saturday.

SUPPLIES UNDER PRESSURE

Rohit’s vault in the rankings comes on the heels of a masterclass at Lord’s where he produced a majestic 138 off 110 deliveries to become the first Indian batsman in history to score an ODI century at the iconic London venue. The 39-year-old struggled with physical spasms and a mammoth run of 388, smashing 17 boundaries and five sixes with a willow borrowed from teammate Shardul Thakur.

Also read: Rohit Sharma proves that Rohit Sharma is not India’s ODI problem

The shift carried immense narrative weight. Intense media speculation suggested that the Lord’s match could be a curtain call for Rohit’s ODI career as we headed into the series decider. Instead, the veteran opener gave a forceful rebuttal on the field before brushing the inquiry aside with characteristic nonchalance.

“The noise since my debut has been there. And until I stay here, it will always be there. So it doesn’t really matter too much,” Rohit told BCCI.tv after the match. “The important thing is what I do on the field, I try to contribute to the success of the team … If there is no noise, there is no fun. My work is inside, their work is outside.”

Although India ended up losing by 27 runs to lose the series 1-2 individual performances ensured significant shifts across the wider ICC rankings.

England’s Joe Root was the standout beneficiary of the series, moving up four places to eighth after amassing 249 runs without being dismissed. Teammates Ben Duckett (up 11 places to 19th) and Jacob Bethell (up five to 64th) also made notable gains.

On the bowling front, England paceman Jofra Archer climbed to third behind Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed with a five-wicket haul in three matches against India.

ICC ODI RATINGS FOR BATSMEN (As on 22 July 2026)

1. Daryl Mitchell – 802 points

2. Shubman Gill – 801 points

3. Virat Kohli – 767 points

4. Rohit Sharma – 758 points

5. Ibrahim Zadran – 712 points

6. Babar Azam – 689 points

7. Harry Tector – 679 points

8. Joe Root – 674 points

9. Shai Hope – 672 points

10. Charith Asalanka – 659 points

– The end

Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

22 Jul 2026 14:30 IST