The competition for the ICC ODI No. 1 batter ranking has intensified ahead of the next rankings update. Rohit Sharma leads the table currently with 783 rating points, but Virat Kohli has jumped to 751, only 32 points behind, after a run of outstanding performances.
With the two Indian greats in fine form and the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, the battle for the No. 1 crown is closer than it has been in years.
Current ICC ODI Rankings of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Kohli’s recent century in Ranchi, coupled with a strong run in ODIs, has seen him rapidly rise in the rankings.
While Rohit Sharma regained the No. 1 spot early this year with some commanding knocks, which included a fluent 73 and a match-winning century in the third ODI against Australia.
The contest now comes down to who performs better in the remaining ODIs. The margin is tight. Even one standout innings can flip the rankings.
How Virat Kohli Can Become the No. 1 ODI Batter Again?
Since there are only 32 rating points between them, Kohli has to score considerably more runs than Rohit in the next ODI(s). As analysts say, if Kohli scores 50+ runs more than Rohit, then he might jump to No. 1.
The rating points increase more rapidly with impactful knocks, such as centuries, high-pressure chases, or dominant top-order innings. A big hundred or an 80-odd score in a tight situation would push him closer.
Kohli has looked in rhythm, hungry, and mentally sharper in ODIs of late. His current form gives him a genuine shot at reclaiming a ranking he once dominated for more than three years.
How Rohit Sharma Can Retain the No. 1 ODI Ranking
With such a slender margin separating Rohit from Kohli, one low score could cost Rohit his No. 1 standing. A failure would dramatically cut his rating points, opening the door for Kohli. Rohit doesn’t need a hundred every time.
Even consistent 40–60 runs in each game will help him maintain his lead and retain the rating advantage.
The biggest strength of Rohit is to convert good starts into commanding innings. A single big score-a match-winning 90 or century-would almost seal his No. 1 status in the immediate rankings update.
What if Virat and Rohit score the same number of runs in the 3rd ODI against South Africa?
As Rohit is currently at the top of the ICC ODI Batter Rankings, if Ro-Ko Duo scores the same amount of runs on Saturday in the 3rd ODI, then Rohit will retain his position at the top, while the margin between the two will be narrowed.
