Virat Kohli kicks aside Rohit Sharma to reclaim World No.1 ODI batter ranking

Indian batter Virat Kohli has moved closer to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings after a strong performance against New Zealand during the series opener. With the rankings set to be revealed by the ICC on Wednesday, January 13, Kohli’s recent form has brought him right back to reclaim the No. 1 position.

The Men in Blue successfully chased a target of 301 runs to seal the game at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. Kohli played a key role with the bat during the run chase. The senior batter scored 93 runs off 91 deliveries, guiding India through the chase and starting the series on a high note.

Can Virat Kohli Reclaim the ODI No. 1 Ranking from Rohit Sharma in the Next ICC Update?

The 37-year-old is close to the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings after his 93-run innings in Vadodara against New Zealand. The knock helped reduce the gap between him and Rohit Sharma, who currently sits at No. 1.

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According to the latest ICC rankings, Rohit is at the top with 781 rating points, while Virat Kohli is second with 773 points. The difference between the two batters stands at 8 points.

Kohli began the three-match ODI series with a strong performance, while Rohit scored 26 in the same match. Kohli now has a clear chance to close the gap further during the upcoming rankings announcement.

The Delhi-born cricketer can move back to the No. 1 position in the next ICC rankings update. Kohli earlier held the top ODI ranking for more than three years before former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam replaced him in 2021.

Here’s the current top five in the ICC ODI batting rankings:

Virat Kohli Stars as India Chase Down 300 in the First ODI in Vadodara

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted a total of 300/8 in 50 overs. Devon Conway (56), Henry Nicholls (62), and Daryl Mitchell (84) chipped in with valuable runs. For India, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets each.

In the chase, Virat Kohli scored 93 runs off 91 balls. He received support from Shubman Gill (56) and Shreyas Iyer (49), while KL Rahul stayed unbeaten on 29 to finish the game. India reached the target in 49 overs. Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, finishing with four wickets.

Kohli was named Player of the Match, marking his 45th POTM award in ODI cricket. He now sits third on the all-time list, behind Sanath Jayasuriya (48 awards) and Sachin Tendulkar, who leads with 62. The second ODI will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday, January 14.

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