Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has made history by becoming the world number one batter in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings for the first time in his career. At 38 years old, Rohit is not only the oldest Indian to hold this prestigious position but also the oldest player worldwide to achieve the top spot in the men’s ODI batting rankings.
Rohit’s rise to the summit followed a stellar performance in India’s recent series against Australia, where he scored an unbeaten 131 in the final match in Sydney. His innings, featuring 13 fours and three sixes, marked his 33rd ODI century and was instrumental in India’s commanding nine-wicket victory. Partnering with Virat Kohli, who was unbeaten on 74, Rohit led India to a decisive series win.
He surpassed Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and his compatriot Shubman Gill, moving ahead with 781 rating points—17 points above Zadran. Ibrahim Zadran briefly held the top position between the series’ second and third ODIs. Shubman Gill slipped to third after inconsistent performances in the series.
Alongside Rohit’s achievement, India’s Axar Patel made notable advances in the rankings, climbing six spots to 31st among bowlers and moving up to eighth among ODI all-rounders. Concurrently, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood also improved their rankings.
In other formats, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj achieved a career-best 13th place among Test bowlers after a match-winning performance, and teammates like Simon Harmer, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada also climbed the ranks following recent successes. Pakistani captain Shan Masood improved his position among Test batters as well.
This milestone solidifies Rohit Sharma’s status as one of cricket’s elite players, demonstrating remarkable longevity and consistent excellence in international cricket.
