ICC Rankings: Virat Kohli becomes second-ranked ODI batter
What's the story
Veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli is closing in on the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings. Kohli, now the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, is only eight rating points behind his teammate Rohit Sharma. This comes after his stellar performance in India's ODI series win against South Africa, where he scored 302 runs and was named Player of the Series.
Kohli
Kohli bags three 50-plus scores in SA series
Kohli shattered plenty of records in the 2025 ODI series against South Africa at home. The 37-year-old was adjudged the Player of the Series after recording three back-to-back 50-plus scores, including two tons. His 65* (45) in a crucial run-chase in the Vizag decider helped India win the series 2-1. According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli became only the second Indian with 300-plus runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series.
Ranking update
Rohit Sharma retains top spot in ODI rankings
Despite Kohli's stellar performance, Rohit Sharma has retained his top spot in the batting rankings. He scored 146 runs in the series against South Africa, bagging scores of 57, 14, and 75. Rohit was earlier the Player of the Series (ODIs) in Australia. He is expected to continue his run in India's next ODI series, a three-match affair against New Zealand, starting January 11.
Player progress
KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav make significant gains
Along with Kohli, KL Rahul has also made a significant jump in the updated rankings for ODI batters. He has moved up two places to 12th overall. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has moved up three spots to third in the bowling rankings. He took 2 four-wicket hauls in the South Africa series, with figures of 4/41, 1/78, and 4/68.
International impact
South African players also rise
Despite India winning the high-scoring series 2-1, South African players Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Temba Bavuma have also made significant gains in the rankings for ODI batters. De Kock has moved up three places to 13th, while Markram has jumped four spots to 25th. Bavuma has risen three spots to 37th.