Virat Kohli Closes In on No.1 Spot in ICC ODI Rankings

Virat Kohli is making significant strides towards reclaiming the No.1 position in the ICC ODI batting rankings, currently just 32 points behind Rohit Sharma. Following a stellar performance where he scored 135 runs against South Africa, Kohli has moved up to fourth place in the rankings. The article also highlights recent changes in ODI, T20I, and Test rankings, including the success of Pakistani players in the T20I tri-series and the impact of South Africa's Test series victory over India. Stay updated on the latest cricket rankings and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 15:36 IST

Kohli's Rise in ICC ODI Rankings

Virat Kohli is on the verge of reclaiming the top position in the ICC ODI batting rankings, currently trailing Rohit Sharma by just 32 rating points. His recent performance, which included his 83rd international century, has significantly boosted his standing in the latest ICC Men's Player Rankings.

In the first match of India's three-match ODI series against South Africa in Ranchi, Kohli scored an impressive 135 runs off 120 balls, elevating him to fourth place in the ODI batter rankings.

With this performance, Kohli's rating has improved to 751 points, placing him just 32 points behind his teammate Rohit Sharma, who leads the rankings.

ODI, T20I, and Test Rankings Overview

Rohit Sharma has extended his lead over Daryl Mitchell from New Zealand, who is in second place, and Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran in third. Kohli's advancement past teammate Shubman Gill into fourth position highlights his pursuit of the top spot.

Additionally, Kuldeep Yadav, a seasoned left-arm bowler, has moved up to sixth in the ODI bowler rankings, while the T20I all-rounder rankings have also seen changes following the recent tri-series in Pakistan.

Highlights from the T20I Tri-Series

Pakistan secured the tri-series title with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, and opener Saim Ayub capitalized on this success by reclaiming the top position in the T20I all-rounder rankings.

Ayub had previously held the top spot at the beginning of October but was overtaken by Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza. His performance in the final, scoring 36 runs and taking a crucial wicket, helped him regain his ranking.

Other Pakistani players, including Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz, also saw improvements in their T20I bowler rankings due to their contributions in the series.

Updates on Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Players

Sri Lanka's Kamil Mishara made a notable impact during the tri-series, scoring 169 runs across four innings, which propelled him from outside the top 100 to 18th in the T20I batter rankings.

Bangladesh players also made strides following their recent series win over Ireland, with Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy climbing the T20I batter rankings, while Mustafizur Rahman improved his position among T20I bowlers.

Test Rankings After India vs. South Africa Series

Following South Africa's Test series victory over India, several players saw significant improvements in their rankings. Marco Jansen, a left-arm pacer, made the most substantial gains, moving up five spots to fifth among Test bowlers.

Simon Harmer also rose 13 places to 11th after taking 17 wickets in the series, earning him Player of the Series honors. Jansen's performance also elevated him to second in the Test all-rounder rankings, while other teammates made notable jumps in the Test batter rankings.