Virat Kohli Reclaims No. 1 Spot in ICC ODI Rankings Ahead of New Zealand Series

Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings following a stellar performance in the first ODI against New Zealand. His match-winning knock of 93 runs has not only secured a victory for India but also marked his return to the top of the rankings for the first time since July 2021. As he focuses solely on ODIs, Kohli aims to extend his career until the 2027 World Cup. Fans are celebrating his achievement, calling it a return to his rightful place in cricket. With impressive statistics since his return to international cricket, Kohli's performance continues to spark discussions about his future in the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 16:06 IST

Kohli's Remarkable Comeback

As Team India prepares for the second ODI in their three-match series against New Zealand, star batter Virat Kohli has reclaimed the top position in the latest ODI rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on January 14.

Kohli made a triumphant return to international cricket during the ODI series opener against New Zealand, scoring a crucial 93 runs off 91 balls, leading India to a four-wicket victory at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. This series marks Kohli's second home series since retiring from Test cricket in May 2025, having previously excelled in the ODIs against South Africa.

Kohli's Focus on ODIs

Following his retirement from T20Is and Tests, Kohli is now concentrating solely on ODI cricket, aiming to extend his illustrious career until the 2027 World Cup, which is expected to be his final tournament, while continuing to be a key player for India in the 50-over format.

ICC ODI Rankings Update

Before stepping onto the field for the second ODI against New Zealand at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Kohli had already regained the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI Batters’ Rankings. His stellar performance in the series opener allowed him to surpass teammate Rohit Sharma, who previously held the top spot.

Kohli's impressive performance in the ODI series against South Africa, where he scored 302 runs, including two centuries and a fifty, at an average of 151 in three matches, had already propelled him to second place with 773 points, just 8 points behind Rohit Sharma's 781 points.

However, Kohli's 93-run innings against New Zealand pushed him back to the top with 785 points, while Rohit Sharma fell to third place as Daryll Mitchell from New Zealand moved into second place. The competition for the No. 1 ODI batting position is now extremely tight, with Kohli and Mitchell separated by just one point.

Celebrating Kohli's Achievement

Kohli's return to the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI Batters’ Rankings marks the first time since July 2021 that he has held this spot, ending a nearly five-year wait. The last time he topped the rankings, he had a rating of 898 points before being overtaken by Pakistan’s Babar Azam.

Fans and cricket enthusiasts expressed their excitement on social media, celebrating Kohli's achievement and referring to his return as 'back where he belongs' and 'the king reclaiming his throne.'

Kohli's Impressive Form

Since his return to international cricket in October 2025, Kohli has shown remarkable form, raising questions about his participation in the 2027 World Cup. In eight matches, including the second ODI against New Zealand, he has scored 492 runs, featuring two centuries and four fifties, with an average of 82.

Throughout his ODI career, Kohli has accumulated 14,573 runs, including 54 fifties and 77 centuries, with an impressive average of 58.45 across 310 matches.