Virat Kohli Reclaims No.1 Spot in ODI Rankings Amid ICC Controversy

Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 position in the ODI Batters’ Rankings after a five-year hiatus, following a stellar performance against New Zealand. However, his return was overshadowed by a significant error from the ICC regarding the days he spent at the top. Initially reported as 825 days, the ICC later corrected this to 1,547 days, placing Kohli third on the all-time list. Fans reacted swiftly to the ICC's miscalculation, expressing both surprise and appreciation for the prompt correction. As the ongoing series unfolds, Kohli's ranking faces new challenges from competitors like Daryl Mitchell, keeping the race for the top spot highly competitive.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 11:57 IST

Kohli Returns to the Top of ODI Rankings

Former captain of Team India, Virat Kohli, has regained the No.1 position in the ODI Batters’ Rankings, according to the latest update from the International Cricket Council (ICC) released on January 14. This marks Kohli's return to the top after nearly five years, ending a long wait to reclaim his status in this format.

Kohli's ascent to the top came after he scored a match-winning 93 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand in Vadodara. With a rating of 785 points, he surpassed his teammate Rohit Sharma, who fell to third place with 775 points, while New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell secured the second position with 784 points.

The competition is tight, with Kohli and Mitchell separated by just one point, as the Indian batter leads the ICC ODI Batters’ Rankings.

ICC's Error in Kohli's Ranking

Kohli's return to the top thrilled fans, as it marked his first time back at No.1 since July 2021. However, the excitement was dampened by a significant error from the ICC regarding the number of days Kohli has held the No.1 position.

Initially, the ICC reported that Kohli had spent only 825 days at the top, which was a gross understatement by 722 days. This error was quickly identified by cricket statisticians and fans, prompting the ICC to amend Kohli's total days as No.1 to 1,547 days. Before being dethroned by Babar Azam in July 2021, Kohli had held the top position for 1,544 days.

VIRAT KOHLI AS NUMBER 1 IN ODIs - 1547* DAYS - ICC has corrected the stats and King is currently third in the all-time list.

Kohli's All-Time Ranking

Following the ICC's correction, Kohli is now officially ranked third on the all-time list for the most days spent as the No.1 ODI batter, trailing behind Viv Richards and Brian Lara. Richards held the top spot for 2,306 days, while Lara was No.1 for 2,079 days. Kohli, Richards, and Lara are the only players to have spent over 1,500 days at the top of the ODI Batters’ Rankings.

Fan Reactions to the ICC's Correction

After the ICC rectified the days Kohli has spent at the top, fans took to social media to express their astonishment at the initial miscalculation and to commend the ICC for its prompt correction.

Many fans highlighted the importance of Kohli's record and criticized the ICC for the oversight. Some fans suggested that the ICC should issue an apology for the earlier misinformation.

ICC literally had to correct their own 'glaring error' just to confirm Virat Kohli's #1 ranking.

Upcoming Challenges for Kohli

Despite reclaiming the No.1 ranking, Kohli's position is under threat as Daryl Mitchell's impressive 131-run performance in New Zealand's recent victory over India has tightened the race for the top spot. After scoring 93 runs in the first ODI, Kohli managed only 23 runs in the second match, keeping the competition fierce.

The outcome of the ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand will be crucial in determining the future of the No.1 ranking.