Highlights:
- Rohit Sharma becomes the world's No.1 ODI batter for the first time.
- India dominates the latest ICC rankings across formats.
- Axar Patel climbs in both bowling and all-rounder categories.
- South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj records career-best Test bowling rank.
- Global stars like Mitchell Santner and Harry Brook show upward movement.
India has reached a new high in world cricket as skipper Rohit Sharma scripted history by becoming the No. 1-ranked player in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Batter Rankings. This marks the first time in his illustrious career that the Indian right-hander has claimed the top spot, crowning years of consistency and dominance.
Rohit’s rise to the top came after a stellar unbeaten century in the final ODI against Australia in Sydney, where India sealed a commanding nine-wicket victory. The 38-year-old opener’s 33rd ODI hundred, laced with 13 boundaries and three towering sixes, showcased his trademark composure and class. Partnering with Virat Kohli (74*), Rohit led from the front, guiding India to a memorable series triumph.
With this performance, Rohit overtook Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and teammate Shubman Gill to secure the top position in ODI batting—a fitting reward for a player who has remained in the top 10 for much of the past decade. His achievement not only reinforces his individual excellence but also reflects India’s growing dominance in international cricket.
The celebrations did not stop there for Indian cricket. All-rounder Axar Patel made notable progress, jumping six places to reach 31st among ODI bowlers, trailing behind Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, the world’s No.1 in the category. Axar also climbed four spots to eighth on the ODI all-rounder rankings, following a strong showing in the Sydney match that contributed significantly to India’s success.
Beyond India, several international players recorded remarkable ranking gains. New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner moved up three places to fourth among ODI bowlers, while Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood climbed two spots to eighth. England’s rising star Harry Brook surged an impressive 23 places to secure 25th on the ODI batter list after a string of consistent performances.
In Test cricket, South Africa’s spinner Keshav Maharaj emerged as one of the biggest movers. His nine-wicket haul against Pakistan in Rawalpindi earned him the Player of the Match title and propelled him nine spots up to a career-best 13th place on the ICC Test bowlers’ chart. Fellow spinner Simon Harmer also benefited, advancing 26 places to 45th after taking six wickets in the second innings of the same Test.
Among the batters, South Africa’s Aiden Markram climbed two places to 15th, while Tony de Zorzi rose seven spots to joint 47th. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada improved eight ranks to move to 11th among Test all-rounders. Pakistan captain Shan Masood also advanced five places to 42nd on the Test batters’ list.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s dominant T20I win over Pakistan saw pacer Corbin Bosch leap 40 spots to 53rd among T20 bowlers. Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz climbed eight positions to sixth in the all-rounders’ category, and opener Saim Ayub jumped five places to 49th in T20I batting.
As India celebrates Rohit Sharma’s crowning achievement, the latest ICC rankings highlight a vibrant global cricket landscape where experience, adaptability, and consistency continue to shape the game’s elite performers.
