Are you ready for some exciting cricket news that’s shaking up the world rankings? The latest ICC ODI rankings have just been released, and there’s a familiar face climbing the ladder once again. That’s right, the one and only Virat Kohli has made a significant leap in the rankings, showcasing why he’s still one of the best in the business.
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Kohli’s Century Against Pakistan: A Game-Changer
In a thrilling Champions Trophy clash on February 23, 2025, Virat Kohli reminded the world why he’s considered one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. The 36-year-old maestro crafted a magnificent century against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai, marking his 51st ODI ton. This stellar performance didn’t just help India secure a crucial victory; it also catapulted Kohli up the ICC ODI rankings.
The New Rankings: India’s Dominance
Let’s break down the latest ICC ODI rankings and see where our cricket heroes stand:
- Shubman Gill (India) – Holding strong at the top
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 47 points behind Gill
- Rohit Sharma (India)
- Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
- Virat Kohli (India) – Moved up one spot after his recent century
It’s a moment of pride for Indian cricket fans as three of our star batsmen occupy spots in the top 5. This dominance in the rankings is a testament to the strength and depth of Indian batting in the ODI format.
Kohli’s Resurgence: Age is Just a Number
At 36, many critics might have written off Virat Kohli, but the former Indian captain continues to prove that class is permanent. His recent century against Pakistan in a high-pressure Champions Trophy match demonstrates his unwavering focus and ability to perform when it matters most. This performance has not only boosted his ranking but also sent a strong message to his competitors and critics alike.
The Gill-Babar Battle at the Top
While Kohli’s rise is noteworthy, let’s not overlook the intense competition at the top of the rankings. Shubman Gill, the young Indian sensation, continues to hold onto the number one spot. However, Pakistan’s Babar Azam is hot on his heels, trailing by just 47 points. This rivalry at the summit of ODI batting rankings adds an extra layer of excitement to every international match these two play.
Other Movers and Shakers in the Rankings
The ICC rankings update has seen movement beyond just Kohli’s rise. Here are some other notable changes:
- New Zealand’s Will Young has made a significant jump, moving up eight spots to claim the 14th position.
- England’s Ben Duckett has shown remarkable improvement, leaping 27 spots to secure the 17th rank.
- Rachin Ravindra, riding high on his recent century, has climbed 18 spots to reach the 24th position.
These movements in the rankings highlight the dynamic nature of international cricket and the impact of recent performances in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
Bowling Rankings: Indians Making Their Mark
While the batting rankings are dominated by Indians, let’s not forget our bowlers who are also making waves:
- Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- Kuldeep Yadav (India)
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
It’s great to see Kuldeep Yadav holding strong at the third position, representing India in the top echelons of bowling rankings. Moreover, Mohammed Shami has also made progress, moving up one spot to claim the 14th position after his impressive five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
The presence of three Indians in the top 5 ODI batting rankings and strong representation in the bowling charts is a clear indicator of India’s cricketing prowess. As we approach major tournaments like the Champions Trophy and look ahead to the World Cup, these rankings provide a boost of confidence to the team and fans alike.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Cricket Glory
With the Champions Trophy in full swing and more international cricket on the horizon, these rankings are sure to see more shuffles. The competition at the top is fierce, and every match counts. For players like Kohli, Gill, and Rohit, maintaining their positions and pushing for improvement will be crucial as they lead India’s charge in global tournaments.
Conclusion: Indian Cricket’s Golden Era Continues
The latest ICC ODI rankings reaffirm what many cricket fans already know – Indian cricket is in a golden era. With a perfect blend of experienced campaigners like Kohli and Rohit, combined with the youthful exuberance of talents like Gill, Team India is well-positioned to dominate the cricketing world for years to come.
As we celebrate Virat Kohli’s rise and India’s strong showing in the rankings, let’s keep our eyes on the upcoming matches. Will Kohli continue his ascent? Can Gill maintain his top spot? The world of cricket is ever-changing, and that’s what makes it so exciting for fans around the globe.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Champions Trophy progresses and the battle for ICC ranking supremacy continues!
FAQ:-
Who is best, Virat or Babar?
Based on current statistics and overall career achievements, Virat Kohli is generally considered to be the better batsman compared to Babar Azam; Kohli has a higher number of international centuries across formats and a more consistent performance record throughout his career, although Babar is widely regarded as a phenomenal batsman in his own right, especially in the limited-overs format.
Who has surpassed Virat Kohli?
The only players ahead of Kohli on the all-time list are Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs in 782 innings) and Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs in 666 innings).
How many 100 does Virat Kohli have?
82 centuries
Virat Kohli has scored 82 centuries in international cricket. Kohli made his debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008, and scored his first century the following year when he made 107 against the same team at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
What is the weakness of Kohli?
India superstar Virat Kohli made an honest admission, saying playing cover drives has become his weakness of late and puts him in a ‘catch-22’ situation. He also said that if he nails the shot with precision, it gives him an idea that he has gotten hold of his innings.
