Virat Kohli Reclaims No. 1 ICC ODI Ranking After Stunning 93-Run Knock

Virat Kohli has returned to the number one position in the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings following his 93-run performance in the series opener against New Zealand. This marks his 11th separate stint at the top, a position he first reached in 2013. His recent form has been exceptional, with fifty-plus scores in his last seven ODI matches. During the knock, he also became the fastest player ever to score 28,000 runs across all international formats.

Key Points: Virat Kohli Tops ICC ODI Batting Rankings Again

  • Reclaimed top spot after July 2021
  • 11th separate stint at No. 1
  • Scored 93 in winning chase vs NZ
  • Fastest to 28,000 international runs
2 min read

Virat Kohli reclaims No. 1 spot in latest ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings

Virat Kohli is back as world No. 1 ODI batter after a match-winning 93 vs New Zealand. He marks his 11th stint at the summit.

"Kohli now sits at the summit of the ICC ODI Batters' rankings with 785 rating points - ICC"

New Delhi, January 14

Star India batter Virat Kohli has reclaimed his No. 1 spot in the ICC Men's Rankings after his 93-run knock in the India vs New Zealand three-match ODI series opener at Vadodara on Sunday.

Kohli now sits at the summit of the ICC ODI Batters' rankings with 785 rating points to his name, just one ahead of the second-placed New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, who has 784 points.

This is the first time that the legendary cricketer has occupied the No.1 spot in ODI rankings since July 2021.

Kohli first rose to the top of the rankings in October 2013, and now marks his 11th separate stint at the number one position, as per ICC's website. To date, he has spent a total of 825 days at the summit-- the 10th highest by any player overall, and the most by an Indian.

Virat Kohli has been in splendid form since the last match of the Australia vs India ODI series Down Under in October last year. He has registered fifty-plus scores in all of his last seven 50-over matches. His last seven scores read: 93, 77 (Vijay Hazare Trophy), 131 (Vijay Hazare Trophy), 65, 102, 135, and 74.

In 2025, Kohli featured in 13 ODI matches and scored 651 runs at an excellent average of 65.10, emerging as India's leading run-scorer in the calendar year.

Kohli also shone in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, where the right-hand batter scored 218 runs in five matches at an average of 54.50. He scored a century and a half-century in the tournament.

In the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI, Kohli's 93 earned him the 'Player of the Match' award as he helped guide the Men in Blue over the line, chasing a 301-run target.

With the 93-run knock, Kohli now has 1,091 runs in 300-plus successful chases in ODIs, averaging 121.22 and striking at 125.25, including seven hundreds and two fifties.

During his knock against New Zealand, Kohli also became the fastest player to reach 28,000 runs across formats in international cricket and the second-most prolific scorer, behind Sachin Tendulkar. He now has 28,068 runs across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Absolutely phenomenal consistency. Scoring 50+ in seven consecutive ODIs is no joke. The numbers in successful chases are just mind-boggling - an average of 121! He truly is the GOAT of run-chases. What a legend for Indian cricket.
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Rohit P
While this is a fantastic achievement, let's also appreciate the team effort. It's great to see Virat in such form, but cricket is a team sport. Hope this ranking boost translates into more trophies for India. The 2027 World Cup is the real target.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, it's incredible to watch Virat's journey. From 2013 to now, 11 separate stints at number one! That shows not just talent, but the mental strength to climb back again and again. The dedication is inspiring.
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Vikram M
The most satisfying part is seeing him enjoy his cricket again. That smile after reaching 28,000 runs said it all. He's playing freely and the results are there for everyone to see. Long may this form continue! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
Respect to Daryl Mitchell too, being just 1 point behind. But Virat's legacy is unmatched. 825 days at the top, most by an Indian. He's chasing Sachin's run record and honestly, at this rate, he might just get there. What an era we are witnessing.

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