Rohit Sharma Becomes World’s No. 1 ODI Batter for the First Time at 38
New Delhi, October 29: Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching the No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings for the first time in his career. The 38-year-old opener not only topped the list but also made history as the oldest player ever to hold the top spot in the format, surpassing both his younger compatriot Shubman Gill and Afghanistan’s rising star Ibrahim Zadran.
Rohit’s ascent to the top came after his sensational unbeaten century in the third and final ODI against Australia in Sydney, where he guided India to a dominant nine-wicket victory. His brilliant knock not only secured the series but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most consistent and impactful batters in modern cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Historic Achievement
Rohit Sharma’s journey to the top of the ICC ODI rankings has been one of perseverance and consistency. Despite maintaining a place in the top 10 for most of the past decade, he had never before reached the summit. His latest performance in Sydney finally sealed his long-awaited rise.
In the decisive match, Rohit scored an unbeaten 102 runs off 97 balls, hitting 13 fours and 3 sixes in an elegant display of controlled aggression. He was well-supported by veteran teammate Virat Kohli, who remained not out on 74, as the duo stitched together a match-winning partnership that overwhelmed the Australian bowling attack.
The innings marked Rohit’s 33rd ODI century — a testament to his dominance and longevity in the limited-overs format. His century was a blend of calm composure and explosive strokeplay, showcasing why he remains a linchpin in India’s batting lineup even at 38.
Overtaking Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill
Rohit’s latest heroics pushed him two places up in the ICC rankings, surpassing both Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill. Zadran, who briefly held the No. 1 position after the second ODI in the same series, became the first Afghan player in history to top the ODI batting rankings. However, his stay at the summit was short-lived as Rohit’s stellar performance in the series finale saw him claim the crown.
Shubman Gill, who had been India’s top-ranked ODI batter for much of the past year, slipped down the order following a string of modest scores. The reshuffling among the top three underlines the fierce competition in international cricket, particularly with multiple players from emerging teams challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses.
Other Indian Players Climb in ICC Rankings
Rohit Sharma’s achievement wasn’t the only reason for India to celebrate. All-rounder Axar Patel also made significant gains in the latest ICC rankings update. Following a solid performance in Sydney, Axar climbed six places to 31st in the ODI bowling rankings and four spots to eighth in the ODI all-rounder category — now just one position behind New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner.
Axar’s improvement reflects his growing reliability as a dual-threat player, contributing effectively with both bat and ball in recent matches. His steady progress has been instrumental in strengthening India’s middle-order balance and spin attack depth.
Global Movements in ICC ODI Rankings
Across the globe, several other players have seen notable movements in the updated ICC ODI rankings.
- New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner jumped three spots to fourth among bowlers, solidifying his reputation as one of the most economical spinners in limited-overs cricket.
- Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood moved up two positions to eighth, reaffirming his consistency across formats.
- England’s dynamic batter Harry Brook recorded one of the biggest leaps this week, rising 23 places to reach 25th in the ODI batting rankings after a string of strong performances.
These shifts highlight the evolving landscape of international cricket, where newer names continue to rise alongside experienced stars.
Test Cricket Rankings: South Africa Shine Against Pakistan
While the ODI rankings drew major attention, the ICC Test rankings also witnessed significant movement following South Africa’s emphatic eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj was the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match award for his nine-wicket haul across the two innings. His efforts helped him climb nine spots to a career-best 13th position among Test bowlers.
His teammate Simon Harmer also made impressive strides, moving up 26 places to 45th after claiming six wickets in the second innings. Among batters, Aiden Markram advanced two places to 15th, while Tony de Zorzi jumped seven spots to 47th after scoring valuable runs at the top of the order.
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada also benefited from the team’s overall success, climbing eight spots to 11th in the Test all-rounders’ rankings.
Pakistan’s Shan Masood Among Top Gainers
Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood was among the bright spots for his side despite the series loss. His resilient batting performance saw him move up five places to joint 42nd in the ICC Test batting rankings.
Masood’s consistency continues to make him one of Pakistan’s dependable top-order batters, especially in home conditions. His leadership and batting form will be crucial for Pakistan in their upcoming series against England and Australia.
T20I Rankings: South Africa and Pakistan Players on the Rise
The ICC T20I rankings also witnessed a shake-up following the first T20I between South Africa and Pakistan in Rawalpindi. South African fast bowler Corbin Bosch made the most dramatic jump, climbing 40 places to 53rd among bowlers after a match-winning performance.
Pakistan’s experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz gained eight spots to reach sixth position, showcasing his consistent ability to contribute with both bat and ball in the shortest format. Meanwhile, young opener Saim Ayub moved up five places to 49th in the T20I batting rankings, signaling his growing influence in Pakistan’s top order.
A Career-Defining Moment for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s achievement as the world’s No. 1 ODI batter is more than just a ranking milestone — it is a reflection of his resilience, adaptability, and class over two decades of international cricket. From being labeled a “talented but inconsistent” player early in his career to becoming one of the most prolific white-ball batters of all time, his journey embodies determination and discipline.
Known for his effortless strokeplay and ability to convert starts into big hundreds, Rohit now joins an elite list of Indian players — including Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli — who have held the No. 1 ODI batting position at some point in their careers.
As India continues its preparation for the upcoming ICC tournaments, Rohit’s form and leadership will be critical to the team’s success, both at home and overseas.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Rohit Sharma’s rise to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings at the age of 38 is a powerful reminder that class and consistency never age. His record-breaking feat not only strengthens India’s dominance in world cricket but also inspires a generation of cricketers to chase excellence with perseverance.
With players like Axar Patel, Shubman Gill, and others making consistent progress, Indian cricket continues to demonstrate its depth and global impact. The upcoming international series will further test this momentum, as Rohit looks to extend his reign as the world’s best ODI batter.