Rohit Sharma’s Historic Rise to ICC’s No.1 ODI Batter
For the first time in his glittering career, Rohit Sharma — the man cricket fans fondly call “Hitman” — has reached the very top of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. It’s a moment that feels both long overdue and deeply poetic. After years of being among the world’s elite, Rohit finally stands alone at No.1 — at the age of 38 — proving that greatness doesn’t fade; it matures.
This milestone was achieved following India’s ODI series against Australia, where Rohit turned back the clock with performances that mixed elegance with sheer command. After a solid 73 in Adelaide, he followed it up with an unbeaten 121 in Sydney — a knock that sealed both the match and the series. That century didn’t just win India the game; it redefined the conversation around longevity and consistency in modern cricket. With 781 rating points, Rohit overtook Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and India’s captain Shubman Gill, both of whom had been trading the top positions in recent months.
It’s worth noting that Rohit had come close before — his previous best being the No.2 spot back in July 2018. But the top rank had always eluded him, until now. The timing of this achievement feels special, arriving more than two decades into his international journey. He now becomes the fifth Indian to hold this title, joining the iconic company of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill — a lineage that defines Indian batting itself.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Zadran made his own slice of history, becoming the first Afghan batter ever to briefly top the ODI batting rankings before Rohit’s surge. The competition at the summit has never been tighter, but Rohit’s experience and calm have given him the edge.
There were also notable movements in the rankings elsewhere — India’s Shreyas Iyer climbed to ninth before an unfortunate injury, while Australian bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa made modest but meaningful advances. England’s Harry Brook, too, jumped 23 places after a blistering 135 against New Zealand, marking him as one to watch.
But today, the spotlight rests firmly on Rohit Sharma. His journey from a middle-order hopeful to one of the greatest white-ball openers of all time has been defined by patience, reinvention, and a quiet confidence that now feels vindicated. As one report aptly put it, “Rohit Sharma has created history by becoming the number one ranked player for the very first time in his career.”
For fans, it’s not just about rankings. It’s about witnessing a career that continues to inspire — a story of timing, class, and the enduring beauty of cricket played with composure and heart.
Rohit Sharma Makes History as ICC’s New No.1 ODI Batter
It’s official — Rohit Sharma has done it! For the first time in his long and glittering career, the Indian skipper has claimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings , marking a truly historic milestone in world cricket. This moment has been years in the making, and it comes after a brilliant series against Australia where Rohit reminded everyone why he’s called the “Hitman.”
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During the recent three-match ODI series down under, Rohit showcased his trademark calm, control, and power. After scoring a solid 73 in Adelaide, he went on to produce a match-winning unbeaten 121 in Sydney , sealing the series for India and earning himself the Player of the Series award. These performances catapulted him to 781 rating points , placing him above Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and India’s own Shubman Gill. Zadran sits second with 764 points, while Gill now stands third at 745.
What makes this feat even more special is that it has come at the age of 38 — making Rohit the oldest Indian ever to reach the top of the ICC ODI batting charts. His previous career-best was the second spot, achieved back in July 2018. After years of consistency, centuries across conditions, and memorable innings in global tournaments, this long-awaited recognition feels perfectly timed.
Interestingly, the rankings saw some movement beyond Rohit as well. Ibrahim Zadran briefly became the first-ever Afghanistan batter to top the ODI charts, holding the position for a short while before Rohit’s rise. On India’s side, Shreyas Iyer also climbed up one spot to ninth despite missing the third ODI due to injury. Among bowlers, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa moved up to eighth and twelfth respectively, while India’s spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar made impressive jumps too.
Elsewhere in the cricketing world, England captain Harry Brook surged to a career-best 25th position after his explosive 135 against New Zealand, and several Test players, including Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel and South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj , also improved their rankings.
But make no mistake — this moment belongs to Rohit Sharma. From being the man of double centuries to the leader who guided India through transitions, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational. And now, as he stands atop the ICC rankings, it feels like the perfect crown on a career defined by class, timing, and sheer brilliance.
In the words of many cricket fans, Rohit hasn’t just reached No.1 — he’s reminded the world that form may fade, but greatness always finds its way back.
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