• Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli surprise vanishment from ICC updated ODI rankings sparked retirement talk.

  • The sudden exclusion of two modern-day greats, with neither featuring even in the top 100, has triggered a storm of speculation.

Fans express surprise over the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ICC ODI rankings
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's disappearance from the updated ICC rankings triggers buzz among fans (Image source: X)

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The cricketing world was left in disbelief on August 20, 2025, when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli mysteriously vanished from the updated ICC ODI batting rankings. The sudden exclusion of two modern-day greats, with neither featuring even in the top 100, has triggered a storm of speculation over whether the Indian stalwarts have quietly stepped away from the 50-over format. Just a week earlier, Rohit was ranked second with 756 points, while Kohli sat fourth with 736 points. Their abrupt disappearance has baffled fans and experts alike, especially as both remain officially active in ODIs.

A rankings glitch or a hidden message?

According to ICC’s ranking rules, players are generally removed after 12–15 months of inactivity. Yet both Rohit and Kohli last played as recently as March 2025, starring in India’s triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 campaign — barely five months ago. That timeline makes their sudden omission highly irregular.

While some suggest the anomaly could be a ‘technical glitch,’ the timing is particularly striking. The update coincided with reports that the BCCI may not include either in its ODI World Cup 2025 plans. The fact that other updates. like South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj reclaiming the No. 1 ODI bowling spot, went through smoothly has only fueled suspicion that something deeper might be at play. Meanwhile, the new rankings have elevated Shubman Gill to No. 1 with 784 points, followed by Pakistan’s Babar Azam. The reshuffle has reshaped the top order of ODI cricket, though fans remain more focused on the absence of India’s two icons.

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Clouds over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future

Speculation about Rohit and Kohli’s future had already been simmering. Reports recently suggested that the upcoming ODI series against Australia in October could be their farewell to the format. Others claim that if they intend to remain contenders for the 2027 World Cup, they may be asked to prove their fitness in domestic tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy or India A matches.

The BCCI, however, has denied such reports, stating its current focus lies on near-term events like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. Yet doubts persist, especially after both legends were controversially eased out of Test cricket earlier this year, a move former India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri attributed to ‘internal politics’ within the board. With Kohli set to turn 39 and Rohit 40 by the 2027 World Cup, age is certainly a factor. Still, their stellar performances in the Champions Trophy, where both played pivotal roles in India’s title run,  underline that they remain match-winners even at this stage of their careers.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.