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The latest ICC ODI rankings have brought exciting news for Indian cricket fans as Virat Kohli has surged to the fourth spot. This rise comes on the back of his remarkable performances in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he has once again proven why he is regarded as one of the finest batters in the history of the game. Kohli’s ascent marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, reaffirming his status as a modern-day great.
A rollercoaster Champions Trophy campaign for Virat Kohli
Kohli’s journey in this year’s Champions Trophy has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. The tournament began on a shaky note for the Indian maestro, as he managed a low score against Bangladesh. However, true champions thrive under pressure, and Kohli did just that. In India’s high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, he delivered a majestic century, showcasing his class and ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Although Kohli faltered against New Zealand with another low score, he roared back to form in the semi-final against Australia. His match-winning knock not only secured India’s place in the final but also earned him crucial rating points, propelling him to 747 points and the fourth spot in the ICC ODI rankings. With one game still to play in the tournament, Kohli has a golden opportunity to climb even higher.
Rohit Sharma slips amidst struggles
While Kohli’s rise has been celebrated, his teammate Rohit Sharma has faced a contrasting fate. Starting the tournament as a third-ranked batter, Rohit endured a string of underwhelming performances that saw him drop to fifth with 745 points. Despite getting starts in most matches, Rohit failed to convert them into significant scores, which cost him dearly in the rankings.
Also READ: Steve Smith announces retirement from ODIs after Australia’s exit from Champions Trophy 2025
Shubman Gill: The unwavering leader
India’s young sensation Shubman Gill continues to dominate the ICC ODI batting rankings, retaining his top spot with consistent performances. Gill has been in sublime form, playing two outstanding knocks in Champions Trophy 2025, solidifying his position as the world’s best ODI batter. However, he faces stiff competition from South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, who has climbed to third place and is eyeing Gill’s throne.
Afghanistan’s rising stars shine bright
The Champions Trophy 2025 has also been a breakthrough tournament for Afghanistan’s emerging talents. Azmatullah Omarzai has taken the cricketing world by storm, becoming the top-ranked all-rounder after stellar performances with both bat and ball. His maiden five-wicket haul against England and a crucial fifty against Australia have earned him 296 rating points.
Ibrahim Zadran, another Afghan star, has made significant strides in the batting rankings. His stunning 177-run knock against England propelled him into the top 10 for the first time, showcasing Afghanistan’s growing prowess on the global stage.
Bowling rankings see new faces
The bowling rankings have also witnessed notable changes. New Zealand’s Matt Henry climbed three spots to secure third place after an impressive campaign. Meanwhile, India’s Mohammed Shami rose three places to 11th following his resurgence in this tournament. South Africa’s Marco Jansen and Jofra Archer of England also made significant leaps into the top 20.
As Kohli prepares for India’s final clash in the Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue his upward trajectory in the rankings. With just a few points separating him from third place and beyond, another stellar performance could see Kohli inch closer to reclaiming his former glory as the world’s top ODI batter.
