Finance
Virat Kohli, India’s batting ace, has re-entered the top five of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings after a dominant performance against Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Kohli’s magnificent century—his 51st in the format—played a critical role in India’s overwhelming triumph over their arch-rivals in Dubai, propelling him one position higher to recover fifth in the rankings.
With this, India now has three batters in the top five, as opener Shubman Gill (1st) and skipper Rohit Sharma (3rd) maintain their respective positions. Gill, in particular, has reinforced his grip on the No. 1 ranking, extending his advantage to 47 rating points over former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who remains in second place despite a lean run at the Champions Trophy so far.
Kohli is the only hitter in the top ten who has made a major improvement, but numerous other players have gained ground just outside the elite group.
Will Young of New Zealand jumped eight places to 14th after recent performances, while England’s Ben Duckett (up 27 places to joint 17th) and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra (up 18 places to 24th) have advanced after impactful centuries in the tournament.
India’s KL Rahul (up two places to 15th) and South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen (up three places to 16th) have also gotten closer to the top 10.
Despite Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from the Champions Trophy, Maheesh Theekshana remains the top-ranked bowler. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan remains his closest competitor in second place.
Meanwhile, South African spinner Keshav Maharaj (up one spot to fourth), New Zealand’s Matt Henry (up two places to sixth), and Australia’s Adam Zampa (up two spots to tenth) have all improved their positions. Proteas bowler Kagiso Rabada (up four ranks to 16th) and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell (up 31 places to 26th) were among the top performers.
Bracewell’s recent efforts have also helped him climb the all-rounders’ rankings, moving 26 places to 11th after a four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. His teammate Ravindra (up six places to 15th) also improved in this category. Mohammad Nabi, an Afghanistan veteran, continues to lead the ODI all-rounders.
Source: IANS
