India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli has once again climbed to the summit of world cricket. Following his match-winning performance against New Zealand in Vadodara, Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, replacing teammate Rohit Sharma.
At 37, Kohli’s return to the top marks a remarkable chapter in his already legendary career and underlines his unmatched consistency in the 50-over format.
Table of Contents
- 1. Kohli’s Masterclass in Vadodara
- 2. Current ODI Batting Standings
- 3. Longevity at the Top: Historical Context
- 4. Key Movers in Test and T20I Rankings
- 5. The Road Ahead
Kohli’s Masterclass in Vadodara
The world of cricket has witnessed a familiar sight as Virat Kohli ascended to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. Following a masterclass performance against New Zealand in Vadodara, the 37-year-old maestro has displaced teammate Rohit Sharma to reclaim the summit.
This marks a historic return for Kohli, who last held the number one spot in July 2021. India’s four-wicket victory over the Black Caps on January 11, 2026, was anchored by Kohli’s brilliant 93 off 91 balls. This knock also propelled him to become the second-highest run-scorer in men’s international cricket, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli’s Last Five ODI Scores: 74*, 135, 102, 65*, and 93.
Virat is back as World No.1 after 1,403 days 😲At 37, still ruling ODI cricket. #ICCRankings #viratkohli #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/lk3Esk8M9h
— Visionary EV Media🇮🇳 (@Visionary_eagle) January 14, 2026
Current ODI Batting Standings
The competition at the top is incredibly tight. While Kohli leads, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell is just one rating point behind him. Former number one Rohit Sharma has slipped to the third position.
| Rank | Player | Team | Rating Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 785 |
| 2 | Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 784 |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | India | 775 |
| 5 | Shubman Gill | India | – |
Longevity at the Top: Historical Context
Kohli first reached the pinnacle of the world rankings in October 2013. This current stint is his 11th different spell at the summit. He has now spent a total of 825 days at the No. 1 spot—the most by any Indian batter in history.
Most Days at No. 1 (All-Time)
| Player | Days at No. 1 |
|---|---|
| Viv Richards | 2306 |
| Brian Lara | 2079 |
| Michael Bevan | 1361 |
| Babar Azam | 1359 |
| Virat Kohli | 825 |
Key Movers in Test and T20I Rankings
The ICC update also reflected major shifts in other formats following the conclusion of the Ashes series and recent T20I clashes.
Test Cricket Highlights:
- Travis Head: Rose seven spots to 3rd after smashing 629 runs in the Ashes.
- Mitchell Starc: Climbed to 3rd in the bowling rankings after a 31-wicket series.
- Jacob Bethell: Gained 25 places to reach 52nd after his maiden Test ton.
T20I Cricket Highlights:
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Moved to 2nd among T20I bowlers.
- Sikandar Raza: Regained the top spot as the world’s best T20I all-rounder.
The Road Ahead
As the series against New Zealand progresses, the battle for the top spot remains fluid. For Kohli, this comeback is a testament to his enduring class and fitness. As he focuses his energy on the ODI format, the cricketing world watches to see how many more records “The King” will break.
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