ICC ODI Rankings: Babar Azam replaces Shubman Gill as No. 1 batter, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain in top 4
In a thrilling twist of the ODI batting landscape, Pakistan's elegant maestro Babar Azam has reclaimed the coveted No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI Rankings, dethroning India's rising star Shubman Gill. This change reflects the dynamic nature of the format and the fierce competition at the top.
Babar's Triumphant Return: After briefly relinquishing the crown to Gill in August, Azam has clawed his way back to the summit with 824 rating points. His consistent performances, including a magnificent century against Australia, have propelled him back to the top.
Latest ODI batting rankings:
1 - Babar Azam 824
2 - Shubman Gill 810
3 - Virat Kohli 775
4 - Rohit Sharma 754
Is this the Fab Four in ODI cricket? 🔥🔥 #ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/yxfQk4ITE3
Gill's Close Chase: The young Indian opener, Gill, put the cricket world on notice with his dominant displays earlier this year. He amassed 826 points at his peak, briefly occupying the No. 1 throne. However, a recent absence from the ODI arena allowed Azam to capitalize and retake the lead.
Indian Stalwarts Stand Firm: While the battle for the top spot rages on, India's batting veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain comfortably perched in the top 4. Kohli, revitalized after a stellar World Cup performance, sits at No. 3 with 791 points, while Sharma's aggressive opening stints have earned him the No. 4 spot with 769 points.
Beyond the Big Four: The reshuffle has also impacted other rankings. South Africa's Quinton de Kock and New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell occupy the 5th and 6th positions, respectively, showcasing the depth of talent in the format.