He scored two centuries in the series against South Africa, and for that the ICC has given him major good news. Kohli has climbed up again in the ODI rankings. In the ICC’s latest list, he has moved up two spots to reach second place. He is once again on the path to becoming the world’s No. 1 ODI batter. Kohli was last at the top in April 2021, after which Babar Azam overtook him to claim the No. 1 position. With his outstanding performance in the three-match series against South Africa, Kohli has now reentered the race for the top spot.
Kohli scored 302 runs in three matches and became the Player of the Series. In the final match, he remained unbeaten on 65. In the new rankings, he is just behind his teammate Rohit Sharma. Rohit scored 146 runs in the series and has retained the No. 1 position. Kohli is now only eight rating points behind Rohit.
India’s next ODI series will begin on January 11 against New Zealand. All eyes will now be on the competition between Kohli and Rohit, as both will battle to retain or claim the top position.
Several other Indian players have also improved in the rankings. KL Rahul has climbed two spots to reach 12th. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has moved up three places to take third position in the ODI bowlers’ rankings.
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has climbed three spots to reach 13th, Aiden Markram has moved up four spots to 25th, and Temba Bavuma has gained three spots to reach 37th.
Changes have also occurred in the T20 rankings. South Africa’s young batter Dewald Brevis has moved up three places to enter the top ten at 8th. India’s Axar Patel has climbed two spots to 13th, Arshdeep Singh has moved up three spots to 20th, and Jasprit Bumrah has jumped six spots to 25th.
