New Delhi, 14 January. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has once again become the world number-1 batsman in the ICC ODI rankings. After about 1403 days, King Kohli has returned to the top in ODI cricket and during this time he has snatched the number-1 position from Rohit Sharma.
India’s linchpin regains top spot after hitting a purple patch in ODIs
More on the latest ICC Men’s rankings
— ICC (@ICC) January 14, 2026
King Kohli snatched the number one chair from Rohit Sharma
The ICC on Wednesday released the first ODI ranking of the year 2026, which came out during the ODI series between India and New Zealand. Many big and important changes have been seen in this ranking.
ICC ODI batting rankings
It is noteworthy that Kohli had played a brilliant inning of 93 runs on 91 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand. Thanks to his innings, India successfully achieved New Zealand’s target of 300 runs in Vadodara. Kohli was also chosen ‘Player of the Match’ for this brilliant performance. Kohli got the direct benefit of this innings in the ICC rankings and his rating increased to 785, making him the number-1 batsman.
loss to rohit sharmaDaryl Mitchell in second place
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell has also benefited in this ranking. He has now reached second place with 784 rating. That means there is a difference of only one rating point between the first and second batsman. At the same time, Rohit Sharma, who was at number one till now, has had to suffer loss. He has slipped two places to reach third place. His rating has now reached 775. In the first ODI against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma scored 26 runs in 29 balls, which was not enough to retain the top position.
𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗡𝗘
Congratulations to Virat Kohli – the Number One Batter in ICC Men’s ODI Rankings
#TeamIndia | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/yTWjSQlNb7
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2026
Kohli looks in great form
If seen, 37-year-old Kohli seems to be in great form in recent months. Since the 50-over series against Australia, Kohli has scored 74 not out, 135 not out, 102, 65 not out and 93 in his last five ODI innings. He has returned to the top of the ODI batting rankings for the first time since July 2021 and has once again proved why he is called the ‘King’ of cricket. At present the India-New Zealand ODI series is going on. In such a situation, further changes in the ranking are possible depending on the performance of the upcoming matches. This series will be over by the next ICC ranking, after which the ratings and positions of the players will be decided.
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