Rohit Sharma becomes No. 1 ODI batsman for the first time — a proud moment for Indian cricket fans! Discover how consistent performances, record-breaking innings, and leadership brilliance helped him reach the top of the ICC ODI rankings in 2025.
Cricket fans and Indian supporters will be thrilled to see their opening batsman finally get the recognition his consistent performances deserve. Rohit’s journey to the top wasn’t just a solo effort – several teammates also made significant moves up the rankings during this series.
We’ll break down exactly how Rohit Sharma’s Historic Achievement in ODI Rankings unfolded and examine the Match Performance That Changed Rankings during the Australia tour. You’ll also discover how Other Indian Players’ Ranking Improvements contributed to a strong showing, plus get the bigger picture on Global Cricket Rankings Movement across different formats.
Rohit Sharma becomes No. 1 ODI batsman for the first time: His Historic Achievement in ODI Rankings

Rohit Sharma’s ascension to the summit of ODI batting rankings marks a defining moment in his illustrious career. The Indian opener has achieved what many considered inevitable yet remained elusive throughout his career – the coveted No. 1 position in One Day International batting rankings. This milestone represents not just personal glory but a testament to his unwavering consistency and exceptional batting prowess in the 50-over format.
The achievement carries particular significance as it represents the culmination of years of stellar performances at the highest level. Sharma’s elevation to the top spot demonstrates his ability to perform consistently against elite international bowling attacks across various conditions and venues. His batting technique, particularly his ability to accelerate innings while maintaining stability, has been instrumental in reaching this pinnacle.
Decade-long journey in top-ten rankings before breakthrough
Rohit Sharma’s journey to the top has been characterized by remarkable persistence and gradual improvement over an extended period. For the better part of the last decade, he has maintained his position among the elite ODI batsmen, consistently featuring in the top-ten rankings without quite reaching the summit. This prolonged presence in cricket’s upper echelons showcases his sustained excellence and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of international cricket.
His decade-long stint in the top-ten demonstrates exceptional longevity in a format where batting averages and strike rates are constantly scrutinized. Throughout this period, Sharma has faced various challenges, adapted to different roles within the batting order, and consistently delivered match-winning performances that kept him among the world’s premier ODI batsmen.
Rise from third position to top spot
The recent surge that propelled Rohit Sharma from third position directly to the No. 1 spot reflects his exceptional recent form and match-winning contributions. This dramatic leap in rankings is particularly noteworthy as it bypassed the second position entirely, indicating the magnitude of his recent performances and their impact on the ranking calculations.
His elevation from third to first position demonstrates the dynamic nature of international cricket rankings, where consistent high-quality performances can rapidly transform a player’s standing. The jump also highlights how closely contested the top positions in ODI batting rankings have become, with minimal margins separating the world’s best batsmen.
Match Performance That Changed Rankings: Rohit Sharma becomes No. 1 ODI batsman for the first time

Rohit Sharma’s remarkable transformation in the ODI rankings can be directly attributed to his exceptional performances during the series against Australia. His innings of 73 in the second game demonstrated his technical prowess and ability to anchor the Indian batting lineup under pressure. This substantial contribution laid the foundation for what would become a career-defining series for the veteran opener.
The pinnacle of Rohit’s performance came in the form of his magnificent unbeaten 121 in the third and final ODI against Australia. This innings showcased his complete mastery over the Australian bowling attack, as he constructed his knock with a perfect blend of patience, aggression, and tactical acumen that has become synonymous with his batting style over the years.
Impact of 105-ball century in final ODI
The final ODI witnessed Rohit Sharma deliver a masterclass in limited-overs batting with his 105-ball century that significantly altered the ODI rankings landscape. This particular innings carried immense weight in the ranking calculations, as the measured approach combined with selective boundary-hitting demonstrated his evolution as a batsman who can adapt to different match situations while maintaining strike rotation.
The 105-ball century was particularly noteworthy for its timing and execution, coming at a crucial juncture when the series outcome hung in balance. The innings reflected Rohit’s maturity as a batsman, showing his ability to pace his innings according to team requirements while ensuring maximum impact on both match result and personal milestones.

Points gained to surpass Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill
These stellar performances against Australia generated the crucial ranking points that propelled Rohit Sharma past both Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill in the ODI batting rankings. The points accumulated from his innings of 73 and the match-winning 121 not out created the perfect storm of circumstances that elevated him to the summit of ODI batting rankings for the first time in his illustrious career.
The ranking calculations heavily favored Rohit’s contributions, particularly given the quality of opposition and the match situations in which these runs were scored. His ability to surpass established performers like Ibrahim Zadran, who had been enjoying a strong run in international cricket, and teammate Shubman Gill, demonstrates the significant impact these performances had on the ranking algorithm and point distribution system.
Historic Achievement in ODI Rankings: Other Indian Players’ Ranking Improvements

Now that we have covered Rohit Sharma’s historic achievement, it’s important to examine how other Indian players have capitalized on their performances to enhance their global standings. Axar Patel emerged as a standout performer during the series, showcasing the kind of consistent all-round cricket that catches the attention of international ranking systems.
The left-arm spinner demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the three-match ODI series, managing to take at least one wicket in each game. This bowling reliability formed the foundation of his impressive showing, proving his ability to contribute meaningfully with the ball across different match situations and conditions. His wicket-taking consistency highlighted his growing maturity as an international bowler and his understanding of ODI cricket’s tactical demands.
Bowling rankings climb to No. 31 position
With this in mind, next, we’ll see how Patel’s bowling contributions translated into tangible ranking improvements. His consistent wicket-taking performances were duly recognized by the ICC rankings system, propelling him up six places to reach the No. 31 position on the bowlers’ table. This significant jump reflects not just his individual performances but also the cumulative impact of sustained excellence across multiple matches.
The climb to No. 31 represents a substantial achievement for Patel, positioning him among the top tier of ODI bowlers globally. This ranking improvement demonstrates how consistent performances in high-profile series can accelerate a player’s international standing and recognition within the cricketing community.
All-rounder rankings advancement to No. 8
Previously, we’ve seen how bowling excellence alone can drive ranking improvements, but Patel’s batting contributions equally enhanced his overall value proposition. His ability to contribute meaningful runs down the order proved crucial, with scores of 31 and 44 in the first and second games respectively. These batting performances showcased his development as a genuine all-rounder capable of influencing matches with both bat and ball.
The combination of consistent bowling and valuable batting contributions resulted in Patel advancing four spots to No. 8 on the all-rounders’ table. This ranking positions him as one of the premier all-rounders in ODI cricket, reflecting his balanced skill set and ability to impact games across multiple disciplines. The No. 8 ranking represents recognition of his evolution from a specialist bowler to a complete cricketer who can be relied upon for crucial contributions throughout the batting order while maintaining his primary role as a wicket-taking option.
Global Cricket Rankings Movement: Rohit Sharma becomes No. 1 ODI batsman for the first time

Mitchell Santner’s remarkable ascent in the ODI bowling rankings has been one of the most significant movements in recent cricket statistics. The New Zealand left-arm spinner demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency during the first two ODIs against England, which propelled him three positions up the rankings ladder to claim the coveted fourth spot among bowlers worldwide.
This substantial jump of three rungs showcases Santner’s growing influence in the limited-overs format and his ability to deliver match-winning performances against top-tier opposition. His rise to fourth place represents not just personal achievement but also highlights New Zealand’s bowling depth in the current cricket landscape. The timing of this advancement, coinciding with crucial matches against England, underscores the competitive nature of international cricket and how individual performances can dramatically alter global standings.
Santner’s elevation to fourth place among ODI bowlers reflects his technical prowess and tactical acumen, particularly his ability to adapt his bowling strategy to different conditions and opposition lineups. This ranking improvement solidifies his position as one of the premier spin bowlers in contemporary cricket.
Josh Hazlewood’s advancement to eighth position
Josh Hazlewood’s steady climb in the ODI bowling rankings continued with his advancement of two spots to reach the eighth position globally. The Australian fast bowler’s consistent performances have been rewarded with this notable improvement, demonstrating his sustained excellence in the limited-overs format.
Hazlewood’s progression by two positions to eighth place reflects his continued effectiveness as a pace bowler in ODI cricket. This advancement showcases the Australian’s ability to maintain high standards across different formats while contributing significantly to his team’s bowling attack. His move up the rankings ladder indicates the quality of his recent performances and his growing stature in international cricket.
The Australian pacer’s rise to eighth position among ODI bowlers represents a well-deserved recognition of his bowling skills and consistency. This ranking improvement places Hazlewood among the elite bowling talents in world cricket, further establishing his credentials as a key component of Australia’s bowling arsenal in the ODI format.
Pakistan-South Africa series impact on rankings
Now that we have covered the individual achievements of Santner and Hazlewood, it’s important to note that while the Pakistan-South Africa series was anticipated to create significant movement in the global cricket rankings, the available data does not provide specific details about ranking changes resulting from this particular bilateral series.
The absence of documented ranking movements from the Pakistan-South Africa encounters suggests that either the series concluded without dramatic statistical shifts or the performances were closely matched, resulting in minimal changes to the established order. This scenario is not uncommon in international cricket, where competitive balance between teams can lead to relatively stable ranking positions despite intense on-field competition.

The global movement in cricket rankings following recent series highlights the competitive nature of international cricket today. With players from various nations making notable improvements across different formats, these ranking changes reflect the dynamic and evolving landscape of world cricket. Rohit’s breakthrough to number one serves as inspiration for cricketers worldwide, proving that persistence and consistent performance ultimately lead to recognition at the highest level.
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