India’s recent ODI series triumph over South Africa has not only delivered on-field success but has also triggered major movement in the ICC rankings. From bowlers to batters, Indian players have made remarkable gains most notably Kuldeep Yadav’s leap in the bowling charts and Virat Kohli’s rise toward reclaiming the world’s No. 1 ODI batter position. With Rohit Sharma firmly holding the top spot, India now dominates both the batting and bowling rankings in global ODI cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav Breaks Into Top Three in ICC Bowling Rankings
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has continued his exceptional run in international cricket by climbing three positions to secure the No. 3 spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings. His rise comes on the back of a standout performance in the ODI series against South Africa, where he emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker.
Kuldeep claimed nine wickets in three matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.23. His best performance came in the series-deciding game, where he delivered a spell of 10-1-41-4, dismantling South Africa’s middle order with precision and control.
His consistency over the past year has been one of the biggest strengths of India’s bowling department. With Kuldeep now ranked third, he sits just behind Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who retains his world No. 1 spot, and England’s Jofra Archer, currently placed at No. 2.
This rise is not only a personal milestone for Kuldeep but also a strong indicator of India’s growing potency in limited-overs bowling. With the 2026 Champions Trophy approaching, his form serves as a major boost for India’s preparation.
Virat Kohli Inches Closer to Becoming World’s No. 1 ODI Batter Again
India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli is once again on the verge of a historic return to the top of the ICC ODI Batting Rankings. According to the latest update, Kohli has climbed to World No. 2, just eight rating points shy of overtaking his teammate Rohit Sharma, who continues to sit comfortably at No. 1.
Kohli’s resurgence comes after a dominant display in the recent ODI series against South Africa, where he amassed 302 runs, averaging a staggering 151 with a strike rate of 117.05. His back-to-back centuries showcased a classic blend of timing, temperament and match awareness attributes that have defined his illustrious career.
His unbeaten 65 in the final match helped India seal the series and further narrowed the ranking gap between him and Rohit Sharma. Kohli was also named Player of the Series, underlining his complete command throughout the three-match contest.
The last time Kohli held the No. 1 ODI batter position was in March 2021, after which he was displaced by Pakistan’s Babar Azam. Now, after nearly four years, he stands on the brink of reclaiming the top spot something that reflects his renewed form and mental clarity in the final stretch toward the 2025-26 international season.
Rohit Sharma Maintains World No. 1 Ranking With Another Strong Series
Indian captain Rohit Sharma continues his dominance in ODI cricket, retaining his No. 1 world ranking with 781 rating points. Rohit scored 146 runs in the series against South Africa, anchoring India’s top order with stability and experience.
While Kohli’s surge has reduced the gap between the two batting legends, Rohit’s own consistency ensures he remains at the summit. With both Rohit and Kohli occupying the top two positions, India now commands unprecedented control at the top of the ICC ODI batting charts.
Their partnership and combined excellence could play a decisive role in shaping India’s ODI strategy for the coming years, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.
Strong Indian Presence in Latest ICC ODI Batter Rankings
The latest rankings also highlight the depth of India’s batting talent, with multiple Indian players securing positions in the top 10:
- Rohit Sharma – No. 1 (781 points)
- Virat Kohli – No. 2 (773 points)
- Shubman Gill – No. 4 (723 points)
Gill’s presence in the top five demonstrates India’s successful generational transition, blending experience with youth.
Also featured in the top rankings are:
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 722 points, No. 5
- Harry Tector (Ireland) – 708 points, No. 7
- Shai Hope (West Indies) – 701 points, No. 8
- Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – 690 points, No. 9
- Shreyas Iyer (India) – 679 points, No. 10
The inclusion of three Indian players within the top 10 batting positions is a testament to the team’s consistency and world-class depth.
What These Rankings Mean for India’s ODI Future
India’s strong presence across both batting and bowling ICC rankings speaks volumes about the team’s balance and dominance heading into the next phase of international cricket. Kuldeep Yadav’s rise strengthens India’s spin attack, which has traditionally been a key weapon in subcontinental conditions.
Simultaneously, the return of Kohli to peak form combined with Rohit Sharma’s leadership and consistency adds immense weight to India’s batting order. The Gill-Iyer combination further reinforces a powerful top and middle order that few teams in world cricket can match.
With the next ICC tournament cycle beginning soon, these rankings provide momentum, confidence and a psychological advantage for India.
India Reclaims Global Supremacy in ODI Cricket
India’s commanding performance against South Africa has reshaped the global ODI rankings, placing the team firmly at the forefront of world cricket. Kuldeep Yadav’s top-three entry, Virat Kohli’s near return to No. 1, and Rohit Sharma’s continued reign collectively highlight India’s exceptional form.
As the cricketing world prepares for major tournaments in 2025 and beyond, India’s dominance in both batting and bowling departments signals a strong era ahead one led by experience, guided by discipline and strengthened by rising young talent.
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