No 1 ODI Batsman Virat Kohli Reclaims Top Spot in ICC Men’s Rankings After 4 Years
A Historic Return to the Summit:
Cricket history has a habit of repeating itself when legends refuse to fade. In January 2026, no 1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli reclaimed his rightful place at the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, ending a four-and-a-half-year wait.
With a match-winning 93 against New Zealand in Vadodara, Virat Kohli number one batter in ICC men’s ODI rankings is no longer a headline—it is reality once again.
At 37, when many greats slow down, Kohli is accelerating.
Table of Contents:
Virat Kohli Becomes No. 1 Again – What Changed?
The ICC rankings reward consistency, impact, and match-winning ability—three traits Kohli has mastered over more than a decade.
Key reasons behind Kohli’s rise:
- Five consecutive 50+ scores in ODIs
- Two centuries in his last five innings
- Dominance against quality bowling attacks
- Finishing games under pressure
Unlike brief purple patches, this run has spanned multiple series, conditions, and opponents, cementing his return as the no 1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli era once again.
The Knock That Changed the Rankings: 93 vs New Zealand
The turning point came in the 1st ODI vs New Zealand in Vadodara.
Match Snapshot –
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs | 93 |
| Balls | 91 |
| Strike Rate | 102.19 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Sixes | 1 |
| Match Result | India won by 4 wickets |
Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in:
- Controlled aggression
- Strike rotation
- Pressure management
This knock directly pushed virat kohli number one batter in icc men’s odi rankings, overtaking Rohit Sharma and narrowly edging Daryl Mitchell.
Purple Patch Explained: Kohli’s Last Five ODI Innings
Consistency is what separates great players from legends.
Kohli’s Last Five ODI Scores –
| Match | Runs | Status |
|---|---|---|
| vs New Zealand | 93 | Not Out |
| vs South Africa | 65* | Not Out |
| vs South Africa | 102 | Century |
| vs South Africa | 135 | Century |
| vs Australia | 74* | Not Out |
Total Runs: 469
Average: 93.80
This purple patch is the backbone of no 1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli reclaiming the summit.
ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings – Latest Top 10
| Rank | Player | Country | Rating Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | India | 785 |
| 2 | Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 784 |
| 3 | Rohit Sharma | India | 775 |
| 4 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 770 |
| 5 | Shubman Gill | India | 762 |
| 6 | Joe Root | England | 754 |
| 7 | David Warner | Australia | 748 |
| 8 | Heinrich Klaasen | South Africa | 741 |
| 9 | Rassie van der Dussen | South Africa | 739 |
| 10 | Shreyas Iyer | India | 735 |
The razor-thin margin shows how competitive modern ODI cricket is, but virat kohli number one batter in icc men’s odi rankings stands tallest.
Comparison: Kohli vs Rohit Sharma vs Daryl Mitchell
Batting Comparison (Last 12 Months – ODIs)
| Metric | Kohli | Rohit | Mitchell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 58.7 | 52.1 | 49.8 |
| Strike Rate | 96.4 | 101.2 | 92.6 |
| 50+ Scores | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Match-Winning Innings | 8 | 6 | 5 |
While Rohit remains explosive and Mitchell dependable, no 1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli excels in pressure moments, which heavily influence ICC rankings.
Kohli’s Legacy as the No. 1 ODI Batsman:
Virat Kohli first became the world’s top ODI batter in October 2013. Since then:
- 11 different spells at No. 1
- 825 days spent at the top
- Most days at No. 1 by an Indian batter
This longevity makes virat kohli number one batter in icc men’s odi rankings a recurring chapter, not a one-time achievement.
Records That Define Virat Kohli’s ODI Greatness:
All-Time ODI Achievements –
- Fastest to 8,000 – 13,000 ODI runs
- Most ODI centuries by an Indian
- Highest average among modern-era batters
- Multiple Player of the Series awards
These milestones reinforce why no 1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli is a global standard, not just an Indian icon.
Impact on Team India and the ODI World Cup Cycle:
Kohli’s return to form comes at a crucial phase:
- New ICC tournament cycle
- Bilateral series momentum
- Leadership through performance
His presence stabilizes India’s middle order, allowing younger players to flourish without pressure.
Rankings Movements: Rahul, Siraj, and Jamieson
India’s ranking gains extended beyond Kohli.
Other Key Movers –
| Player | Ranking Change |
|---|---|
| KL Rahul | Up to No. 11 (Batting) |
| Mohammad Siraj | Up 5 spots to No. 15 (Bowling) |
| Kyle Jamieson | Jumped 27 places |
This collective rise shows India’s growing dominance in ODIs.
Why Virat Kohli’s Comeback Matters for World Cricket?
The return of virat kohli number one batter in icc men’s odi rankings is not just personal—it benefits the sport.
- Revives classic batting standards
- Attracts global viewership
- Raises competition among top batters
- Inspires young cricketers worldwide
Legends thriving beyond their prime enrich cricket’s narrative.
Graph: Kohli’s ODI Ranking Journey (2013–2026)
Ranking Position
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2013 2017 2021 2026
The graph highlights Kohli’s cyclical dominance, culminating again as no 1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli in 2026.
FAQs on Virat Kohli’s No. 1 ODI Ranking:
Q1. When did Virat Kohli last hold the No. 1 ODI ranking before 2026?
He last topped the rankings in July 2021.
Q2. How many times has Kohli been No. 1 in ODIs?
This is his 11th spell as the top-ranked ODI batter.
Q3. Who did Kohli overtake to regain No. 1?
He overtook Rohit Sharma, with Daryl Mitchell close behind.
Q4. Why is Kohli’s ranking significant at age 37?
It showcases unmatched fitness, adaptability, and consistency in modern cricket.
Q5. Is Virat Kohli the greatest ODI batter of all time?
Statistically and impact-wise, he is widely considered among the top two in history.
Conclusion: The Timeless Greatness of Virat Kohli
Cricket evolves, formats change, and generations pass—but excellence remains timeless.
The rise of no 1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli in 2026 is not nostalgia; it is validation. It confirms that discipline, hunger, and adaptability can defy age and expectations.
As virat kohli number one batter in icc men’s odi rankings, he once again stands as the benchmark for modern ODI batting—an icon who continues to redefine greatness.
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