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Rohit Sharma Becomes No.1 ODI Batsman For The First Time
Updated - 30-OCT-2025 5:43 IST
Rohit Sharma, an Indian opening batsman, has at last attained the top of the ODI batting hierarchy. For the first time in his career, Rohit rose to the top of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) men's ODI batting rankings.
He became the oldest player to ever reach the top spot in the ODI batting rankings at the age of 38 years and 182 days, in addition to being India's newest number one batter.
What triggered the rise?
His return to outstanding form in the most recent three-match ODI series against the Australian men's cricket team catalyzed this historic achievement. In the second ODI in Adelaide, he scored 73 (off 97 balls). In the third ODI in Sydney, he struck an undefeated 121* (off 125 balls), including three sixes and thirteen fours, as India beat Australia by 9 wickets. However, they lost the ODI series 2-1.
His rating increased dramatically as a result of these hits, rising from 745 points before the series to 781 points after it, surpassing both Afghan batsman Ibrahim Zadran and Shubman Gill of India to take the top spot.
Why did it take so long?
Rohit's ODI career has been outstanding, but it has taken him eighteen years from his debut in 2007 to reach the top. His early career inconsistencies, role changes (from middle order to opening), frequent competition from other elite batsmen (like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam), and the peculiar mathematics of ranking points are all cited by analysts.
Why this matters
- Personal relief: For Rohit, this is proof of his resolve, skill, and courage—he has continued to be an outstanding bowler in limited overs even after leaving Test cricket.
- Legacy booster: He already has records, like being the only guy to strike three double-centuries in ODIs and having the highest individual score in ODIs (264). Adding "world No. 1 batter" now raises his profile even more.
- Impact on the team: With Rohit at No. 1, the depth of Indian batting is highlighted, adding to India's dominance in the top ranks of ODI batting.
- Age-defying performance: Rohit's rise at this age shows great fitness, motivation, and skill maintenance in modern cricket, when many hitters are winding down at 38.
The road ahead
- Is Rohit able to stay at the top? It will be difficult to hold on when cricket dynamics like form peaks, opposition quality, and ranking mathematics—which favor consistency over time—come into play.
- Shubman Gill and Ibrahim Zadran, two younger hitters, are closely pursuing him; a mistake might result in the No. 1 tag changing swiftly.
- More runs in a variety of scenarios will help solidify his status; thus, the next home ODI series will be crucial.
- From another angle, this win might encourage Rohit to keep working hard in ODIs for a few more seasons, postponing any discussions about retiring from the 50-over format.