In a stunning rise to the top, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell has claimed the numero uno spot in the latest ICC ODI batting rankings, overtaking India’s Virat Kohli. The International Cricket Council unveiled the updated list on Wednesday, rewarding Mitchell’s explosive performances against India.
Mitchell’s heroics in the recent three-match ODI series in India were nothing short of spectacular. He smashed two centuries and a half-century, earning Player of the Series honors and guiding New Zealand to their maiden ODI series victory on Indian soil. His unbeaten 100 in the Indore decider all but confirmed his ascent to the pinnacle of ODI batting.
Jumping one position, Mitchell now leads the charts. Kohli, who held the top rank previously, slips to second after a solid but less dominant showing against the Kiwis, where he notched one century and a fifty across three innings.
Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran climbs to third with a one-spot gain. India’s former captain Rohit Sharma faced a setback, dropping to fourth after failing to convert starts into big scores in the series—no half-centuries to his name.
Shubman Gill holds fifth for India, while Babar Azam sits sixth. The top ten is rounded out by Harry Tector (7th, Ireland), Shai Hope (8th, West Indies), Charith Asalanka (9th, Sri Lanka), and KL Rahul (10th, India), who gained one place. Shreyas Iyer falls to 11th.
This reshuffle highlights the intense competition in white-ball cricket, with Mitchell’s consistency propelling him ahead in a rankings battle that promises more twists.