Virat Kohli returned to the top five of the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI batting rankings after his match-winning hundred against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai. Kohli overtook Daryl Mitchell to clinch the fifth spot in the rankings, updated on Wednesday, February 26.
Kohli was at the No. 6 spot before the Champions Trophy, but he has been rewarded for his return to form against his familiar foes. Kohli proved his doubters wrong, leading India’s successful chase of 242 against Pakistan. Kohli hit 100 not out of 111 deliveries, masterfully managing his recent weaknesses against spin bowling.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill consolidated his spot at the top of the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings, extending his lead over Babar Azam. Gill began the Champions Trophy with a match-winning hundred against Bangladesh. The Indian vice-captain hit a fluent 46 against Pakistan, continuing his golden run with the bat.
Shubman Gill now has a world-leading tally of 817 points, 47 more than second-placed Babar Azam. India captain Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, consolidated his spot at No. 3 as three Indians are now in the top five of ICC men’s ODI batting charts.
Babar Azam has been struggling for form. After he was heavily scrutinised for his 90-ball 64 against New Zealand, Babar tried to be more proactive against India. However, he was dismissed for 23 in Pakistan’s underwhelming batting effort in Dubai on Sunday.
