ICC ODI Rankings Shake-Up: Rohit Reigns, Babar Crumbles, New Stars Rise
The latest ICC ODI rankings have dropped, and they tell a story of dominance, decline, and dramatic comebacks. Indian captain Rohit Sharma continues his reign at the top of the batting pile, proving his consistency in the 50-over format is no fluke. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s former No. 1, Babar Azam, has hit a new career low—slipping to seventh—amid a rough patch with the bat.
But that’s not all. Virat Kohli is on the move again, climbing to fifth, while Pakistan’s emerging talents Saim Ayub and Salman Agha are storming up the charts. On the bowling front, England’s Jofra Archer has vaulted to No. 2, signaling his full return to elite form. Let’s break down every major shift and what it means for the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Table of Contents
- Rohit Sharma Solidifies No. 1 Status
- Babar Azam’s Stunning Slide
- Virat Kohli and India’s Strong Showing
- Pakistan’s New Generation Emerges
- Bowling Rankings: Archer Surges, Abrar Impresses
- Conclusion: What the Rankings Reveal
- Sources
Rohit Sharma Solidifies No. 1 Status in ICC ODI Rankings
Rohit Sharma isn’t just holding onto the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings—he’s fortifying it. Despite a mixed recent run, his body of work over the past year, including match-winning knocks in high-stakes games, has kept him comfortably ahead of the pack .
His ability to score big—evidenced by his record five ODI double-centuries—and deliver in crunch moments makes him the benchmark. Teammate Shubman Gill remains a strong No. 2, creating a formidable one-two punch at the top of India’s order that few teams can match .
Babar Azam’s Stunning Slide to New Low
In stark contrast, Babar Azam’s fall continues. Once the undisputed king of ODI batting, Babar has now dropped to **seventh place**—his lowest-ever ranking in the format . This decline follows a string of low scores in recent bilateral series and the Champions Trophy, where he failed to cross 50 in four innings .
For a player of his caliber, this slump is both surprising and concerning for Pakistan. The pressure is mounting on Babar not just to regain form, but to reclaim his aura as a top-five batsman. His technique hasn’t changed, but his confidence appears shaken—a reminder that even the best are vulnerable to prolonged dry spells.
Virat Kohli and India’s Strong Showing
While Babar falters, Virat Kohli is quietly climbing back up. The former captain has moved up to **fifth place**, thanks to consistent contributions in recent ODI outings . Though he’s no longer the machine-like accumulator of his peak years, Kohli’s situational awareness and finisher’s instinct remain invaluable.
India now boasts **two players in the top five** (Rohit at 1, Gill at 2, Kohli at 5), showcasing the depth and quality of their batting lineup. This trio gives India a massive edge in tournament cricket, where top-order stability often decides championships.
Pakistan’s New Generation Emerges
While Babar struggles, Pakistan’s future looks bright. Young opener **Saim Ayub** has made a spectacular entry into the top 20, climbing 12 spots to **No. 18** after a stellar home series against a top team . His aggressive strokeplay and fearless approach have drawn comparisons to a young Fakhar Zaman.
Equally impressive is **Salman Agha**, who has surged into the top 30. Agha’s all-round capabilities—handy with both bat and ball—make him a modern ODI asset. These rises suggest Pakistan’s talent pipeline is working, even if their leadership core is under pressure.
Bowling Rankings: Archer Surges, Abrar Impresses
The bowling charts have seen major movement too. England’s **Jofra Archer**, returning from long-term injury, has rocketed to **No. 2** in the ODI bowlers’ rankings . His express pace and lethal yorkers were on full display in recent white-ball series, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the most feared quicks in the game.
Pakistan’s mystery spinner **Abrar Ahmed** continues his ascent, moving up to **No. 7** among bowlers after taking crucial wickets in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf has also gained ground, reflecting Pakistan’s renewed pace strength.
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The ICC updates its rankings weekly based on performances across all member nations. You can track real-time movement on the official ICC ODI Rankings page.
Conclusion: What the Rankings Reveal
The latest ICC ODI rankings paint a clear picture: India’s batting depth is unmatched, Pakistan is in transition with old guards struggling and new stars rising, and elite bowlers like Archer are reclaiming their thrones. As teams gear up for the 2027 World Cup cycle, these rankings aren’t just numbers—they’re indicators of momentum, form, and future potential.
For fans, it’s a thrilling time: legends are being tested, new heroes are emerging, and the race for ODI supremacy has never been more open.