Daryl Mitchell Dethrones Rohit as World No.1 ODI Batter
In a landmark moment for New Zealand cricket, Daryl Mitchell has officially ascended to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings—ending Rohit Sharma’s reign and etching his name in Kiwi history. Mitchell becomes only the second New Zealander ever to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of the legendary Kane Williamson .
The shift isn’t just symbolic—it reflects a dramatic reshuffling of the global ODI hierarchy, with Pakistan’s batters surging, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma breaking into the Test top five, and India’s Jasprit Bumrah maintaining his iron grip as the world’s premier Test bowler. What’s driving these changes? And what does it mean for the future of international cricket?
Table of Contents
- Daryl Mitchell’s Rise to the Top
- Rohit Sharma’s Reign Ends: Why Now?
- Historical Context: New Zealand and ODI No.1s
- Broader ICC Rankings Shifts Across Formats
- Pakistan’s ODI Rankings Surge: A Quiet Revolution
- Bumrah Holds Firm, Bavuma Breaks Through in Tests
- What This Means for Upcoming Series
- Conclusion
- Sources
Daryl Mitchell No.1 ODI: A Calculated Climb
Mitchell’s ascent didn’t happen overnight. Over the past 18 months, he has been the backbone of New Zealand’s ODI middle order, blending grit, adaptability, and explosive finishing. Key milestones include:
- 137 vs India (2023): A match-winning knock in a high-pressure chase.
- Consistent 50+ scores in 8 of his last 12 ODIs.
- Average of 58.4** in 2024–25, the highest among top-10 batters.
His ability to anchor innings and accelerate seamlessly has made him indispensable—and now, the ICC rankings have caught up.
Rohit Sharma’s Reign Ends: Why Now?
Rohit Sharma held the No.1 ODI spot intermittently since 2018, known for his six-hitting prowess and century-stacking ability. But his recent form has been inconsistent:
- Averaged just **32.1** in his last 10 ODIs.
- Failed to cross 50 in 7 of those innings.
- Reduced ODI workload ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
While age (38 in 2025) and strategic rest play a role, the rankings are purely performance-based—and Mitchell simply outperformed him over the evaluation window.
Historical Context: New Zealand and ODI No.1s
New Zealand has long punched above its weight in world cricket, but ODI batting dominance has been rare. Before Mitchell, only Kane Williamson had reached No.1—in 2020. That both are Kiwis speaks to the nation’s emphasis on technical soundness and mental resilience over raw power.
Mitchell’s achievement also highlights the success of New Zealand’s long-term player development system—a model many nations now seek to emulate .
Broader ICC Rankings Shifts Across Formats
The latest ICC update isn’t just about ODIs—it’s a full-spectrum realignment:
- ODI Bowling: Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah climbed into the top 7, reflecting their aggressive death bowling.
- Test Batting: South Africa’s Temba Bavuma surged to No.5 after back-to-back centuries against India.
- Test Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah remains unchallenged at No.1, with a 2024 average of 17.3 and 5-wicket hauls in SENA countries.
Pakistan’s ODI Rankings Surge: A Quiet Revolution
While India’s batters slipped slightly, Pakistan’s ODI unit is on the rise:
- Babar Azam**: Still No.2 in ODI batting.
- Imam-ul-Haq**: Re-entered top 10 after consistent Ranji-style knocks.
- Mohammad Rizwan**: Now No.6, thanks to his strike rotation and chase mastery.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Pakistan is positioning itself as a serious white-ball contender.
Bumrah Holds Firm, Bavuma Breaks Through in Tests
In Test cricket, Jasprit Bumrah’s No.1 ranking is no fluke. His 2024 performances in South Africa and England—where he took 24 wickets at under 19—cemented his status as the world’s most complete fast bowler.
Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma’s rise to No.5 in Test batting is a personal triumph. After years of criticism for slow scoring, his recent aggressive approach has transformed his game—and South Africa’s top order.
What This Means for Upcoming Series
These rankings aren’t just numbers—they shape team strategies:
- India may reevaluate Rohit’s ODI role ahead of the Champions Trophy.
- New Zealand will build their World Cup 2027 campaign around Mitchell and Conway.
- Pakistan’s confidence will soar heading into bilateral series.
[INTERNAL_LINK:icc-odi-rankings-analysis-2025] provides a deeper dive into methodology and historical comparisons.
Conclusion
The new Daryl Mitchell No.1 ODI ranking marks more than a personal milestone—it signals a shift in global cricket’s power dynamics. As traditional giants recalibrate and emerging forces rise, the 2025–26 international calendar promises fierce competition across all formats. One thing is certain: in modern cricket, no throne is permanent.