In a world where records are broken by the month, Virat Kohli just keeps rewriting the history books. His magnificent 135 against South Africa in Ranchi wasn’t just another century—it was his landmark 83rd international ton and a direct ticket back to the upper echelons of the ICC ODI rankings.
Now, the big question on every cricket fan’s mind: is Kohli on the cusp of reclaiming the coveted World No. 1 ODI bat? The latest rankings suggest he’s closer than ever.
Table of Contents
- The Century That Changed the Rankings
- Kohli vs. Rohit: The ODI Batting Throne
- Beyond the Top Spot: Other ICC Movements
- What This Means for India’s ODI Campaign
- Conclusion: The King is Still in the Hunt
- Sources
The Century That Changed the Rankings
On November 30, 2025, at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, Kohli delivered a masterclass. His 135-run knock—his 52nd in the ODI format—powered India to a formidable 349/6 and set the tone for a series win against a formidable South African side .
This wasn’t just a match-winning performance; it was a statement. A statement that, even after all these years, Kohli remains the most potent and reliable force in the Indian batting lineup on the biggest stages.
For context, this knock allowed him to overtake the in-form Shubman Gill, propelling him from 5th to 4th place in the official ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings .
Kohli vs. Rohit: The ICC ODI rankings Battle Heats Up
The most intriguing storyline from the latest ranking update is the narrowing gap at the top. Captain Rohit Sharma continues to hold the No. 1 spot with 783 rating points, a testament to his own consistent performances with the bat .
But hot on his heels is his legendary deputy. Virat Kohli now sits in 4th place with 751 points, just a mere 32 rating points behind Sharma . This gap is well within striking distance, especially with a full home season lined up for India.
Here’s a snapshot of the current top 5:
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Rating Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | India | 783 |
| 2 | Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 766 |
| 3 | Ibrahim Zadran | Afghanistan | 764 |
| 4 | Virat Kohli | India | 751 |
| 5 | Shubman Gill | India | 738 |
What’s fascinating is that India dominates the top 5, with three of its batters holding court. This sheer batting depth is a massive asset for Team India as they prepare for future ICC Events. Kohli’s primary competition isn’t just Rohit; it’s also the likes of New Zealand’s in-form Daryl Mitchell and Afghanistan’s prodigious talent, Ibrahim Zadran .
Beyond the Top Spot: Other ICC Movements
While the ODI spotlight is firmly on Kohli and Rohit, the latest ICC update brought significant shifts across other formats:
- T20I All-Rounder Rankings: Pakistan’s young gun, Saim Ayub, has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the T20I all-rounder rankings. This surge is a direct result of his stellar performances in Pakistan’s recent tri-series triumph .
- Test Rankings: South African players continue to be rewarded for their historic win in the 2025 World Test Championship Final. Batters like Temba Bavuma have solidified their positions in the top 10, while stars like Aiden Markram have made significant leaps, climbing seven spots to reach No. 11 in the world [[28], [33]].
What This Means for India’s ODI Campaign
Kohli’s return to peak form and his climb up the ICC ODI rankings is a massive boost for India’s middle order. His ability to anchor an innings and then accelerate is a skill set that few in the current generation possess.
Having both Kohli and Rohit in the top 5 creates an incredibly stable platform for the rest of the batting lineup. It takes the pressure off the likes of Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, allowing them to play their natural, aggressive games. This balance is the hallmark of a World Cup-winning side.
Conclusion: The King is Still in the Hunt
Virat Kohli’s 83rd international century was more than just a personal milestone. It was a powerful, resonant reminder that he is far from finished. With his eyes now set on Rohit Sharma’s No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings, the race for batting supremacy in the 50-over format is officially on.
For fans, this is a dream scenario. Two of India’s greatest-ever batters, pushing each other to new heights, and lifting the entire team’s performance in the process. The next few months of ODI cricket will be must-watch television.