It’s the battle fans have been waiting for—one that blends legacy, consistency, and quiet competition. In the latest ICC ODI rankings, Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma isn’t just a headline; it’s a real-time race for cricketing supremacy.
After a masterclass against South Africa—where Kohli smashed back-to-back centuries—Virat has surged to No. 2 in the ICC ODI batting rankings, trailing only his own captain, Rohit Sharma, who currently holds the coveted No. 1 spot .
But with just a handful of rating points separating them, and India’s ODI calendar packed through 2025, this isn’t just about rankings. It’s about legacy, form, and who wears the crown as the world’s best ODI batter at a crucial juncture in their careers.
Table of Contents
- Current ICC ODI Rankings Showdown
- Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Career Stats Comparison
- How Kohli Closed the Gap After South Africa Series
- Why Rohit Still Holds the Edge
- Other Indian Stars on the Rise
- What This Means for India’s 2025 ODI Campaign
- Can Kohli Reclaim No. 1?
- Conclusion: Rivalry That Elevates Indian Cricket
- Sources
Current ICC ODI Rankings Showdown
As of December 2025, the ICC ODI batting rankings paint a compelling picture :
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 847 points
- Virat Kohli (India) – 842 points
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 813 points
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 798 points
- Shubman Gill (India) – 762 points
Yes—that’s right. Just 5 rating points
Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Career Stats Comparison
Let’s break down their ODI records (as of December 2025) :
| Player | Matches | Runs | Avg | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 276 | 13,850+ | 58.2 | 183 | 50 | 72 |
| Rohit Sharma | 252 | 11,200+ | 49.5 | 264 | 31 | 52 |
Kohli leads in consistency (higher average, more centuries), while Rohit owns the record for the highest individual ODI score (264) and three double-centuries—a feat no one else has matched.
How Kohli Closed the Gap After South Africa Series
Kohli’s recent form has been nothing short of vintage. In the 3-match ODI series against South Africa:
- Scored 106* in the 1st ODI
- Followed it with 113 in the 2nd ODI
- Finished with a quickfire 68* in the decider
That’s 287 runs at an average of 287.00—an absurd stat that rocketed him up the rankings and reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest ODI batters of all time .
Why Rohit Still Holds the Edge
Rohit’s No. 1 spot isn’t accidental. His leadership as captain, combined with consistent run-scoring in 2024–2025 (including key knocks vs Australia and England), has kept him ahead.
More importantly, the ICC rankings reward recent form over total career output. Rohit’s 119 against Australia in September 2025 added crucial points that Kohli hadn’t matched—until now.
Other Indian Stars on the Rise
India’s dominance isn’t limited to the top two. The latest ICC updates show a broader surge :
- KL Rahul climbed to No. 6 in ODI batting after consistent middle-order contributions.
- Kuldeep Yadav jumped to No. 2 in ODI bowling rankings—his best-ever position—thanks to 12 wickets in the South Africa series.
- Shubman Gill remains firmly in the top 5, cementing his role as India’s future ODI opener.
This collective rise underscores India’s depth ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup—and makes internal competition even fiercer.
What This Means for India’s 2025 ODI Campaign
With series lined up against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and a high-stakes Champions Trophy on the horizon, every ranking point matters—not just for ego, but for seeding and morale.
As noted by the ICC’s official rankings page, top-ranked players often become psychological anchors for their teams in crunch moments .
Having both Kohli and Rohit in peak form—and battling for No. 1—creates a healthy competitive environment that benefits the entire squad.
Can Kohli Reclaim No. 1?
Absolutely. Here’s what he needs:
- One more century in the next 2–3 ODIs.
- Rohit to have a quiet series (scoring under 50 in multiple games).
- Maintain current form through India’s New Zealand tour in January 2026.
Given Kohli’s hunger and track record, it’s not just possible—it’s probable.
Conclusion: Rivalry That Elevates Indian Cricket
The Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma race isn’t about ego; it’s about excellence. Two legends, pushing each other to greater heights, while lifting Indian cricket in the process.
Whether Kohli reclaims No. 1 or Rohit extends his reign, one thing is certain: fans win either way.
Sources
- Times of India. “ICC Rankings: Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma – Battle for No.1 ODI batter heats up.” December 9, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/125886896.cms
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru. “ODI Batting Records – Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma.” Accessed December 10, 2025.
- International Cricket Council (ICC). “Official Men’s ODI Player Rankings.” https://www.icc-cricket.com/rankings/mens/player-rankings/odi