India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli has replaced Rohit Sharma at the top spot in the ICC ODI batsmen’s rankings after scoring a brilliant half-century against New Zealand in the first match of the three-match series in Vadodara. At the age of 37, this marks his return to the number one spot for the first time since July 2021, while former India captain Rohit has slipped to third place. India defeated the Black Caps by four wickets on Sunday (January 11, 2026), with Kohli scoring 93 runs in 91 balls, making him the second-highest run-scorer behind Sachin Tendulkar in men’s international cricket.

Kohli’s recent performance in ODIs has been excellent. In his last five matches, he scored 74 not out against Australia, 135, 102 and 65 against visiting South Africa and 93 against New Zealand. Kohli achieved the top ranking for the first time in October 2013 and this is his 11th separate stint at the top spot.

To date, he has been at the top for a total of 825 days – 10th most by any player, and most by any Indian batsman. India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill has retained his fifth position, while Shreyas Iyer is the second Indian batsman in the top-10. New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has gained one place after his explosive 84 off 71 balls in the first ODI and is just one rating point behind Kohli, who is at 785.

Mitchell’s teammate Devon Conway has climbed three places to 29th as he continues his run at the top. India’s fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has moved up five places to be at 15th position along with Bangladesh’s Mehdi Hasan Miraz in the ODI bowler rankings. New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has jumped 27 places – to joint 69th position – sharing the spot with Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh after a career-best haul of 4 for 41.