Virat Kohli Loses Top Spot in Latest ICC ODI Rankings as Daryl Mitchell Claims No.1 Position-Virat Kohli ODI rankings

🗓️ Published on: January 21, 2026 4:42 pm
Virat Kohli ODI rankings

The latest update to the ICC ODI batting rankings has delivered a major shake-up at the very top, with Virat Kohli ODI rankings witnessing a dramatic change within a single week. The Indian batting icon has been displaced from the No.1 position after New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell surged to the summit following a remarkable series performance against India.

According to the ICC’s most recent rankings released on Wednesday, Mitchell’s outstanding run-scoring spree has propelled him past Kohli, marking a significant moment in modern ODI cricket. While Kohli remains firmly among the world’s elite batters, this shift highlights how quickly rankings can change based on form, consistency, and impact performances at the highest level.

Daryl Mitchell Capitalizes on Stunning Series Against India

Daryl Mitchell’s rise to the top of the ODI batting charts is the direct result of an extraordinary three-match ODI series against India. Facing one of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket, the New Zealand batter showcased composure, power, and consistency to dominate the series.

Mitchell amassed 352 runs across the three matches, including two centuries and one half-century, playing a decisive role in New Zealand’s competitive performances. His ability to handle pressure, rotate strike, and accelerate when needed earned him widespread praise from cricket analysts and former players alike.

This exceptional display has elevated Mitchell to the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings with 845 rating points, a substantial lead over his closest competitors.

Virat Kohli Slips to Second Despite Strong Consistency

For Virat Kohli, the change in Virat Kohli ODI rankings does not reflect a decline in ability or form but rather the impact of Mitchell’s exceptional run. Kohli now occupies the second position with 795 rating points, continuing to be one of the most reliable and influential batters in international cricket.

Kohli’s ODI career remains among the greatest in the history of the format. His consistency across conditions, opponents, and tournaments has made him a benchmark for excellence. Even with this drop, Kohli remains India’s highest-ranked batter and a central figure in the team’s ODI plans heading into major global events.

Current ICC ODI Batting Rankings – Top 10

RankPlayer NameCountryRating Points
1Daryl MitchellNew Zealand845
2Virat KohliIndia795
3Ibrahim ZadranAfghanistan792
4Rohit SharmaIndia778
5Shubman GillIndia773
6Babar AzamPakistan768
7Heinrich KlaasenSouth Africa760
8David WarnerAustralia752
9Shai HopeWest Indies748
10Harry TectorIreland741

This table further underlines India’s strong presence in world cricket, with four Indian batters inside the top 10, reinforcing the depth and quality of the country’s ODI batting lineup.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill Hold Strong Positions

India’s batting depth is further highlighted by the positions of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who occupy the fourth and fifth spots respectively. Rohit’s aggressive approach at the top of the order continues to be rewarded, while Gill’s consistency and technical maturity have established him as one of the best young ODI batters in the world.

The presence of Kohli, Rohit, Gill, and another Indian batter in the top 10 demonstrates India’s dominance in the 50-over format and explains why the team remains a top contender in every major ICC tournament.

Mitchell Reclaims No.1 Ranking for the Second Time

This is not the first time Daryl Mitchell has reached the pinnacle of ODI batting rankings. The New Zealand star has now claimed the No.1 position for the second time in his career.

He previously achieved this milestone in November 2025, only to be overtaken later by Rohit Sharma, who reached the No.1 ranking for the first time in his ODI career during that period. Mitchell’s return to the top spot underscores his consistency and adaptability against elite bowling attacks.

Glenn Phillips Makes a Big Leap After Indore Heroics

Another major talking point from the rankings update is Glenn Phillips’ rapid rise. The explosive New Zealand batter jumped 16 places in the ODI batting rankings after his match-winning innings in Indore, where he smashed 106 runs off just 88 balls against India.

Phillips’ fearless stroke play and ability to change the momentum of a match have made him a valuable asset in New Zealand’s middle order.

Glenn Phillips – Ranking Movement

CategoryPrevious RankCurrent RankJump
ODI Batting3620+16
ODI All-Rounders4531+14

His rise is not limited to batting alone, as Phillips has also made significant progress in the ODI all-rounders rankings, highlighting his growing influence in multiple facets of the game.

Azmatullah Omarzai Remains No.1 ODI All-Rounder

Despite movement from players like Phillips, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai continues to dominate the ODI all-rounders rankings. His consistent performances with both bat and ball have kept him firmly at the top, making him one of the most valuable players in international limited-overs cricket.

Omarzai’s rise is symbolic of Afghanistan’s growing strength on the global cricket stage, with multiple players now featuring prominently across ICC rankings.

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Michael Bracewell Gains Ground in Bowling Rankings

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell has also benefited from recent performances, climbing six places in the ODI bowling rankings to reach 33rd position. His contributions with the ball, especially in pressure situations, have enhanced New Zealand’s bowling depth.

At the very top of the bowling rankings, Rashid Khan of Afghanistan continues to reign supreme, maintaining his status as the world’s leading ODI bowler.

What This Means for Virat Kohli and India

While the shift in Virat Kohli ODI rankings has generated headlines, it does little to diminish Kohli’s stature in the game. Rankings fluctuate, but class remains permanent, and Kohli’s track record suggests he will remain a major force in international cricket.

For India, having multiple batters inside the top 10 is a positive sign as the team prepares for future bilateral series and global tournaments. The competition within the rankings also adds motivation for players to continually improve and adapt.

Also read: Ranji Trophy Winners List: Complete History, Records, and Champions of Indian Domestic Cricket

Conclusion

The latest ICC ODI rankings reflect the ever-changing nature of modern cricket, where exceptional performances can quickly alter the global hierarchy. Daryl Mitchell’s rise to No.1 is a testament to his form and resilience, while Virat Kohli’s presence at No.2 reinforces his enduring excellence.

As the international calendar continues, fans can expect further movement in the rankings, with every innings carrying the potential to reshape the leaderboard. One thing remains certain—Virat Kohli ODI rankings will continue to be closely followed by cricket fans across the world, especially in India, the UK, and the US.

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