In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the oldest player in history to secure the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. At 38 years and 182 days, Sharma has reached the pinnacle of ODI batting for the first time in his esteemed career, overtaking his teammate Shubman Gill. This remarkable feat underscores Sharma’s enduring class and consistent performance on the international stage.
Sharma’s ascent was powered by exceptional batting displays in the recent India-Australia ODI series. His crucial innings, including a determined 73 in Adelaide and a flawless unbeaten 121 in Sydney, not only propelled India to a series victory but also significantly boosted his rating points. These stellar performances were instrumental in him dethroning Gill from the top position, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
With this achievement, Rohit Sharma joins an exclusive fraternity of Indian cricketers who have held the world number one ODI ranking. He is now the fifth Indian to reach this elite status, following in the footsteps of legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. This inclusion further solidifies his legacy as one of the most influential white-ball batsmen of his era.
The rankings also saw shifts among other key Indian players. Shubman Gill, who previously held the top rank, has dropped to third place after a moderate run with the bat in the series. Virat Kohli, despite a commendable 74 in Sydney, has moved down to sixth position. However, Shreyas Iyer has made a notable entry into the top 10, climbing to ninth place, highlighting the depth and strength of India’s batting lineup in the ODI format.