India’s ODI Batting Renaissance: How Unstoppable Gill, Rohit Sharma and Kohli Are Redefining the Ranking

The Rise of Rohit Sharma: A Comeback Without Playing

In a twist that defies conventional cricket logic, Rohit Sharma has surged to the No. 2 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, despite not playing a single ODI since March 2025. This remarkable ascent is a testament to the enduring impact of his previous performances, particularly during India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year. Sharma’s 180 runs in that tournament, delivered with the highest strike rate among India’s top order, laid the groundwork for this ranking leap.

What makes this rise even more compelling is the context: Rohit retired from Test cricket in May 2025, narrowing his focus to ODIs. His strategic withdrawal from other formats seems to have sharpened his preparation for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia in October. Intensive training sessions and a renewed hunger for white-ball success have kept him in the spotlight, even in absence.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s slip to No. 3, following a disappointing series against the West Indies where he managed just 56 runs across three matches, has opened the door for Rohit’s resurgence. It’s a classic case of consistency outlasting volatility, and Rohit’s numbers since 2023 back it up: over 1,700 runs at a strike rate of 117, making him the top scorer among batters with over 1,000 runs in that period.

Shubman Gill: The New Face of ODI Dominance

At the summit of the rankings sits Shubman Gill, the young phenom who has taken the cricketing world by storm. With 784 rating points, Gill leads the pack with a blend of elegance and aggression that has become his trademark. His ODI average in 2025 stands at a staggering 63.85, bolstered by two centuries that have showcased his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.

Gill’s rise isn’t just statistical — it’s symbolic. He represents the generational shift in Indian cricket, where young talent is seamlessly stepping into roles once dominated by legends. His technique is textbook, but his mindset is modern: fearless, adaptable, and hungry for impact. Whether it’s pacing a chase or setting up a total, Gill has become the go-to batter in India’s ODI setup.

His dominance across formats also adds to his aura. While he’s currently focused on ODIs, his performances in Tests and T20s have shown that he’s not just a format specialist, he’s a future captain in the making. With the 2025 ICC World Cup on the horizon, Gill’s form could be the cornerstone of India’s campaign.

Kohli’s Consistency: The Veteran Who Refuses to Fade

Virat Kohli may have stepped away from Test and T20 cricket, but his ODI form remains as potent as ever. Holding steady at No. 4 in the ICC rankings with 736 points, Kohli continues to be the backbone of India’s batting lineup. His ODI average since 2023 is a jaw-dropping 61.47 – the highest among all batters in the top 10 rankings.

Kohli’s approach to ODIs is a masterclass in controlled aggression. He knows when to rotate strike, when to accelerate, and most importantly, when to anchor. His ability to build partnerships and absorb pressure makes him invaluable, especially in high-stakes matches. Even as younger players rise, Kohli’s presence offers stability and experience.

His preparation for the upcoming series against Australia has been meticulous. Like Rohit, Kohli has been training intensively, signalling that he’s far from done. With over 12,000 ODI runs to his name, Kohli’s hunger for excellence remains undiminished, and his ranking reflects that.

India’s ODI Batting Depth: A Golden Era in the Making

India’s dominance in the ICC ODI batting rankings isn’t limited to its top three. Shreyas Iyer at No. 8 and KL Rahul at No. 15 round out a formidable top 15 presence, making India the only nation with five batters in that elite group. This depth is a reflection of the country’s robust domestic structure, IPL exposure, and a culture that nurtures batting excellence.

Shreyas Iyer’s rise has been particularly impressive. Known for his ability to handle spin and pace with equal ease, Iyer has become a reliable middle-order option. His adaptability and calm under pressure make him a key asset in crunch situations.

KL Rahul, meanwhile, has quietly built a reputation as one of the most versatile batters in the game. Whether opening the innings or batting in the middle order, Rahul’s technique and temperament have earned him a spot among the world’s best.

This collective strength is what makes India a formidable ODI side. With three players in the top four and five in the top 15, the team has a blend of youth, experience, flair, and grit. As the countdown to the next ICC tournament begins, India’s batting lineup looks not just competitive, but dominant.

Final Thoughts: The latest ICC ODI rankings are more than just numbers, they’re a narrative of resurgence, dominance, and evolution. Rohit Sharma’s rise without recent play, Shubman Gill’s commanding lead, and Virat Kohli’s unwavering consistency paint a picture of a team that’s peaking at the right time. With depth across the board and a hunger for global glory, Indian cricket is entering a golden era, and the world is watching.

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