Sydney, October 29, 2025: Indian cricket icon Rohit Sharma has achieved a career milestone by rising to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI batter rankings for the first time. The 38-year-old veteran claimed the No. 1 spot after his unbeaten 121-run masterclass in the final ODI against Australia, steering India to a commanding nine-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Rohit’s majestic innings, laced with 13 fours and three sixes, not only sealed India’s victory but also propelled him past Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and teammate Shubman Gill in the global rankings. This marks a new high in Rohit’s illustrious career, during which he has remained a fixture in the top 10 for over a decade.
The series finale also highlighted Virat Kohli’s class, as he remained unbeaten on 74, forging a match-winning partnership with Rohit that showcased India’s dominance.
The latest ICC rankings update brought more cheer for Indian fans. All-rounder Axar Patel climbed six places to 31st among ODI bowlers and rose to eighth in the all-rounder rankings after his consistent performance in the Sydney clash.
Elsewhere, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner jumped three spots to fourth in the ODI bowling rankings, while Australia’s Josh Hazlewood moved up to eighth. England’s Harry Brook also made significant gains, leaping 23 places to 25th among ODI batters.
In the Test arena, South Africa’s crushing eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi triggered several movements. Spinner Keshav Maharaj’s nine-wicket haul earned him a career-best 13th spot among Test bowlers, while teammate Simon Harmer soared 26 positions to 45th. Batters Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi advanced to 15th and joint 47th respectively, and pace ace Kagiso Rabada climbed to 11th among Test all-rounders.
Rohit’s ascent to the No. 1 position reaffirms his status as one of the most consistent and destructive ODI batsmen of the modern era — a true flag-bearer of India’s batting legacy who continues to redefine excellence even in the twilight of his career.
