Kohli rises to No. 2 in ODI rankings after 55th century, closes gap on Gill

Virat Kohli climbed to second place in the latest ICC men's ODI batting rankings on Wednesday following his unbeaten 139 against the West Indies, moving within 20 rating points of India captain Shubman Gill, who retained the top position. Kohli's record-extending 55th ODI century helped him gain 29 rating points and move from third to second with 796 points. Gill strengthened his position at the top with 816 points after scoring a century in the same match.

Kohli closes gap

Kohli overtook New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, who slipped to third with 794 rating points. Former India captain Rohit Sharma remained fourth with 719 points, giving India three representatives among the world's four highest-ranked ODI batters. Before the opening ODI against the West Indies, Kohli had trailed Gill by 34 rating points. His latest performance reduced the gap to 20 points and took his rating to its highest level since July 2022. Kohli has previously spent 1,547 days at the top of the ODI batting rankings. Only West Indies greats Vivian Richards and Brian Lara have occupied the position for longer periods.

Record-breaking innings

Kohli's rise followed his unbeaten 139 off 88 deliveries in the opening ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. His innings, which included nine sixes, helped India chase down a target of 296 and secure an eight-wicket victory with 50 deliveries remaining. The century was Kohli's 55th in ODIs and his 86th across international cricket. He also crossed the 15,000-run milestone in ODIs, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve the feat. Gill contributed 110 runs in the same match, helping India secure a commanding victory. His performance lifted his rating from 801 to 816 points.

Mendis makes gains

Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis climbed three places to a career-best seventh position with 674 rating points following his 121 against England in Leeds. England captain Harry Brook moved up one place to 11th with 650 points after scoring a half-century at The Oval. He remained just three points behind Ireland's Harry Tector, who occupied the position immediately above him.

South Africans advance

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma made significant progress, climbing 10 places to 32nd with 556 rating points following his century against Australia. His compatriot Matthew Breetzke jumped 19 places to 21st with 607 points. David Miller also returned to the rankings in 41st position after scoring 142 off 93 deliveries in the second ODI against Australia.