Virat Kohli has once again stamped his authority on world cricket. After a long wait of 53 months, the Indian batting maestro has returned to the top of the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings, reclaiming the coveted No.1 position. The latest rankings underline just how intense the battle for the top spot has been, with margins between the leading batters thinner than ever.

According to the updated ICC rankings, Kohli has overtaken Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who has slipped to third place, while New Zealand’s in-form batter Daryl Mitchell now occupies the second position. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the razor-thin difference between the top two batters in the world.

One-Point Gap Separates the Best in the World

Virat Kohli currently sits at the summit with 785 rating points, while Daryl Mitchell is breathing down his neck with 784 points. The mere one-point gap highlights how competitive modern-day international cricket has become. This slender advantage, however, is enough to restore Kohli to the throne and reaffirm his status as one of the greatest batters of his generation.

Rohit Sharma, who previously held a higher position, now finds himself in third place, reflecting how dynamic and performance-driven the ICC rankings system is.

End of a 53-Month Wait for Kohli

This return to No.1 holds special significance for Virat Kohli. The 37-year-old last topped the ICC ODI batting rankings in July 2021. Since then, his career has witnessed several ups and downs, including phases of intense scrutiny and questions about his form. However, Kohli has answered every doubt with his bat over the past year.

His recent performances have been nothing short of outstanding. On the tour of Australia, Kohli finished with an unbeaten 74 runs in the final ODI. Following that, he produced a remarkable run of scores — 135, 102, 65, and 93 — showcasing consistency, hunger, and unmatched class.

One of his most impactful innings came in Vadodara against New Zealand, where he played a crucial role in India’s successful chase of a 300-run target. That knock proved decisive and played a key part in boosting his rating points, ultimately helping him reclaim the top spot.

A Long and Historic Association With No.1 Ranking

Virat Kohli’s relationship with the No.1 ranking goes back more than a decade. He first reached the top of the ICC batting rankings in October 2013. The current achievement marks the 11th time in his illustrious career that he has become the world’s top-ranked batter.

In total, Kohli has spent 825 days as the No.1-ranked ODI batter. This places him 10th on the all-time list of players with the most days at the top. Notably, he is the Indian cricketer who has spent the longest duration as the world’s No.1 batter.

While the overall record belongs to West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards, who dominated the rankings for an incredible 2,306 days, Kohli’s consistency in the modern era of cricket — marked by intense competition, packed schedules, and advanced analytics — makes his achievement truly exceptional.

28,000 International Runs: Another Historic Milestone

Just before regaining the No.1 ranking, Kohli added yet another golden chapter to his career. In the first ODI of the series against New Zealand, he completed 28,000 runs in international cricket, reaching the milestone with a classy shot off spinner Adithya Ashok.

With this feat, Kohli joined an elite club, becoming only the third batter in cricket history, after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara, to score 28,000 international runs. What sets Kohli apart is the speed at which he achieved this milestone — reaching the mark in just 624 innings, the fastest ever, underlining his extraordinary consistency and fitness.

How Other Indian Players Fared in the Rankings

The latest ICC rankings also brought changes for other Indian players. Shubman Gill continues to hold a strong position at fifth place, reflecting his steady performances at the top of the order. Shreyas Iyer remains stable at 10th, while wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has climbed one spot to reach 11th, benefitting from his recent good form.

In the bowling department, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has made notable progress, jumping five places to reach 15th in the rankings. His rise is a positive sign for India’s pace attack ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Kohli’s Comeback Sends a Strong Message

Virat Kohli’s return to the top of the ICC rankings is more than just a personal milestone. It is a powerful statement to the cricketing world that his era is far from over. His resurgence will not only boost his own confidence but also serve as a massive morale booster for Team India as they prepare for major tournaments ahead.

Once again, Kohli has proven that class, discipline, and determination never fade — and the crown of world cricket still fits him perfectly.