Rohit Sharma Becomes World’s No. 1 ODI Batter for the First Time, Oldest Ever to Top ICC Rankings

October 29, 2025

Dubai: India captain and opener Rohit Sharma has achieved a career milestone by climbing to the No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings for the first time.

At 38 years old, Rohit also becomes the oldest player ever to claim the top spot in the history of ODI rankings.

Rohit jumped two spots to reach the summit following his unbeaten century in the third and final ODI against Australia in Sydney, where India registered a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.

The veteran right-hander struck 13 fours and three sixes in a dominant innings, notching up his 33rd ODI hundred, while partnering Virat Kohli (74 not out) in a match-winning stand.

Rohit Surpasses Zadran and Gill

Rohit’s stellar form has lifted him past Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and teammate Shubman Gill to the top position.

The Indian skipper, who has consistently remained in the top 10 over the past decade, now crowns the list for the first time in his illustrious career.

Notably, Ibrahim briefly became the first Afghanistan batter to top the ODI rankings between the second and third ODIs in Australia — a short-lived achievement before Rohit’s surge to No. 1.

Axar Patel Climbs in Bowling and All-Rounder Rankings

Rohit was not the only Indian to benefit from the latest ICC update.

Axar Patel made gains following a steady performance in Sydney, moving six places up to 31st in the ODI bowling rankings, and four places up to eighth among ODI all-rounders, sitting just behind New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner.

In other movements, Santner himself rose three spots to fourth among ODI bowlers, while Australia’s Josh Hazlewood advanced two positions to eighth.
England’s Harry Brook made a notable jump of 23 spots to claim 25th place among ODI batters.

South Africa Shine in Test Rankings Update

The ICC’s latest Test rankings also reflect major shifts after South Africa’s eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj was the biggest gainer, leaping nine spots to a career-best 13th place following a Player of the Match performance that earned him nine wickets.
Fellow spinner Simon Harmer soared 26 places to 45th after claiming six wickets in the second innings.

Among batters, Aiden Markram climbed two positions to 15th, while Tony de Zorzi advanced seven spots to joint 47th.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada also moved up eight places to 11th among Test all-rounders.

For Pakistan, captain Shan Masood offered a silver lining by rising five spots to joint 42nd in the batting charts.

T20I Rankings: Bosch and Nawaz Among Movers

South Africa’s strong start in the T20I series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi also triggered movement in the shorter format rankings.

Paceman Corbin Bosch jumped 40 places to 53rd among T20I bowlers, while Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz improved eight spots to sixth among all-rounders.
Young opener Saim Ayub climbed five places to 49th in the T20I batting rankings.