Virat Kohli is making headlines once again as he approaches Shubman Gill for the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings. After his stunning performance against the West Indies, where he scored an unbeaten 139 runs, Kohli has climbed to the No. 2 position with 796 rating points, just 20 points shy of Gill, who leads with 816 points.
In a remarkable outing in Thiruvananthapuram, Kohli achieved his 55th ODI century, crossing the 15,000-run mark in this format. His knock, made off only 88 balls, was pivotal in helping India chase down a target of 296 runs with 50 balls remaining. Notably, Gill also contributed to the match by scoring a century of his own.
The shifting rankings add another chapter to Kohli’s long-standing rivalry for the top position. Earlier this year, he returned to being No. 1 after a four-year hiatus, but he has since slipped slightly. Currently, Kohli is ahead of Daryl Mitchell from New Zealand, who holds the third position with 794 points. This marks Kohli’s highest rating since July 2022.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Kohli’s performances take on even greater importance. He has announced that this will be his final World Cup with the Indian team, and his focus remains squarely on ODI cricket as he gears up for the tournament next year.
As it stands, the current ODI batting rankings showcase:
1. Shubman Gill (India) – 816
2. Virat Kohli (India) – 796
3. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) – 794
4. Rohit Sharma (India) – 719
5. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) – 719
6. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 689
Kohli’s recent surge of 29 points has brought him closer to Gill, while Mitchell is just two points behind the Indian star. Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis has also made significant progress to seventh place after scoring 121 runs against England, and Harry Brook has risen to 11th.
Kohli’s recent performance is particularly notable as he previously faced a lengthy wait to reclaim the No. 1 ranking earlier this year. His return to the top month included an impressive streak of scores, but his time there was cut short by Mitchell’s strong form. Kohli’s 139 against West Indies has marked his comeback to second place, and a continuing strong performance in the ongoing series could further narrow the gap between him and Gill.
Looking ahead, Kohli and the Indian team face a tough challenge in the second ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati, where the West Indies have set an imposing target of 406 runs. This would mark India’s highest-ever successful ODI chase, surpassing their previous record of 362 runs achieved against Australia back in 2013. Kohli’s innings in the first match provide a template, and another big score could help India achieve this landmark while tightening his rankings battle with Gill.
As the 2027 World Cup approaches, Kohli’s contributions will be closely watched, not just for the rankings, but for his potential to lead India to success in what will be his last World Cup appearance. With less than 14 months until the tournament begins, his return to form and rivalry with Gill will be crucial storylines in India’s journey leading up to the event.
